As a Harry Potter fan, of course I put my name in the Sorting Hat for a chance to introduce this concert, the final installment of LA Phil’s John Williams Spotlight series. Opening with the renowned composers’ Flight to Neverland (from Peter-Pan redux Hook, 1991), the program’s big draw is William’s “grand suite” for orchestra featuring beloved excerpts from his scores for the first three films. The presentation will be narrated by Freddie Stroma (who played Cormac McLaggen) with accompanying film clips. I fully expect to see costumes and wands throughout the audience!

This family-friendly concert also includes Philharmonia Fantastique, a “concerto for orchestra and animated film,” combining music by Mason Bates, direction by Gary Rydstrom, and animation by Jim Capobianco. Philharmonia Fantastique “follows a magical Sprite on a musical journey through the instruments of the orchestra. By the film’s end, the families of the orchestra overcome their differences to demonstrate “unity from diversity” in a spectacular finale.”