Halloween Spooktakular at Stephens

By Olivia Gard
Ames247 Staff Writer

Stephens Auditorium will be filled with ghouls, goblins and ghosts at 3 p.m. Sunday. The “Halloween Spooktakular” concert will feature the ISU Symphony Orchestra and Opera Studio dressed in full Halloween garb for the night’s spooky musical pieces. In addition, trick-or-treat candy will be handed out by the performers during intermission. The opera will be accompanied by the orchestra, but the orchestra will also play some musical pieces independently.

“It will be a mix of individual singers singing by themselves, in addition to large chorus [performances] with the full group from the opera studio, and also just orchestra music. It will be a good mix,” said Dr. Jacob Harrison, director of the ISU Symphony Orchestra.

Much of the music featured is meant to entertain audience members with songs from common movies, plays and other recognizable outlets. Harrison also said audience members may recognize music from their childhood.

“I’m looking forward to the different pieces we’re playing,” said Kaitlyn Chase, violinist and concert master for the orchestra. “[There will be] pieces that audience members who don’t listen to classical music will enjoy.”

The auditorium will be fully decorated for the event. The ISU Orchestra joins the Opera Studio for an opera performance every three years, but Harrison said this event is unique. “This is one of the biggest projects we’ve undertaken,” he said.

Harrison has been at Iowa State for about three years, and when asked whether a large Halloween concert has taken place here in the past, he sounded doubtful. “I don’t think we’ve done a full Halloween show like this, as far as I know, yet. I think this is a first, or a first in a long time, at least.”

The audience may also find entertainment from outgoing costumes and characters student performers embrace. For example, students in the orchestra will choose their own costumes. Harrison said the creative outlet provided by this event could prove to be interesting.

“People kind of go nuts over Halloween. You know, given the opportunity to dress up and given the opportunity to create something,” he said.

Chase said her costume choice will most likely be “someone from the ’40s,” and orchestra clarinet player Erin Radach said he is still unsure about his costume plans. On the Sunday before Hallowee,n these students will be dressed to impress as they perform for the 2,747 seats in Stephens with their Spooktakular music.

Halloween Spooktakular concert w/ISU Symphony and Opera Studio
When:  3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30
Where: Stephens Auditorium
Cost: $5 ISU students and seniors, $10 adults