ASO performs movie magic live

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April 3, 2025

Imagine sitting in a packed theatre, the lights dimming, the iconic opening notes of Back to the Future swelling to life—not from speakers, but from a full symphony orchestra playing in perfect sync with the film.

Interview by Liv Williams

That’s the exhilarating experience audiences can expect when the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) brings Back to the Future in Concert, Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 1 in Concert to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in 2025.

For ASO Concertmaster Kate Suthers, these live-to-film performances are nothing short of spellbinding.

“From the second that opening theme plays, you just get total chills,” she says. “It’s so awesome.”

Kate, who has performed with some of the world’s top orchestras, describes the experience as a unique fusion of cinema and live music that heightens every moment on screen.

“There’s this collective feeling when you go to a concert or a movie—part of the magic is sharing that experience with others. But when you add a live orchestra, it’s like someone’s hit ‘zoom x100’ on the emotions.”

ASO Concertmaster, Kate Suthers. Image: Claudio Raschella

While performing these legendary scores might sound like a dream gig, it comes with its own challenges. “On stage, there’s always the temptation to just watch the film,” Kate laughs. “But we have to stay razor-focused because everything is meticulously synced. The conductor follows visual cues on a screen to make sure the music lines up perfectly with what’s happening on screen.”

And for audiences, that precision results in an unforgettable cinematic experience. “You’re watching this beloved film, completely engrossed, and then suddenly it hits you—the soundtrack is being played live, right in front of you, by 75 musicians. It’s modern magic.”

From the sweeping grandeur of Hedwig’s Theme to the electrifying pulse of Back to the Future’s score, these concerts promise a nostalgic, immersive journey like no other.

“Movie music is so deeply tied to our memories,” Kate adds. “You hear just a few notes, and you’re instantly transported—whether it’s to Hogwarts or Hill Valley. Getting to bring that to life for an audience? It’s just incredible.”

Whether you’re a lifelong Back to the Future fan, a devoted Potterhead, or simply someone who loves great music, these ASO performances promise to be spellbinding. Don’t miss your chance to experience these films in a way you’ve never seen—or heard—before.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ in Concert
Sat 7 Jun 2025, 7pm