Bayside Summer Nights goes to Hollywood

This year’s Bayside Summer Nights lineup from the San Diego Symphony is as eclectic and star-studded as ever, with two special events featuring beloved movies.

The San Diego Symphony will present Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5. Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score heightens the excitement, tension and danger in this pivotal chapter of the Harry Potter series, as Harry finds himself thrust into the Triwizard Tournament and encounters dragons, mermaids and other magical foes before battling the newly-reformed Voldemort for the first time. This special concert will be led by conductor John Jesensky.

Later in the month will be a performance that fans of another epic franchise won’t want to miss. On August 22, the symphony will perform John Williams’ memorable and award-winning score of Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert live to the film. The concert will be led by acclaimed conductor Sarah Hicks. Fans will be able to experience the film in a thrilling new way as Luke Skywalker discovers the Force, Han Solo deftly maneuvers the Millennium Falcon and Princess Leia escapes the Death Star with live music accompaniment. “It’s really become quite an art in itself for the orchestra and the conductor to follow the score and make sure the music is perfectly synced with the movie,” said Joan Cuming, San Diego Symphony VP of Marketing and Communications. “The conductor has a click track—a small video in front of the podium—to make sure it’s all timed perfectly.”

Other notable acts in this year’s Bayside Summer Nights lineup include country legend Clint Black, trumpet master Arturo Sandoval, singer-songwriter Marc Cohen with the Blind Boys of Alabama, the legendary Patti LaBelle and Roger Daltry with members of The Who. Additionally, the annual classical concert will feature Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and other favorite classical work. Cuming said that she might be most excited for this performance: “I love hearing the full orchestra playing really grand, beautiful, heart-stopping music.”

All the Bayside Summer Nights performances, will be held at Embarcadero Marina Park South—the only outdoor music venue in downtown San Diego (located behind the Convention Center). Single tickets for all concerts and subscription packages are on sale now online, by phone and at the Symphony’s downtown box office. The following packages are available: Ultimate Series: 8 concerts ($152-$696); Bravo or Encore Series: 4 concerts: ($84-$360); Thursday Night Jazz: 3 concerts ($51-$195); Sunday Sunset Series: 5 Concerts ($105-$430); and Sunday Classical Series: 3 Concerts ($63-$258). All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.