Wizards, witches, and Harry Potter fans of all ages will gather at Seoul's Sejong Center for Performing Arts next week for a magical cinematic experience. From October 24-26, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I in Concert" will bring the final battle of the wizarding world to life on the big screen, accompanied by Alexandre Desplat's Academy Award-winning score performed live by the Seongnam Philharmonic Orchestra.
The upcoming concert offers fans an opportunity to embark on a magical adventure through Harry, Ron, and Hermione's final year at Hogwarts as they hunt down the Horcruxes. Audiences will experience the dramatic story while being swept up in the pulse of live orchestral music, creating an immersive experience that combines visual storytelling with musical performance.
Leading the musical magic from the conductor's podium is Shih-Hung Young, who returns to conduct the seventh installment after successfully leading the previous six Harry Potter film concerts. Young brings extensive international experience to the role, having performed on more than 28 international tour stages, including venues across the United States. His repertoire includes conducting concerts themed around popular franchises such as "Harry Potter," "Lord of the Rings," and "Star Wars."
In a recent written interview with The Korea Herald, Young explained the unique challenges and rewards of conducting film concerts. "Conducting film concerts is unique because it combines live performance with the visual elements of film," Young said. "Unlike traditional symphonic repertoire, where the focus is solely on the music, film concerts require a synchronized relationship between the orchestra and the film. This creates a dynamic interplay where the musicians must react to the visuals, bringing a different energy and urgency to the performance."
According to Young, perfect synchronization is crucial to the success of these performances, as any deviation can disrupt the overall audience experience. The conductor emphasized that meticulous preparation is key to achieving this precision. Young and the orchestra carefully mark every cue during rehearsals, and he relies on visual markers on the screen to maintain perfect synchronization with the film.
"But the most important thing I focus on while conducting is the connection between the musicians and the music itself," Young explained. "I encourage them to engage with the film emotionally, reminding them that they are not just playing music but are integral to the storytelling process."
The Harry Potter film concert series has proven to be incredibly popular since its Korean debut in 2019, with performances consistently selling out and attracting diverse audiences spanning multiple generations. According to data from the Sejong Center, an impressive 93 percent of ticket holders for last May's "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert" were under age 40, demonstrating the series' strong appeal to younger audiences.
Young attributes the surge in popularity of film concerts to a combination of nostalgia and the immersive experience they provide. "Audiences are drawn to the nostalgia and emotional resonance of beloved films," he observed. "These film concerts have attracted and brought many more audiences to the concert halls, serving as a great gateway for people to experience orchestral symphonic music."
The conductor hopes that audience members will experience the richness and complexity of Desplat's score in a way that recordings simply cannot capture. "The nuances of orchestration, dynamics, and the energy of a live performance bring a new dimension to the music," Young said. "I hope we create a magical atmosphere where everyone feels connected to the story and the music, evoking the same emotions as the film and making it a truly memorable experience for all."
The interactive nature of these concerts adds another layer of engagement for attendees. During previous performances, audience members have been encouraged to wear wizarding robes, bring wands, and participate in special moments throughout the show. Photos from May's concert show enthusiastic fans striking poses with their wands and shining lights during participatory sections, creating a communal magical experience that extends beyond passive viewing.
