The Utah Philharmonia concludes its annual Halloween concert tonight in the U’s Libby Gardner Concert Hall.
This spooktacular event offers “Music from Beyond the Grave” and will be performed tonight only.
This year’s program features a spirited selection of music, including John Williams’ “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park,” “Witches’ Sabbath” from Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Gluck’s “Orpeus,” selections from Disney’s “Hercules” and other fearsome favorites that are sure to please the audience
“The Utah Philharmonia Halloween concert is a campus favorite, featuring the best of Halloween-inspired classics and pops music,” said Robert Baldwin, director of orchestral activities at the U.
Tonya Fullmer, a graduate conducting student, plays the trumpet in the orchestra and will also conduct a few songs.
“My favorite song in the concert would have to be the suite from Hercules,” she said. “It has some trumpet parts that the orchestra doesn’t usually get to play. It’s a nice change.”
Not only will spectators get an earful of spooky music, but an array of orchestra members in ghoulish costumes will be a feast for the eye. The audience is also encouraged to come dressed in costume.
In concerts past, costumes such as a punk rocker, Austin Powers, pirates, the Village People, Batwoman, a Jedi-master, Napoleon Dynamite and the classic Frankenstein have been spotted.
One of the concert’s best-kept secrets, as well as most anticipated, is what festive attire the evening’s conductor, Robert Baldwin, will be wearing.
“Here’s a hint,” Baldwin said, “it’s royalty, in a way.”
Senior teleperformance major Richard Dawson plays the cello in the Utah Philharmonia and said the concert will be fun for everyone.
“The music is familiar and people can relate to it,” he said. “It’s a fun concert-we put away the tuxes.”
The Utah Philharmonia is a full orchestral ensemble made up of 85 members who were chosen from a competitive audition. It is the core symphonic group at the U. The “Phil’s” appearances include performances at the Utah Arts Festival, Utah Music Educator’s Conference and an upcoming tour in Austria in 2006.
The concert will be held tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Libby Gardner Hall. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased from the Kingsbury Hall Box Office.