One song was used as the theme music for the hauntingly mysterious television show “Alfred Hitchcock Presents.” Another sets the tone for the iconic, award-winning musical about forbidden love between an opera phantom and an aspiring soprano. A few songs grace the album titled “The 50 Darkest Pieces in Classical Music.”
These songs are eerily elegant, masterfully macabre and part of a new concert collection a local audience will hear at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday during the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony Spooktacular at Mitchell Auditorium on the Lincoln University campus.
For 95 years, the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra has entertained listeners with a variety of classical and instrumental pieces. The board of directors and musicians deeply appreciate the support the Jefferson City Community Concerts Association has given them for decades. Although saddened by the organization’s disbandment earlier this year, the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra is following that group’s wish to continue to provide quality live symphonic performances for many years to come. As a result, the organization has crafted concerts for its 2018-19 season that cater to their audience.
“JCSO is reinventing itself right now and there is a more of a unified effort from all members, board, conductor, supporters and musicians than I have seen in the last several years I have been conductor,” Patrick Clark said, noting the board and orchestra now has a focus to play to the community and involve them more in the music and concert environment. “The programs are not about us; they are about community engagement. The Halloween program is a very community engaged musical celebration. Kids will love it. It allows the orchestra to play some very fun music, and the orchestra loves this too.”
Familiar tunes comprise the Symphony Spooktacular’s set list, including “Toccata and Fugue” that delivers a haunting organ melody, the bone-chilling and bold “Night on Bald Mountain,” the playfully creepy “Funeral March of a Marionette” and Camille Saint-Saëns’ timeless dance of death, “Danse Macabre.” Jefferson City High School junior Shaelen Uthe will play lead violin during Saint-Saëns’ heart-pounding tune.
“It has a big violin solo throughout, and Shae asked if she could take on that challenge. She played some of it with the orchestra during rehearsal, and she played it beautifully,” he said. “This is going to be a fun piece to play.”
Clark said there are many special parts to this concert including songs from movies such as “Harry Potter,” the “Indiana Jones” series and a special tribe to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in honor of the monster’s 200th birthday.
“There are many things you would associate with Halloween in these pieces; some are just great pieces of classical music and others are pop hits that fit the theme,” Clark said. “I think the orchestra is sounding terrific on ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ It is really big, really romantic, really sensuous. The orchestra is surprising me that they are taking it to all of its dramatic suggestions. I’m really excited about that piece.”
Audiences will also see performers from Dancer’s Alley, singer Don Otto, and some fun, unique surprises at unsuspecting moments throughout the concert.
Any Symphony Spooktacular would not be complete without proper Halloween attire. Clark and the orchestra will be dressed in costume, and they encourage everyone in attendance to dress in their All Hallow’s Eve best.
Continuing its community-engaged mission, the Jefferson City Symphony Orchestra will deliver George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” as a sing-along concert for attendees. At 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Mitchell Auditorium, the audience will enjoy the orchestra, Symphony Chorus and soloists from MOstly Opera as they deliver one of the most beloved oratorios.
“Some of our local excellent singers doing the solos throughout ‘Messiah.’ It is one of the greatest Christmas hits of all in classical music,” Clark said.
The season will conclude with JCSO’s annual piano competition winner and Saint-Saëns powerful “Organ Symphony” at 7 p.m. March 19 at Mitchell Auditorium.
“The orchestra is getting better every year,” Clark said. “Anyone who hasn’t heard JCSO in a number of years is in for a treat at any one of our concerts. It is a strong orchestra, and it is truly sounding very good.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. They are available at Capital Music Company, Will West Music and Sound or at the door. For more information, visit JCSymphony.org.