Not very often is it that a person gets to see their favorite orchestra perform the soundtrack to their favorite person live, in person.

On Saturday, October 7, I was given the opportunity to watch the Pacific Symphony, a local orchestra who performs either at the Renee or Henry Segertrom Concert Hall.

With Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban being displayed on the big screen, the orchestra was playing all of the pieces that are typically just in the background of the movie.

Immediately as the orchestra began playing Hedwig’s Theme, the song that has represented the series since day one, I had goosebumps and tears filled my eyes.  There is no other way in which I would want to spend a Saturday night.

The oboe and bassoon solos put me in awe and were absolutely unforgettable moments.

As a trombone player myself, hearing the low brass section at such a strong volume was breathtaking.  The section was so strong and there was such a vibrant feeling within the music.  It felt as though I was a part of the movie-that’s how realistic it felt.

Never in my  life would I have imagined sitting in the audience of such an amazing group of musicians.

As a child, my parents would read this series with me, so I was lucky enough to go to this performance with one of my parents.  Brad Gorrie, my father, said, “This was most definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I wouldn’t have wanted to see it with anyone else.”

Most people tend to think orchestral performances are strictly serious, but not this.  The audience was encouraged to involve themselves with the concert.  The entire audience shouted for their favorite characters in the movie or the house they would be in if they were to be a wizard at Hogwarts School of Magic.

Mr. Gorrie also mentioned, “I listen to classical all the time, but this experience made me realize how music makes so much come to life.”

The Pacific Symphony is doing a run on multiple Harry Potter movies throughout the next couple of months, so far all of the Harry Potter fans out there, do not miss this opportunity!