Review: WASO’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 in Concert at Riverside Theatre

WASO's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in Concert at Riverside Theatre
Friday, April 14, 2023

Wizards and witches assembled in full force at Riverside Theatre on Friday, for the beginning of the end as the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra delivered the penultimate instalment of the Harry Potter in Concert series.

Droves of Hogwarts house scarves, graphic t-shirts and other clearly beloved Potter accessories were proudly worn by many, in a sea of green, red, blue and yellow, with an occasional cloak, wand, wig and uniform sported by the particularly excited punters. A special mention must go to the Professor Sprout, Trelawny, Voldemort costumes which brought the evening to life with their impressive detail, as well as the young Potter fans, in their slightly-too-big cloaks (it was great to see the next generation of fans enjoying the series beloved by their parents).

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in Concert is the seventh installation of the Harry Potter in Concert series, which was begun by WASO in 2017 and, like the preceding films, the Symphony Orchestra brought to life the magic, complexity and gravity of the score with ease.

Conductor Nicholas Buc led the vast ensemble of orchestral artists, whose presence filled the Riverside stage in an assortment of chairs, music stands and beautiful instruments. His excitement for the series and performance was clearly palpable in his enthusiastic introduction to the piece, and lively conduction of the orchestra.

Gripping from the start, the orchestra began the film with the infamous Potter overture which immediately brought the nostalgic feeling of the movie to life. The joy of having heard such a beloved piece of music honoured by the massive orchestra cannot be overstated.

The first instalment of the Deathly Hallows series is an altogether dark, suspenseful, often despondent and regularly anxious affair as beloved protagonists Harry, Ron and Hermione embark on a dangerous mission to locate and destroy the remaining horcruxes, in a bid to save the Wizarding World and end a waging war. As explained by Buc in his opening address, the scoring of the film reflects such emotions in its creepy, somber and suspenseful tones; a comment, in many ways, arguably made to prepare the audience for the intensity of such scoring when performed live.

And intense it certainly was. The collective power of haunting strings, striking percussion, mournful brass, mellow wind and other electrifying elements brought each moment of the score to life. The changing moments of gripping chase or raging conflict with the solemnity and quiet of the trio’s long periods of isolation and hiding were navigated with perfection, interweaving so closely with the film’s pacing that it was often easy to lose oneself and forget the score was live.

After the first half had flown by, and the audience returned from a much-needed interval (to regain their emotional nerves after such an emotive story and score), the orchestra threw itself into the second half with unrelenting force. With the heightened action of the trio’s adventure, the first half felt like a dress rehearsal for the chaotic and demanding nature of the second.

In the last moments of the film, during a highly emotional scene (if you know, you know), the orchestra wrenched hearts with a haunting musical eulogy, the strings drawn out and wind instruments drawling. In the moment, aside from the pain of the scene, the live score alone would have silenced the auditorium, in which it felt as though each person was holding their breath.

The dreaded conclusion of the film was almost a surprise, in the flow of the score, however audiences were treated to a final reprise of the overture as the credit scenes rolled and punters took a moment to collect themselves before leaving the theatre. It was strange to witness, however, how many punters left as soon as the film had finished, despite the orchestra still playing. With a final flourish in the form of the beloved Potter theme, the orchestra finished its final notes. In turn they were greeted with rapturous applause from the audience. The strength of the applause clearly spoke to the nostalgia held by so many for the series, which the musicians had so beautifully unlocked.

A massive commendation goes to every artist, arranger and producer involved in this performance. WASO never ceases to captivate and entertain, and Western Australians should delight in the talent of their state orchestra. Particularly an orchestra that delivers series such as the WASO at the Movies program (of which the Potter series is constitutive) which makes orchestral performances accessible to anyone.

Bring on the final installation!

BEC WELDON

Photos by Rebecca Mansell