The University Chamber Orchestra, along with a few talent additions, will perform the “Spooktacular II” concert for a fusion of music, movies and Halloween spirit.
The performance will take place Monday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Southeastern’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. The concert will include student soloists, a costume contest, a faculty saxophone solo, a ghost narrator, Halloween candy and guest child musicians from North Shore School for the Arts. The evening’s repertoire will feature a variety of movie-themed music. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed in costume.
“The quality of the Chamber Orchestra concerts is always outstanding, providing audiences with the highest quality and interesting musical selections,” said Dr. Roy Blackwood, Columbia Theatre interim director. “Dr. Voldman has added the element of a Halloween theme, complete with costumes. What could be more exciting for Louisiana audiences than that? I love the event, excellent quality music presented in a beautiful venue in a fun way.”
As indicated in the title, “Spooktacular II,” the concert will be the second annual “Spooktacular” performance. Southeastern students and children under 12 will be admitted free of charge. Southeastern alumni, faculty and staff, as well as senior citizens, may obtain a discounted ticket for $5, while general admission tickets are $10.
The program includes a ghost narrator who will be telling Halloween stories.
The musical selections include scores by John Williams, an acclaimed American composer and conductor, such as main themes from “Star Wars,” “Superman,” “Jaws” and “The Raiders March” from the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Other famous pieces will be performed such as “Lara’s Theme” from “Dr. Zhivago,” and pieces from the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.”
The costume contest will be divided between the categories: 12 and under and 13 and up. Judging will take place during the intermission, and Halloween candy will be given out following the performance.
Yakov Voldman, director of the university orchestra and violin professor, will conduct the evening’s performance.
“This concert is basically for the kids in order for them to get involved into music programs,” said Voldman. “We will have around six young violin players joining the Southeastern Chamber Orchestra to perform on a stage. All the players will wear costumes on stage, and it will be a great show for the audience.”
The young musicians who will be joining the chamber orchestra are provided with a unique opportunity for professional growth.
“Students from the North Shore School for the Arts have been invited to perform, giving them real world experience with highly advanced university students,” said Blackwood. “This is a fabulous opportunity for these young musicians to perform in a first-rate, professional venue with professional tech support and a large, live audience.”
Richard Schwartz, saxophone instructor and director of jazz studies, will perform a saxophone solo of the piece, “Viktor’s March” from “The Terminal.”
Schwartz expressed his excitement for the upcoming performance in addition to his lack of holiday enthusiasm.
“This is going to be fun!” said Schwartz. “I used to enjoy dressing up as Count Dracula as a child, but will probably not dress up.”
There will be four student soloists featured: Desmin Vinnett, tuba; Will Pratt, trumpet; Constanta Lungu, violin and Eunsil Cho, cello.
Vinnett, a senior music performance major, will perform a concerto by Bruce Boughton, an Emmy Award winning TV and film composer.  
 “I decided to perform this particular work because it fits in with the film themes and the Halloween theme as the orchestration gives it a somewhat spooky sound especially with the col legno (striking the string with the wood of the bow) written in the strings,” said Vinnett. “The concert will be an exciting concert as the orchestra and guests will be dressing up for Halloween.”
For more information regarding tickets, contact the Columbia Theatre box office at 985-543-4371 or visit columbiatheatre.org.