The BPO invites families to a ghoulishly delightful Symphonic Spooktacular, conducted by Fernanda Lastra. This concert is a Halloween adventure, blending eerie musical classics with lighthearted fun, perfect for kids and adults alike. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best for a costume parade across the iconic Kleinhans stage. From mysterious melodies to spooky sounds, the orchestra will perform a selection of music that captures the spirit of the season, creating an enchanting atmosphere where imaginations can run wild. Join us for an afternoon where music and magic meet, making for a memorable Halloween experience for the entire family.

Program

Fernanda Lastra, conductor
Brandon Williamson, narrator

KHACHATURIAN  Three Dances from Gayane
III. Sabre Dance
BEETHOVEN  Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, “Pastoral”
IV. Allegro (Thunderstorm)
ALAN MENKEN / arr. Ted Parson  Selections from The Little Mermaid
HANS ZIMMER / arr. Ralph Ford  The Dark Knight Rises
DANNY ELFMAN / arr. Kevin Riley  “This is Halloween” from The Nightmare Before Christmas
JOHN WILLIAMS  “Double Trouble” from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
JOHN POWELL / arr. Sean O’Loughlin  Suite from How to Train Your Dragon
STRAVINSKY  Suite from The Firebird (1919 revision)
III. Infernal Dance of King Koschei
BOBBY PICKETT / arr. Kevin Riley  The Monster Mash
–COSTUME PARADE–
GOUNOD  Funeral March of a Marionette

About Brandon Williamson, narrator

Brandon Williamson was born and raised in Buffalo. A proud SUNY Fredonia graduate, Brandon has made it his life goal to reach out to students in inner city neighborhoods similar to the one he grew up in, painting a path for them to follow to their future. In this process, Brandon spent time as a high school teacher before creating the Pure Ink Poetry Slam.

As the only monthly running poetry slam in Buffalo, the Pure Ink Poetry Slam caters to the community of poets in the area, as well as authors, musicians, dancers, and comedians. Brandon works hard to build a community of art that everyone can be a part of. He has facilitated writing and performance workshops for organizations like Planned Parenthood, Teen Reality Theatre, Buffalo Public Schools, Summer School of the Arts, University at Buffalo, Buffalo State University, and more.

Brandon has performed, competed, won, and been featured in poetry slams throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ontario, Michigan, California, and most recently, Berlin and other parts of Europe.