This spell-binding night with the ASO was a wonderful way to spend All Hallows’ Eve
Presented by: Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and CineConcerts
Reviewed: 31st October, 2026
This Halloween, our beloved Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) presented the final chapter of the Harry Potter franchise to a near-capacity Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena.
Over the past few years as part of their At The Movies programming, the ASO has performed the enchanting scores of the Harry Potter films live, while the film plays out on a giant screen. These At The Movies concerts are an incredible way to introduce people who may not have seen a live orchestra before to the magic of live orchestral music.
Fans of the wizarding world donned their house colours and dressed as their favourite characters, getting into the spirit of the event. Chatter about favourite moments in the films or hearty discussion about which film or book is their favourite and why filled the arena as anticipation built for the start of the concert.
In recent years the author of the Harry Potter franchise has come under scrutiny for her homophobic and anti-trans viewpoints, which has tarnished the books for many. However, with the ASO playing the score live, this performance very much became a celebration of Alexandre Desplat’s magical score. The score perfectly complements the emotional elements of the final epic film and is peppered with nods to the great John Williams and his Academy Award-nominated score from the first three films in the franchise.
It was clear the audience was filled with Harry Potter fans. Cheers erupted for Neville Longbottom’s stand against Voldemort, laughter filled the arena for the classic British humour moments and a triumphant round of applause echoed around the venue on Voldemort’s death. You couldn’t help but get caught up in the moments.
Under the baton (or was it a magic wand?) of Jessica Gethin, the ASO conjured up the most exquisite sound, breathing life into Desplat’s incredible score. The string section provided the depth of emotion, the brass revelled in the dramatic moments and the woodwind brought the magical flourishes that sparkled over the top. The busiest section of the night was certainly the large percussion section. Watching the musicians dart between instruments in a carefully choreographed movement was incredible to watch.
Kudos must go to the sound team who kept the orchestra’s balance present, but never once drowning out the dialogue. The Entertainment Centre Arena is not the easiest venue to mix sound in, and over the years I have heard some shocking sound mixes there. However, the front of house mix was sublime and elevated our incredible ASO with the sound filling the venue perfectly.
In 2027 the ASO is continuing their At The Movies programming with How To Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert in June as well as Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert in November. Both films are on sale now and due to the popularity of these events, are likely to sell out.
This spell-binding night with the ASO was a wonderful way to spend All Hallows’ Eve. A true celebration of incredible live music by, in my humble opinion, one of the best orchestras you will find. Bravo ASO.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: supplied
Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Arena
Season: Ended
Duration: 2 hours and 45mins
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