June 8, 2026 Submitted By Steve Bass
After the tremendous success of last year’s Star Wars concert at South Shore Conservatory’s Evenings Under the Stars opening night pops concert, Maestro Nick Palmer and I spent a lot of time thinking about what made that program work so well. Of course, Star Wars has enormous name recognition and broad appeal, but what made the evening especially exciting was that it was not simply a concert of Star Wars music or even only the music of John Williams. Instead, we were able to build an entire orchestral program around a larger theme.
That approach allowed us to celebrate a beloved cultural touchstone while also introducing audiences to classical selections that connected to the same spirit, atmosphere, and sense of wonder. In some cases, the music even reflected the kinds of orchestral sounds and traditions that helped inspire John Williams himself. It created a concert that felt familiar and accessible, but also rich, thoughtful, and musically expansive.
That same idea is at the heart of this summer’s Harry Potter: A Night of Symphonic Magic, on Saturday, July 11. We are thrilled to showcase some of the iconic music from the Harry Potter films with Atlantic Symphony Orchestra musicians. For so many, those scores immediately bring to mind the mystery, adventure, and wonder of that wizard world. But we are equally excited to explore the idea of magic across a much wider range of orchestral music.
Audiences will hear magical moments from other beloved John Williams films, including the flying bike scene from E.T. and music from Hook, where Peter Pan rediscovers how to fly. We will also bring magic to life through classical masterpieces, including selections from Swan Lake, where a maiden is transformed into a swan, Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute, and Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries.
What I love about this program is that the theme extends far beyond the music itself. We are transforming our campus into a world of magic and imagination. Patrons are encouraged to dress in their best wizard robes, magic wands will be available for sale, and families will be able to walk down Diagon Alley, enjoy Butterbeer, and try Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. Even the stage will be transformed into the Hogwarts Great Hall, complete with floating candles.
This concert is an immersive experience for families, film lovers, classical music fans, and anyone who wants to enjoy a summer evening filled with music, imagination, and a little bit of magic. It is an evening you will not want to miss!
South Shore Conservatory’s Evenings Under the Stars presents Harry Potter: A Night of Symphonic Magic, on Saturday, July 11 at 7 pm in the Carr Amphitheater, One Conservatory Drive, Hingham. Tickets are available at https://give.sscmusic.org/eus-harry-potter. Free lawn seating for children nine and under.
Steve Bass is South Shore Conservatory’s Artistic Director.