Have you ever wanted to enjoy film concerts live — meaning you watched a movie while a symphony orchestra plays along? Some people call these movies in concert.
While I couldn’t figure out when this phenomenon of live music with a movie in a concert hall, I did come across some pretty amazing examples. This includes:
- Royal Albert Hall in London showing and the London Symphony Orchestra playing along with nearly all of the “Star Wars” movies
- Houston Symphony Orchestra playing along with the showing of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”
- The New York Philharmonic showing “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” and playing the score
There are many more examples of movies in concert worldwide, including “Home Alone,” “The Godfather” and “The Princess Bride.”
Film concerts live in Portland
If you love this idea of watching a favorite film while an orchestra plays a live concert, then you’re in luck. The Portland Symphony Orchestra has a handful of these shows coming up at the Merrill Auditorium.
Some are happening in 2024. At least one is planned for 2025. Who knows how many more might be added?
Here’s a rundown of what I could find so far. If I discover other venues in Southern Maine offering film concerts live, I’ll add them here. Such as if the Portland Symphony Orchestra takes this series outdoors like it did in 2022 at the Seaside Pavilion.
Harry Potter Film Concert Series
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in concert at the Merrill Auditorium. Relive the film that started it all. Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event as Harry, Ron, Hermione and all your favorite characters return to the screen and enchant the world all over again.
- Friday, March 1, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 2, 2024, 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert
In 2025, the Portland Symphony Orchestra will play along, in a live film concert, with “Star Wars: A New Hope.” In case you’re not aware, this Star Wars film is the very first one to be released. That was back in 1977. Currently, tickets are for Portland Symphony Orchestra subscription holders only.
- May 3, 2025
- May 4, 2025
Music of John Williams
The common denominator is most of these film concerts live? The music of composer John Williams.
In fact, the Portland Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating Williams’ work overall with the Music of John Williams. This will include selections from Jurassic Park, Star Wars, and E.T. Those concerts are in April:
- April 6, 2024 7:00 p.m.
- April 7, 2024 2:30 p.m.