Latest news with #ArmenianStateSymphonyOrchestra
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Magic of Harry Potter film scores to be conjured up in full orchestral glory in Abu Dhabi
20 July 2025 23:06 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The wizarding world of Hogwarts will be brought to life through the medium of music this September, when the Harry Potter Film Concert Series arrives at Etihad Arena, Yas Dhabi is set to stage two epic soundtracks from the film franchise – Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert on September 6, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert on September shows will include the complete movie projected in high definition on a 40-foot screen, with John Williams' Grammy-nominated scores performed live to picture by the acclaimed Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, all in precise to Aletihad, Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and the producer/conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, described the challenge and thrill of conducting live to film."One of the main differences is strict adherence to time, or tempo, when conducting music live to film. The music is intended to hit certain moments and cuts, and those are not up for interpretation," he explained."If 'Hedwig's Theme' is intended to start when Hedwig starts to fly, then it must match the original intention or placement. It is a great challenge to keep it all together over the course of several hours, but always so much fun."Freer also offered a lighthearted glimpse his personal rituals before a show. "My preparation, at least before the show, is really quite simple: eat nuts, bananas, anchovies, chocolate along with a lot of water - and all good!" Still, he emphasised that true preparation lies in deep familiarity with the music"I feel it is important that any conductor should live and breathe whatever music they intend to conduct."Freer believes the lasting emotional connection to the Harry Potter scores lies in both the storytelling and the universal themes the music captures."The stories and characters reflected in the Harry Potter films, I feel, are timeless. The music of John Williams is also quite timeless. We all understand joy, fear, a sense of wonder. These emotions are reflected so beautifully in the music."One of Freer's favourite moments in the shows is the mirror scene from "The Philosopher's Stone". "There is a poignant sense of loneliness as well as curiosity when Harry sees his parents next to him, and John Williams' music here is perfectly composed for those emotions," he said."I do also get quite excited during the Quidditch scene from 'Chamber of Secrets'!" Freer praised Abu Dhabi as an ideal host for such a global cinematic and musical experience. "I find Abu Dhabi to be a striking city which reflects both a beautiful history as well as looking towards the future," he said. "Celebrating some of the most well-known modern art, in this case through film and music, feels like a natural fit with all that's going on in the city. I hope that we can celebrate more of this art form in Abu Dhabi in the years to come." Freer hopes the shows will leave a lasting impression on the audience. "I hope that all patrons, regardless of experience in the concert hall or with live-to-film concerts, take away a stronger appreciation for the power of great music set to picture. "The feelings that come from a great marriage of music and film are often inexplicable. These concerts are truly a see-it-to-believe-it experience," he concluded.
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Lion King' roars into life with Ithra live orchestra
DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney's 'The Lion King' dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a live orchestra. 'We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,' conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. 'This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.' As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several 'Harry Potter' films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer's Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen. For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original. • Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan. • For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched. • 'We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,' Ochsner told the crowd before the show. People clapped and sang along when the popular 'Hakuna Matata' tune came on. Originally released in 1994, 'The Lion King' quickly became one of Disney's most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack. The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom. At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience. Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan. Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra. 'The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we've all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,' audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission. Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children. 'It's one of my favorite films,' Hassan's nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up. Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film 'at least five times' — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story. 'I like the show so far. It's really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,' he said. 'After watching the show, I'd like to play the piano,' Tia added. The concert is part of Ithra's cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney's 'Frozen,' giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way. Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.
Web Release
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
THE OFFICIAL HARRY POTTER FILM CONCERT SERIES IS RETURNING TO ABU DHABI IN SEPTEMBER 2025
Proactiv Entertainment, in partnership with Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, is thrilled to announce that the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Philosopher's StoneTM in Concert on September 6 and Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsTM in Concert on September 7 in Abu Dhabi, as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. General ticket sales are available via and The concert will feature the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra in performing live, to picture, every note from both Harry Potter films. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the both films in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing Armenian State Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams' unforgettable score live. Earning a Grammy nomination for the score, the incredible music composed by John Williams became an instant classic, conjuring beautiful and soaring motifs continuing the adventures of Harry Potter on his magical journey. Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and CineConcerts created the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, the only official global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films. Since the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert in 2016, more than 3 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience, which is scheduled to include over 2,973 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2025. Nicolas Renna, Chief Executive Officer at Proactiv Entertainment, expressed his excitement, stating, 'The Harry Potter Film Concert Series is an extraordinary fusion of cinema and live music that continues to captivate audiences around the world. It's more than just a film screening — it's a magical, multi-sensory experience that brings families, friends, and fans of all ages together in a celebration of story-telling and orchestral brilliance. We at Proactiv Entertainment are incredibly proud to bring this world-class production back to Abu Dhabi, for the first time at Etihad Arena and to offer audiences the chance to relive the wonder of Harry Potter with the power of a live symphony orchestra.' 'We are delighted to bring the Harry Potter Film Concert Series to followers of the franchise in Abu Dhabi. This magical concert series is an exhilarating experience that aims to create joyful and memorable moments for our guests,' said Leon Marsh, Director of Events & Community Engagement at Miral. 'The globally recognised concert on Yas Island, debuting at Etihad Arena, is among our calendar of innovative and culturally enriching events that caters to Harry Potter fans while resonating with diverse audiences in Abu Dhabi and beyond. We can't wait to welcome enthusiasts and concertgoers alike to enjoy an extraordinary orchestral show.' Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer/Conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series explains, 'The Harry Potter film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we bring fans for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. This is truly an unforgettable event.' Brady Beaubien of CineConcerts and Concert Producer for the Harry Potter Film Concert Series added, 'Harry Potter is synonymous with excitement around the world, and we hope that by performing this incredible music with the full movie, audiences will continue to celebrate the wizarding world.' For more information on the official Harry Potter Film Concert Series, please visit All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s25) Ticket prices Floor Royal AED 595.00 Floor VIP AED 390.00 Floor Platinum AED 345.00 Floor Diamond AED 300.00 Lower Tier Platinum AED 345.00 Lower Tier Diamond AED 300.00 Lower Tier Gold AED 200.00 Lower Tier Silver AED 120.00 People of Determination AED 120.00
Trade Arabia
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Trade Arabia
Harry Potter Film Concert series returns to Abu Dhabi in September
Proactiv Entertainment, in partnership with Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has announced that the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will perform Harry Potter Film Concert in Abu Dhabi in September. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone concert will be on September 6 and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert on September 7 in Abu Dhabi, as part of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series. General ticket sales are available via and The concert will feature the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra performing live, to picture, every note from both Harry Potter films. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the both films in high-definition on a 40-foot screen while hearing Armenian State Symphony Orchestra perform John Williams' unforgettable score live. Earning a Grammy nomination for the score, the incredible music composed by John Williams became an instant classic, conjuring beautiful and soaring motifs continuing the adventures of Harry Potter on his magical journey. Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and CineConcerts created the Harry Potter Film Concert Series, the only official global concert tour celebrating the Harry Potter films. Since the world premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert in 2016, more than 3 million fans have enjoyed this magical experience, which is scheduled to include over 2,973 performances across more than 48 countries worldwide through 2025. Nicolas Renna, Chief Executive Officer at Proactiv Entertainment, expressed his excitement, stating: 'The Harry Potter Film Concert Series is an extraordinary fusion of cinema and live music that continues to captivate audiences around the world. It's more than just a film screening — it's a magical, multi-sensory experience that brings families, friends, and fans of all ages together in a celebration of story-telling and orchestral brilliance. We at Proactiv Entertainment are incredibly proud to bring this world-class production back to Abu Dhabi, for the first time at Etihad Arena and to offer audiences the chance to relive the wonder of Harry Potter with the power of a live symphony orchestra.' 'We are delighted to bring the Harry Potter Film Concert Series to followers of the franchise in Abu Dhabi. This magical concert series is an exhilarating experience that aims to create joyful and memorable moments for our guests,' said Leon Marsh, Director of Events & Community Engagement at Miral. 'The globally recognised concert on Yas Island, debuting at Etihad Arena, is among our calendar of innovative and culturally enriching events that caters to Harry Potter fans while resonating with diverse audiences in Abu Dhabi and beyond. We can't wait to welcome enthusiasts and concertgoers alike to enjoy an extraordinary orchestral show.' Justin Freer, President of CineConcerts and Producer/Conductor of the Harry Potter Film Concert Series explained: "The Harry Potter film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that continues to delight millions of fans around the world. It is with great pleasure that we bring fans for the first time ever an opportunity to experience the award-winning music scores played live by a symphony orchestra, all while the beloved film is simultaneously projected onto the big screen. This is truly an unforgettable event.'
Al Etihad
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Harry Potter concert series in Abu Dhabi for two magical nights
5 May 2025 00:50 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)If you're a fan of the world's favourite boy wizard, or fine music - or both - take official Harry Potter Film Concert Series is returning to Abu Dhabi for two magical performances at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on September Harry Potter Film Concert Series consists of two parts: "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert" on Saturday, September 6, and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert" on Sunday, September 7, featuring the beloved films projected on a giant 40-foot scores will be brought to life by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, performing the beloved, Grammy-nominated music of John Williams. From the soaring notes of "Hedwig's Theme" to the eerie ambience of "The Chamber."Launched in 2016, the Harry Potter Film Concert Series is the only official global concert tour dedicated to the franchise, with over 2,900 performances across 48 countries. Audiences of all ages can relive the adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in a whole new way, as the live music adds a new dimension to the beloved story.
