NM Philharmonic four-concert series runs the gamut from 'Harry Potter' to Moody Blues

Kathaleen Roberts, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
·2 min read

Aug. 7—From "Harry Potter" to "Holiday Pops!" to the music of the Moody Blues, the New Mexico Philharmonic is kicking off its Rock & Pops season.

The four-concert series is scheduled for Saturday evenings at Popejoy Hall.

For the first time, the philharmonic is performing live music to a movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll run amok, see magic mirrors in high-definition, all while a live orchestra performs John Williams' iconic score. There are three chances to see the show: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16.

At 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, Jason Altieri will return to conduct the holiday pops concert. The philharmonic will be joined by the Manzano Day School Chorus, the Albuquerque Youth Symphony and special guests. The traditional sing-along will warm up the winter night.

The orchestra's "Hooray for Hollywood!" celebration will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, with Altieri once again at the helm. On the heels of the Academy Awards, the silver screen will come alive with selections from famous films.

The Rock & Pops series draws to a close at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2024, with the music of the Moody Blues. The music will be performed by GO NOW! The Music of the Moody Blues, led by Gordy Marshall, the 25-year drummer with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. Marshall will present a group of musicians, singers and songwriters, including Mick Wilson, lead singer with 10cc for more than 25 years, who, between them, perform the Moodies' legendary catalog of songs and hits. These include "Tuesday Afternoon," "Go Now," "Legend of a Mind (Timothy Leary's Dead)," "I Know You're out There Somewhere," "Question," "Isn't Life Strange," plus "Forever Autumn" and a rendition of "Nights in White Satin." Michael Krajewski conducts.

Programming for the remainder of the 2023/2024 season is underway and will be announced soon.

Tickets for the Rock & Pops series may be purchased at nmphil.org, unmtickets.com, in person at the UNM Bookstore or at the ticket window at Popejoy Hall, 90 minutes before the performance. They can also be purchased by phone at 505-925-5626.