What is it about the Harry Potter phenomenon? Orchestras all over the world are bringing the films to the concert stage to thrill and entertain a whole new generation of soon to be wand-wielding children. The combination of great film making, and the unforgettable music composed by the inimitable John Williams, makes this one of the most successful franchises in tinsel town’s history. All of this thanks to the genius of JK Rowling’s story telling that appeals to young and old alike.

As principal flute of WASO, I am especially pleased to be embarking on the Harry Potter journey and not for the first time. When I was living in London and the principal flute of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, I received a call from the LSO (London Symphony Orchestra), to play on the end credits of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It wasn’t unusual to step in and play with the other symphony orchestras in London but I did have to pinch myself on this occasion. As a child of the seventies, I had grown up with the amazing music of John Williams, the LSO and Star Wars (another winning combination) and this had been a major...