Accio wands, witches and wizards (and Muggle-borns alike!), because I’m about to take you on a magical ride! Remember that line, “Wait ’til my father hears about this,” sneered by Draco Malfoy in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”? Well, that might have been one of my FAVORITE moments in the entire series (though admittedly, I have a soft spot for pretty much every line).

From the unforgettable “Thanks,” hissed by the wise serpent at the zoo, to Hermione’s iconic “It’s LeviOsa, not Leviosar!” and Hagrid’s earth-shattering “You’re a wizard, Harry!”, the first series in the “Harry Potter” universe holds a special place in my heart. And Dumbledore’s sage advice, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live,” always hits the right spot.

So, when the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) announced this phenomenal concert on their page, it was like receiving my Hogwarts acceptance letter – minus the snowy owl (budget cuts, you know?). My partner-in-crime, Monsieur (don’t worry, he’s as big a Potterhead as I am!), and I knew we absolutely had to be there.

Now, obtaining tickets was our first hurdle. It seemed like every witch, wizard, and even curious Muggle-borns were clamoring for a chance to relive the magic. Our first attempt to snag tickets was a flop, like a failed Wingardium Leviosa charm. Thankfully, the MPO opened two more dates, and after a battle worthy of a Triwizard Tournament (okay, maybe a tad dramatic, but you get the picture) with the website, we managed to secure two seats. They weren’t exactly in the comfy armchairs of Dumbledore’s office, but hey, we were in!

Speaking of houses, are you a Potterhead who’s been sorted? I, for one, took the Sorting Hat quiz online, hoping for a destiny filled with wit and wisdom (Ravenclaw, anyone?). But alas, the Hat placed me in a house that didn’t quite resonate with my emerald-loving soul.

Remember Dumbledore’s wise words in “Chamber of Secrets” about Harry’s sorting? “It [the Sorting Hat] only put me in Gryffindor because I asked not to go to Slytherin,” Harry had said. Well, consider this my witchy rebellion! Because green is my jam, and because the idea of conversing with serpents is simply delightful, I hereby declare myself a Slytherin – much to the Sorting Hat’s potential disapproval (sorry Ravenclaw, maybe next Witch would be yours!).

Was the concert spellbinding? Merlin’s beard, yes! The music was pure enchantment, perfectly complementing the scenes unfolding on the big screen. It was a symphony of nostalgia that transported me right back to Hogwarts! While this wasn’t the concert’s debut at the MPO, it was my own personal first time, and it felt like stepping into a time capsule filled with Butterbeer and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans.

Here’s hoping that the MPO takes a page out of Singapore’s book (wink wink, nudge nudge) and treats us to a complete series of Harry Potter concerts. Imagine the sheer joy – a magical marathon for us hardcore fans! Honestly, even the Muggle-borns would be captivated (trust me, they secretly wish they received their Hogwarts letter too).

Here’s to hoping for more spellbinding performances by the MPO! Mischief managed (and memories made) at the “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” concert!