Journey back to Middle-earth as 250 musicians bring Howard Shore’s Oscar-winning score to thunderous life while the film plays on a massive HD screen above them.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - In Concert arrives at TD Place Arena on January 17, 2026, offering Ottawa audiences an unforgettable cinematic and musical experience. This rare event combines the theatrical power of Peter Jackson’s epic film with the raw emotion of a live symphonic performance. For fans of Tolkien’s beloved trilogy and lovers of orchestral music alike, this is the concert event of the winter season in Canada’s capital.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Watch The Two Towers on a giant HD screen while 250+ musicians perform Howard Shore’s legendary score live at TD Place. Tickets are nearly sold out with resale prices starting around $110 CAD.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM (ends approximately 10:30 PM) |
| Venue | TD Place Arena, 1015 Bank St, Ottawa |
| Tickets | Resale $110-170 CAD via Ticketmaster |
| Performers | FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir |
| Duration | Approximately 3.5 hours |
What Makes This Concert Experience Unique
Unlike a typical movie screening or a standard symphony concert, The Lord of the Rings in Concert merges both art forms into something transcendent. The complete theatrical version of The Two Towers plays on a giant high-definition screen while the FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir perform Howard Shore’s Grammy and Oscar-winning score in perfect synchronization with the on-screen action.
The orchestra replaces the film’s original recorded soundtrack entirely. Every note you hear comes from the musicians seated below the screen. When the Riders of Rohan charge across the plains, over 250 performers bring that moment to visceral life. When Gollum whispers his tortured monologues, the strings swell with a delicate menace that no home theater system could ever replicate.
This is not merely background music enhanced. This is the movie transformed into a theatrical event that demands your presence in the room.
The FILMharmonique Orchestra and Choir
The FILMharmonique is one of the premier film concert orchestras in North America. Comprising over 200 orchestral musicians and a choir of 50 or more voices, they specialize in performing complete film scores live to picture. Their precision timing ensures every musical cue lands exactly as Howard Shore intended, making the synchronization feel seamless.
Howard Shore’s score for The Two Towers is considered one of the greatest film compositions ever written. It features the iconic Rohan theme, the haunting Gollum’s Song performed by the choir, and the thunderous battle music of Helm’s Deep. Hearing these pieces performed live adds a dimension of power and emotion that studio recordings simply cannot capture.
The choir’s role is particularly significant in The Two Towers. They provide the eerie voices of the Uruk-hai, the ethereal elvish passages, and the stirring heroic themes. Their live presence elevates already goosebump-inducing moments into something truly spine-tingling.
TD Place Arena: The Venue
TD Place Arena serves as Ottawa’s premier entertainment venue, located at 1015 Bank Street in the heart of the Glebe neighbourhood. The arena has hosted everything from Ottawa Senators games to major concert tours, and its flexible seating configuration makes it ideal for large-scale productions like this film concert.
For this event, the stage setup will feature the orchestra and choir at floor level with the massive HD screen suspended above them. Seating wraps around the performance area, meaning most seats offer excellent sightlines to both the musicians and the film projection.
The venue is fully accessible and offers a variety of concession options. Given the 3.5-hour runtime, you may want to plan for intermission refreshments or arrive early to settle in comfortably.
Getting to TD Place
TD Place is well-served by public transit and offers multiple parking options for those driving. The venue sits adjacent to Lansdowne Park, which provides paid parking in its underground garage. Street parking in the surrounding Glebe neighbourhood can be challenging during major events.
For public transit, OC Transpo offers several bus routes that stop near Bank Street and the Lansdowne area. Check the OC Transpo guide for route planning and fare information. Given January weather conditions, transit is often the most convenient option to avoid parking headaches and icy roads.
If you are visiting from outside Ottawa, consider making a weekend of it. January offers plenty of winter activities in Ottawa to complement your concert experience, from skating on the Rideau Canal to exploring the ByWard Market.
Ticket Information and Availability
Tickets for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - In Concert are available through Ticketmaster. However, primary tickets have been selling rapidly, and some resale platforms report less than 1% inventory remaining. Current resale prices range from approximately $110 to $170 CAD depending on seat location.
Given the scarcity, if you are interested in attending, acting quickly is advisable. Film concerts of this scale rarely return to the same city within a short timeframe. This may be your only opportunity to experience The Two Towers with a live orchestra in Ottawa for years to come.
When purchasing resale tickets, ensure you use reputable platforms with buyer protections. Ticketmaster’s official resale marketplace is generally the safest option, though prices may be higher than other secondary markets.
What to Expect on Concert Night
Doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime for arena events. Arriving early allows you to find your seat, grab refreshments, and soak in the pre-concert atmosphere. The orchestra will be warming up on stage, offering a glimpse of the performance to come.
Once the lights dim and the film begins, prepare for an immersive three-and-a-half-hour experience. The Two Towers clocks in at 179 minutes in its theatrical cut, and with the orchestra setup, there may be a brief intermission. This break provides a chance to stretch, use facilities, and discuss the first half with fellow fans.
Dress warmly for your journey to and from the venue, but remember that TD Place will be heated. Layers are your friend in January. Comfortable seating is also worth considering given the lengthy runtime, so avoid restrictive clothing if possible.
Why This Event Matters for Ottawa
Film concert events of this calibre rarely visit Canadian cities outside of Toronto and Montreal. Having The Lord of the Rings in Concert at TD Place puts Ottawa on the map for major cultural events. It also demonstrates the demand among Ottawa audiences for unique entertainment experiences that go beyond standard movie screenings or arena concerts.
For the Ottawa arts community, events like this encourage broader interest in orchestral music. Many attendees may never have seen a symphony orchestra perform before. Experiencing Shore’s powerful score live could spark a lifelong appreciation for classical and film music.
This event also contributes to Ottawa’s January event calendar, providing a major attraction during what can be a quiet month after the holiday season. Check out our complete guide to Ottawa January events 2026 to plan your cultural calendar, or experience Winterlude 2026 which kicks off just two weeks after this concert.
FAQ
Q: How long is The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers concert?
The event runs approximately 3.5 hours including the full 179-minute theatrical film and live orchestral performance. An intermission is expected to give audiences a brief break during the lengthy runtime.
Q: Are tickets still available for the Ottawa concert?
Primary tickets have largely sold out, but resale tickets remain available through Ticketmaster at prices ranging from $110 to $170 CAD. Less than 1% of tickets remain on some platforms, so purchasing soon is recommended.
Q: Is this the extended edition of The Two Towers?
No, film concerts typically use the theatrical cut rather than the extended edition. The theatrical version runs 179 minutes and provides the complete narrative while allowing for a manageable concert length.
Q: Can children attend the concert?
Yes, children are welcome. However, parents should consider the 3.5-hour runtime and PG-13 content of The Two Towers, which includes intense battle scenes. Young children may find the length challenging.
Q: What is the best way to get to TD Place?
Public transit via OC Transpo is recommended for convenience and to avoid parking challenges. Paid parking is available at Lansdowne Park, and limited street parking exists in the surrounding Glebe neighbourhood.
Final Thoughts
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - In Concert represents a rare convergence of cinema and live music that few Ottawa residents will want to miss. Howard Shore’s legendary score, performed by 250 talented musicians in perfect sync with Peter Jackson’s epic visuals, creates an experience that transcends what either medium could achieve alone.
With tickets nearly sold out and no guarantee of a return engagement, this January 2026 event may be a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Ottawa audiences. Whether you are a devoted Tolkien fan, a film score enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a memorable night out, The Two Towers in Concert at TD Place promises to deliver Middle-earth magic like never before.
Source: Ticketmaster Canada
