Disclosure: Complimentary Harry Potter concert tickets provided. Post includes affiliate links.
Behind each Harry Potter film is a carefully curated score. The Harry Potter orchestra music is a major part of the success of the franchise. There are so many ways the Wizarding World is brought to life. Revisiting the books, enjoying the audio book performances, getting lost in the magic on theme park visits and listening to the soundtracks are some of favorites. Did you know Harry Potter concerts exist? Since I discovered they were a thing, I knew I had to “Slytherin” to a Harry Potter concert whenever I could. (I’m actually a pun loving Hufflepuff to be clear.) Fortunately, those in or near Orlando may have the chance to attend one of these live concert events as they regularly come to the area.
What is a Harry Potter concert?
A Harry Potter concert is a showing of a film accompanied with the music played by a live orchestra. These performances by talented professionals give you the opportunity to hear the music live in person in sync with the movie. The magic of a live orchestra is something special on its own. If you’ve been hanging out with me online for any amount of time, you know we love the arts around here. I can’t help but see a Harry Potter concert as an opportunity to introduce younger fans to classical music in a traditional setting but through a fandom channel.
Harry Potter Concert Orlando Dates at the Dr. Phillips Center
It seems no matter how much magic there is in this town, people are always excited for more. There is a Harry Potter concert happening in Orlando this summer at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. The show takes place in the Walt Disney Theater, the largest space in this indoor, multi-venue center. Downtown Orlando and the Dr. Phillips Center are about 20 minutes from the Wizarding World at Universal Orlando Resort. From Walt Disney World Resort, the drive is a bit further but still very doable.
The film the Harry Potter concert Orlando shows this summer is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The concert at the Dr. Phillips Center will be played by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. This performance is produced by CineConcerts. The orchestra is seated on the stage as a a large screen plays the movie above them.
The Harry Potter concert Orlando dates include the following three shows:
Friday June 16th, 2023 7:00 p.m.
Saturday June 17th, 2023 1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 17th, 2023 7:00 p.m.
Tickets and more information are available on the Dr. Phillips Center website.
You can watch this trailer for an idea of what to expect.
Know Before You Go: Harry Potter in Concert in Orlando, Florida
You may want to catch up on the Harry Potter films that precede the one you’re seeing in concert.
Tip for seeing the Harry Potter concert in Orlando: On Friday and Saturdays nights, I-4 traffic can be quite congested and unpredictable. If you’re visiting town, I recommend leaving either of the theme park destinations at least an hour in advance. You want to be in the area early and also account for additional time for parking and walking to the venue. Consider valeting to save time. Note that some shows only offer valet if you purchase it in advance.
Harry Potter Movies in Order with Year
The Harry Potter book series has seven books but there are eight Harry Potter movies. That’s because the final book is split into two films. These are the Harry Potter films in order with year of release.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
There are also some supplemental books that are not part of the main series but instead mentioned in the books and movies. This includes titles like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. There are three Fantastic Beasts films. These take place in the Wizarding World timeline many years before Harry Potter exists.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
Who did the music for Harry Potter movies?
It’s widely known that celebrated composer John Williams is behind the popular “Hedwig’s Theme” song. This is what many would consider the main theme from the Harry Potter series. It’s featured often, identifiable in a few notes and sets the tone of mystery and magic. However, John Williams composed just the first three Harry Potter movies and other artists completed the series. I was surprised to find out some of my favorite songs from the wizarding movies were actually from other composers. Below are the composers for all of the Harry Potter movies.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – John Williams
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – John Williams
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – John Williams
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Patrick Doyle
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Nicholas Hooper
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – Nicholas Hooper
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 – Alexandre Desplat
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Alexandre Desplat
Favorite Harry Potter Theme Songs
I have quite a few favorites from the Harry Potter theme song collection. Of course, “Hedwig’s Theme” gives me feelings. Here are some others you may know and love.
“Harry’s Wondrous World” is also from the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone soundtrack and composed by John Williams. The first film built such a rich visual and audio legacy.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix delights with the delicate sounds that play behind the unloveable lady in “Professor Umbridge.” I love hearing it play throughout Diagon Alley at Universal Studios while I enjoy Leaky Cauldron drinks.
In opposition, the same film brings so much hope with the song “Dumbledore’s Army.”
Harry Potter Concert Orlando: What do you think?
I would love to hear from you in a comment below. Have you ever been to a Harry Potter concert? Is Harry Potter with live orchestra something you want to see? Will you be attending the Harry Potter concert in Orlando this summer? Do you have a favorite Harry Potter movie soundtrack? A favorite song from the Wizarding World movies?
This sounds wonderful!