It’s that time of year again … the air is cooler, the costumes are coming out and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Symphony Orchestra is gearing up for its annual Halloween Concert.
The concert will take place Thursday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. in Angelle Hall Auditorium. It’s one of the University’s favorite fall traditions, combining music, costumes and a touch of Halloween magic for a night that’s both entertaining and educational.
Each year, the event draws students, faculty and members of the Lafayette community who come together to celebrate the season through live music. Audience members are encouraged to arrive in costume, adding to the fun atmosphere that makes this concert stand out from a typical symphony performance.
This year’s program features works by Modest Mussorgsky, Edvard Grieg, John Williams, Leroy Anderson and Hector Berlioz. The selections range from hauntingly dramatic to lighthearted and whimsical, blending classical pieces with familiar film music that appeals to all ages.
Highlights include Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.” Both pieces paint vivid musical scenes that fit the Halloween theme perfectly, moving from dark, mysterious passages to powerful, energetic finales that showcase the full sound of the orchestra.
Adding to the spectacle, dancers from The Ballet Studio’s elite group will join the Symphony for two playful numbers. They’ll perform as trolls for “In the Hall of the Mountain King” and as chicks for “The Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks.” The collaboration adds color and motion to the music, turning the concert into a visual and musical treat.
The Symphony’s Halloween Concert is more than a show, it’s a creative way to make classical music accessible to everyone. Between pieces, the conductor will take time to share a bit about each composition, giving the audience insight into the composers’ stories and styles. These short explanations help make the concert both fun and educational, especially for those new to orchestral music.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and free for those with a valid UL Lafayette ID. They can be purchased at the door starting at 6 p.m. on the night of the concert. All proceeds go toward supporting the UL Lafayette Symphony Orchestra program, which funds student performances, scholarships and future productions.
The UL Lafayette Symphony Orchestra is open by audition to string, wind, brass and percussion players. Throughout the year, the group performs a mix of classical masterworks, new compositions and collaborative projects such as musicals and operas. Over time, the Halloween Concert has become one of the Symphony’s most anticipated events. It brings together the University and the local community for an evening that celebrates music, creativity and school spirit. The combination of classical works, costumes and collaboration captures the playful side of the orchestra while highlighting its dedication to musical excellence.
Whether you’re a classical music fan, a student looking for something festive to do or just someone who loves Halloween, this concert promises a good time.
Michael Blaney, director of Orchestral Activities and conductor of the UL Lafayette Symphony Orchestra said, “We will have more than 70 musicians on stage, performing alongside dancers and a stunning visual imagery presentation. The program features Halloween-themed music played by a full symphony orchestra, making it a truly unique and immersive concert experience.”
So grab your costume, bring your friends and head to Angelle Hall on Oct. 30th for a night of Halloween fun and musical whimsy.