Performers dress in Halloween costumes each year for the annual Spooktacular concert.
Cowboys, princesses, ghosts and other characters will come together to deliver a classical
Halloween performance. 
Courtesy of Public Information
 

Costumed performers, candy and competition meet classical music on Columbia Theatre’s stage for the fourth annual “Spooktacular” Halloween concert. 

The university chamber orchestra will perform pieces from renowned composers such as Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Jacques Offenbach and Grigoras Dinicu with solo performances by five foreign music students. Attendants are encouraged to arrive in costume and participate in the costume contest during intermission. 

“It has grown more and more popular with each year,” said Chamber Orchestra Conductor Dr. Yakov Voldman. “We can consider more music to feature, and more and more we always have a full house.”

The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. According to Voldman, this year’s theme is “Halloween.” 

“Every concert is unique. There are different music and soloists and children and parents having the opportunity to become familiar with the best music we can give and being introduced to new kinds and styles of music,” said Voldman.

Not only do guests have the opportunity to experience a classical Halloween, but also music students have the chance to develop as professionals through orchestra participation and solos. 

“This concert features many beloved and recognizable light classical works, a number of which are highlighting the brilliant talents of some individual student soloists,” said Dr. Kenneth Boulton, head of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Featured student soloists have come to the university from Ukraine, South Korea and Moldova. 

“Not that long ago, I was nervous whenever I imagined that I am on stage because I have never played violin concerto with the full orchestra before,” said Sungkyung Woo, violin student from Seoul, South Korea. “During the first rehearsal, I was totally fascinated by grand sounds of the orchestra. I am really thankful to have an opportunity to play with Southeastern orchestra.”

Vadym Timotin, a violin student from Kishiney, Moldova, will solo in Tchaikovsky’s “Neapolitan Dance from Swan Lake.” 

Timotin gets excited at every opportunity he has to share music and engage an audience with it.  

“I love bringing music to people, because it really makes them happy,” said Timotin. “I can see their emotions while performing, and this is the best feeling for a musician: knowing that the listener is emotional because of the music I am sharing with him.” 

Tickets are $10 for general admission and cost $5 for senior citizens and Southeastern alumni, faculty and staff. Children under 12 and students with an ID can attend free of charge. 

“Many people think  classical concerts are boring; however, I am pretty sure that they would be able to change their mind through this Halloween concert,” said Woo. “The most of music we are going to perform in the concert is not serious and abstract but familiar and exciting.”    

For more information on the Columbia Theatre, visit their website at columbiatheatre.org. To learn more about the chamber orchestra and upcoming performances, contact the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 985-549-2184. 

“I am convinced there are many closet classical music lovers among us. Indeed, many of us know much more of this literature than we think… or admit,” said Boulton. “This concert will give our students and community a taste of many of these pieces, all presented in a really fun and entertaining atmosphere.”