Minnesota Orchestra’s Movies & Music series presents four feature films this season, offering live performances of the film scores while the major motion pictures are shown in high definition on a large screen above the stage. Three of these concerts are conducted by Sarah Hicks, the Orchestra’s principal conductor of Live at Orchestra Hall. Nicholas Buc, who conducted the Orchestra’s performances of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in 2016, returns to conduct Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the franchise’s fourth film.

The first film concerts this season feature John Williams’ iconic score to the 1980 film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, with five performances running October 2 through 6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, featuring the music of composer Patrick Doyle, continues the Orchestra’s annual Harry Potter experience with concerts on October 25, 26 and 27. Then, November 29 through December 1, the Orchestra performs Disney Pixar’s Up, the animated, multi-Academy Award-winning 2009 film featuring Michael Giacchino’s score. The Movies & Music series concludes with a special holiday treat on December 21 and 22, with performances of Dimitri Tiomkin’s complete score to It’s a Wonderful Life alongside the film.

Each of the Movies & Music performances during the 2019-20 season take place at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. See below for dates and information about each individual program. Tickets are available at minnesotaorchestra.org and by phone at 612-371-5656. For further purchasing details, refer to the information section at the conclusion of this press release.

Sarah Hicks, principal conductor of Live at Orchestra Hall
During the 2019-20 season, Sarah Hicks will conduct the Orchestra in performances with Ben Folds and Cloud Cult; a tribute to Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald featuring Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare; Home for the Holidays performances; the Sam & Sarah series; and live performances of movie scores as the complete films Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Disney Pixar’s UP, and It’s a Wonderful Life are shown on a large screen. Away from Orchestra Hall, she has recently conducted concerts with the Antwerp Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, Toronto Symphony, Dallas Symphony and Virginia Symphony Orchestra. More: minnesotaorchestra.org.

Live at Orchestra Hall
STAR WARS IN CONCERT: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Thursday, October 3, 2019, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Friday, October 4, 2019, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, October 5, 2019, 7:30 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Sunday, October 6, 2019, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Minnesota Orchestra
Sarah Hicks, conductor

Feel the power of the Force as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, R2-D2 and C-3PO return for more intergalactic excitement in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. A full-length screening of the 1980 movie accompanied by a live performance of John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score brings this epic battle for the galaxy to life.

© 2018 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © DISNEY.

Live at Orchestra Hall
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE™ IN CONCERT
Friday, October 25, 2019, 7 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 7 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Sunday, October 27, 2019, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Minnesota Orchestra
Nicholas Buc, conductor

Grab your broom and get ready for the tasks ahead! The Triwizard Tournament comes to Hogwarts™ in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert. Audiences can relive the magic of Harry Potter™ soaring across the big screen in high-definition and experience the music of a live symphony orchestra performing Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)

Live at Orchestra Hall
DISNEY’S UP LIVE IN CONCERT
Friday, November 29, 2019, 7 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, November 30, 2019, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Saturday, November 30, 2019, 7 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Sunday, December 1, 2019, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Minnesota Orchestra
Sarah Hicks, conductor

Featuring Michael Giacchino’s Oscar®-winning score, Up tells the story of widower Carl (voiced by Ed Asner) as he makes new friends and gains new wisdom when he uses balloons to fly his house to South America.
© DISNEY

Live at Orchestra Hall
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE IN CONCERT
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 8 p.m. / Orchestra Hall
Sunday, December 22, 2019, 2 p.m. / Orchestra Hall

Minnesota Orchestra
Sarah Hicks, conductor

CineConcerts brings audiences one of the most heartwarming classic films: It's a Wonderful Life in Concert. Watch the classic 1946 movie in this inspirational holiday event with the Minnesota Orchestra.