Hogwarts takes over Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College for The Magical Music of Harry Potter

COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina Philharmonic performs scores from Harry Potter films on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015; guests encouraged to don house robes and bring wands

Fans of the classic Harry Potter book and film series will revel in an afternoon of witchcraft and wizardry when Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College hosts The Magical Music of Harry Potter, a family-friendly matinee concert performed by the South Carolina Philharmonic, on Sunday, October 11, 2015, at 3:30 p.m.

The wizards of the South Carolina Philharmonic, led by “headmaster” Morihiko Nakahara and his magic conductor’s wand, will perform selections from legendary composer John Williams’ soaring Harry Potter film scores. The one-time-only concert will bring to life each of the characters of the series – from Hermione to Harry to Hedwig – through individual instrumental arrangements.

“What Harry Potter film fan can’t hear the theme music playing as their mind’s eye surveys the rooftops on Privet Drive?” says Katie Fox, Executive Director of Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College. “What most of us may not know is that each character in the beloved series had their own instruments and melodies assigned to them by composer John Williams.”

Williams, one of the most successful American orchestral composers, has created the scores for nearly eighty films, including Star Wars, Jaws and Indiana Jones. The afternoon concert at Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College will feature selections from the film scores of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Prince of Azkaban.

“When we come together on October 11,” Fox adds, “we’ll be charmed by the musical trademarks of our favorite wizards and witches.”

Audience members – who are encouraged to practice their best spells and don their freshest house colors for the concert – will experience a Hogwarts takeover as Harbison Theatre transforms into an enchanted Grand Hall for the day. Pickup Quidditch matches in the parking lot are permitted; pet owls inside, not so much.

“The fun won’t stop with the music!” notes Fox. “Everyone is encouraged to wear their wizarding best and visit with fellow fans before the event, although dressing like a Muggle (an everyday, non-wizarding person) is absolutely fine, as well.”

“There are Harry Potter fans of all ages,” explains Fox, “and we love offering concerts that multiple generations can experience together. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan,” she adds. “Requesting this concert from the SC Philharmonic was the fulfillment of a personal fan daydream!”

A daydream fulfilled is just what fans will find when they arrive at Platform 9 ¾ at the Harbison Theatre entrance, visit the Quidditch pitch in the lobby, and join their fellow students in the theatre-cum-Great Hall for the concert.

The Magical Music of Harry Potter is the first South Carolina Philharmonic performance at Harbison Theatre during its 2015-16 season. The partnership between the two entities grows each year, resulting in this season’s innovative new Harry Potter film score performance, as well as an expanded Pops Series featuring The Great American Songbook, Oct. 18, 2015; Holiday Pops, Dec. 13, 2015; and Sci-Fi in Hi-Fi, Apr. 23, 2016.

Ticketing Details
Individual show tickets as well as packages are available now at www.HarbisonTheatre.org. Buyers may also order tickets via phone at 803-407-5011, or in person at the Harbison Theatre Box Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The box office also will open two hours prior to each show in the Signature Series.

About Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College

Rooted in the performing arts, Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College offers programs and productions that encourage reflection, examination and discovery; and that provide entertainment, education and opportunity to professionals, learners and community members in all stages of life. To learn about upcoming events, purchase tickets, or pursue sponsorship and volunteer opportunities with Harbison Theatre, please visit harbisontheatre.org.

About Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College (MTC) is a comprehensive, multi-campus, public, two-year college serving Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. The fifth-largest provider of higher education in South Carolina and the largest provider of transfer students to four-year colleges and universities in the state, MTC enrolls approximately 18,000 credit students annually. The college’s Corporate and Continuing Education program, one of the largest and most comprehensive in the Southeast, annually has 30,000 enrollments and provides continuing education to hundreds of area businesses each year. midlandstech.edu

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