‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ Brings the Magic to Hollywood Bowl

Patrick Regan

More than likely, you have already seen “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” In fact, it’s possible you’ve seen it again after its initial release 15 years ago, but you’ve never seen it like this before. The first installation of the widely popular movie franchise is coming to the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in tow.

For one night only, the Bowl will be screening the first Harry Potter film just in time for the London debut of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and the upcoming “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” What makes this showing particularly special is that the LA Philharmonic will be playing the entire score, note for note, in conjunction with the movie.

Now that Universal Studios has opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the public, there’s unlikely to be a more opportune time to make an event of this occasion with a full day at the park followed by a nighttime performance as the sun goes down. A 15-year-old who attended the premiere of 2001’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” would be 30 now, possibly with children of their own and eager to introduce them to the magic that is Harry Potter.   

What stands out most about the music of John Williams is how quickly it became iconic. His scores and themes are legendary and so instantly identifiable that most people can recognize them without even having seen the movie. Hum the “Star Wars” theme near a group of people and they’ll sing along with you even if they’ve never seen a single frame of the original.

It’s part of what makes an event like “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” so exciting – for those looking to relive the magic, nothing comes closer. And for those being introduced to it for the first time, you cannot ask for a better guide.  

Catch “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” along with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at Hollywood Bowl on July 6. Purchase tickets here.