Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Concert!

This isn't 100 per cent black tie, but the traditional elements of an old fashioned touch brings elegance to the table.

Now here's something new... what better way to enhance your film experience than smoothly combining a live symphony orchestra to the score. How about an 80 piece symphony orchestra to be precise!

Cineconcert brings us a new experience for the first time ever to the Middle East, "Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone" in concert! But what does this actually mean? Well think 40-foot TV screen projecting the award winning film with live instrumental on stage, playing the original John Williams score.

Possibly the freshest innovation of live entertainment of the 21^st century and I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the rehearsal today, where world renowned talent and not forgetting eloquently British conductor, Tim Henty was meeting his orchestra for the first time! With the premiere tomorrow night and without even seeing the rehearsal at that point, I was already won over - 80 top class musicians against 1 conductor cannot just be a good bit of great aptitude, I thought. I was sure there was more psychology beyond that but for now move over 4D cinema, this concert heightened my senses more than any visual could ever imagine. Maybe I've got dominant hearing but I surely felt more involved in the magic of Harry Potter more than the fantasy land of Avatar 3D a few years back, if I were to be comparing here. As a bonus the only thing that was thrown around was my emotions -positively speaking, rather than my body in 3D. Oh and as there was no simulation, I didn't have the urge to vomit either, which is always refreshing.

Intimately featured in a bubble that is DU Forum in Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and without giving too much away, this overwhelmingly diverse orchestra brings a delightful sophistication and electricity to this children's series of fantasy novels brought to the big screen.

This isn't 100 per cent black tie, but the traditional elements of an old fashioned touch brings elegance to the table. Not forgetting some added wizard dust.
Sitting there I almost believed Hogwarts wasn't so far away from my seat. I will try speaking to my cat when I get home.... only because I don't have a snake.
Where: Du Forum Yas Island
When: September 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd 2017 only
Pictures by Crystal Skinner/ Khaleej Times
crystal@khaleejtimes.com  

• Abu Dhabi