In Glasgow's university courtyards, an Indonesian ensemble enchants the audience with the renowned 'Harry Potter' melody
Indonesian Ensemble Performs John Williams' "Harry Potter" Music at the University of Glasgow's Cloisters
The cloisters of the University of Glasgow, a Gothic-revival style building connecting the East and West Quadrangles, played host to an extraordinary musical event on the 6th of September, 2024. The Indonesian youth ensemble, Trust Orchestra, performed a selection of John Williams' music from the "Harry Potter" series, much to the delight of the audience.
The young conductor, of Indonesian origin, led the ensemble with a baton, directing the flurries of quavers and semiquavers that filled the cloisters. The musicians, adorned in gowns and Gryffindor scarves, played iconic themes such as the "Prologue" and the "Nimbus 2000."
The performance was entirely from memory, a testament to the ensemble's dedication and skill. The University of Glasgow's cloisters, although not a filming location for the "Harry Potter" series, have been featured in other productions, including the TV show "Outlander" and the film "Cloud Atlas."
The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is the fourth oldest in the UK and the second oldest in Scotland. With more listed buildings than any other university in the UK, the cloisters provide a fitting backdrop for such a magical performance.
The performance was captured on video and shared on TikTok with the caption, "Wonderful to welcome the @trustorchestra of Indonesia to campus this morning! Sound on to hear some musical magic in the cloisters 🔊." The video quickly went viral, possibly giving the impression that some scenes from the "Harry Potter" films were shot at the University of Glasgow.
John Williams' music continues to be performed in exciting ways, as demonstrated by Trust Orchestra's memorable performance at the University of Glasgow. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal of the "Harry Potter" series and the power of music to transport us to magical worlds.
