Press Room

HAMPTON ROADS, VA [September 30, 2019] The lobby of the Sandler Center for the Arts in Virginia Beach will soon be buzzing with hundreds of little ghouls, goblins, and ghosts as they collect candy and participate in activities and crafts prior to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Spooktacular concert. This annual event has become a favorite tradition for many families around Hampton Roads and will take place on Saturday, October 19 at 3PM.

The afternoon’s spooky program is all about masks, and features selections from recognizable favorites like Phantom of the Opera, Batman, and Spiderman, as well as Haydn’s Symphony No. 4 in D major and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor. Parents should fear not, though, as this program will be more treat than trick and is perfect for ages 3-10.

Pre-concert activities and crafts will be provided by Music and Arts, Virginia Beach Public Libraries, WHRO, the Virginia Children’s Chorus, and the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, and will begin at 2PM.

Conducting this year’s Halloween Spooktacular is Jeff Phelps, Chair of the Department of Instrumental Music at the Governor’s School for the Arts. Mr. Phelps is also the Music Director of the GSA Orchestra and Artist in Residence at aLatte Café. He has conducted the VSO, the New York University Symphony, the James Madison University Symphony, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Symphony. Mr. Phelps and the GSA musicians have performed at Carnegie Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, and venues throughout Europe and Japan.

The PB&J Family Concert Series is sponsored by Capital Group and the Halloween Spooktacular is sponsored by Cape Henry Collegiate School. The VSO also receives support from the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission.

Tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular are on sale now at virginiasymphony.org or by calling 757-892-6366.

###

As the region’s most celebrated musical, educational and entrepreneurial arts organization, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra continues to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what an American orchestra can be – even as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2020.

At the heart of the VSO’s narrative is innovation.  In 1991 the VSO made a very bold move in appointing the gifted young American conductor JoAnn Falletta as its music director. Since then, the orchestra has received national attention for its unique mission serving a home area of 1.7 million across the diverse communities of southeastern Virginia.  Through appearances at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and commitment to adventurous programming, the VSO and its musicians have been highlighted in the media including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Public Radio and BBC Worldwide News.

As the largest arts performing organization in southeastern Virginia, the VSO and VSO Chorus present more than 150 concerts and events to educate, enlighten and entertain more than 100,000 residents and visitors each year. Recent innovations include health and wellness programs, including interactive therapeutic experiences for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  As it approaches its Centennial year, the Orchestra and its legions of fans look forward with anticipation as the VSO conducts a worldwide search for its next music director.