Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series in Abu Dhabi

The Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series is a pair of evenings in Abu Dhabi where the films are screened while an orchestra plays the score live. Each night is devoted to a single film from the saga: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ on the Friday, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ on the Saturday. They are the third and fourth chapters of the story, and the two shows are presented as separate concerts.

The music is performed by the UAE National Orchestra, playing the scores of John Williams and Patrick Doyle in time with the picture. The two films mark a turn in the saga: a new director, a new Dumbledore and a darker visual palette. In the Prisoner of Azkaban programme the orchestra accompanies the Patronus, the Dementors and Buckbeak's flight in real time. The Goblet of Fire evening follows the story from the Hungarian Horntail and the Yule Ball through to the graveyard, with each set-piece scored live. Harry, Ron and Hermione face darker forces and deeper mysteries as they grow up, and the live music carries that change.

The concerts take place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi's leisure and entertainment district, which is also home to Yas Marina, theme parks and a number of hotels and restaurants. Etihad Arena is a large indoor venue used for major concerts and live shows. Yas Island is a drive from Dubai, usually about an hour to an hour and a half by car, so many Dubai residents turn the evening into a trip to the capital.

This series suits fans of the books and films, and anyone who enjoys film music played by a full orchestra. Both performances are evening shows, and each one is a stand-alone concert, so you can choose a single film or attend both nights. Expect a seated concert format built around the screening rather than a conventional symphonic programme.

All characters and elements are the property of Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., with publishing rights held by JKR. The concerts are a chance to hear the music of the wizarding world performed live by the UAE National Orchestra instead of from a soundtrack recording.