A wizArding world of live orchestrA

IMAGINE watching your favourite movie or any movie for that matter, without any music.To be honest, I can’t. Movies and music have always naturally intertwined. Whether the film is action-packed or a tear-jerker drama, the right song at the right moment will never fail to elevate the scene. I remember watching the first Harry Potter instalment

when it was released way back in 2001. I got goosebumps when the tinkling sound of the celeste (an instrument which looks similar to an upright piano) in the beginning of the movie came on.

was the title of the score and it was composed by Oscar-winning composer John Williams who has composed some of the most popular and recognisable film scores in cinematic history such as

and all four of the

movies.

“People who know the book and the film will know that Hedwig is that wonderful, beautiful white owl. So Hedwig needed some music that was gossamer, light, and so I thought celeste,” Williams said in an interview on his first journey many years ago.

He went on to explain how a few quick notes played on the celeste gave out a beautiful little blurry sound, not unlike a floating bird feather. To my amazement, I learnt that Williams composed

without even seeing the movie firsthand. He’s truly a (musical) wizard!

I got the opportunity to relive the magic of recently at the Plenary Hall KLCC in Kuala Lumpur in the best way possible — through a live symphony orchestra. Brought here by Creon Asia, the idea was first conceived by CineConcerts which has in the past engaged millions of people worldwide in concert presentations that redefined the evolution of live experience. As advertised on the CineConcerts website: “Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the films in high-definition on a 40-foot (12-metre) screen while hearing the orchestra perform every unforgettable score live to picture.”

Walking towards the venue, my anticipation and excitement are building. A huge poster of the concert catches my attention first as I reach the top of the escalator at Level 1 of the convention centre. A group of people are decked out in their favourite gear — some wearing the scarfs of their favourite Hogwarts House and some even in full costume, complete with robe and wand!

I am a bit disappointed that there isn’t any concessionaire, except for the MPH book stall near the entrance, luring fans and visitors to its various editions