Halloween concert by Maui’s orchestraSpooky, spine-tingling music; a host of ghoulish musicians; and Dracula himself emerging from his coffin… sound like a pretty good Halloween?
It’s all part of the Maui Pops Orchestra Halloween Spooktacular Concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater this Sunday, Oct. 28, at 3:30 p.m.
Maui’s own community-based, nonprofit orchestra is bringing back a whole new kind of Halloween fun: a feel-good way for Maui families to get in the spooky spirit during the pre-Halloween weekend.
Just like last year, the orchestra (and the audience, if they choose!) will be in full Halloween costume. Renowned conductor Stuart Chafetz, who was recently appointed resident conductor with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for the 2007–08 season, will lead the Maui Pops Orchestra in his trademark enthusiastic style.
“You just never know what Stuart’s going to do!” said Bob Dant, Maui Pops board member. “He’s got this amazing creative energy that really brings the audience into the performance and just makes it a fun time.”
At last year’s Spooktacular, Chafetz stepped out of a coffin dressed as Count Dracula—complete with a flowing black cape, baton in hand—before leaping to the podium to begin the concert. The maestro promises another dramatic entrance this year, but he’s not giving away any secrets.
The concert will feature such spooky favorites as Phantom of the Opera, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Night on Bald Mountain and Funeral March of a Marionette (the theme from Alfred Hitchcock Presents), along with many other familiar numbers that just might encourage audience members to get up and shake their tailfeathers (depending on their costume, of course!). The Castle Theater will have a dance floor in front of the stage for the occasion. Prizes will be given for Best and Most Creative Costume.
“Last year, everyone was on the dance floor dancing to the Monster Mash,” Dant said. “Audience participation is definitely encouraged at this event!”
Special guests joining the Halloween fun this year include Debra Lynn and Jerry Eiting, the Maui Academy of Performing Arts and the Maui Choral Arts Association.
The concert is part of Maui Pops Orchestra’s third season of “Light Classics in Paradise.” Maui Pops is coordinated by a volunteer board of directors made up of many well-respected Maui musicians and members of the island’s artistic and performing arts community. The organization is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of symphonic music, while promoting Maui talent to the broadest possible audience.
With a long history in the islands, Chafetz once served as music director and conductor of the Maui Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, his guest conductorships around the nation include the Honolulu Symphony, the Austin Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the Louisiana Philharmonic and the Virginia Symphony, among others.
As a longtime advocate for young people’s musical education, Chafetz takes every opportunity to bring classical music to keiki. He has conducted programs like the Hawai‘i Opera Theater’s Discovery program and the ‘Ohana concert series for young audiences. During Halloween week, Maui keiki will benefit from a Spooktacular-related educational event, coordinated through the school system and Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s (MACC) arts education department.
“We want to compete with Lahaina for the family fun version of Halloween,” Chafetz said. “Come out on Sunday afternoon, bring your family, and get in the ‘spirit’ with some spooky music!”
Tickets for the Maui Pops Orchestra Halloween Spooktacular are $10, $20, $25 and $35, and are available at The MACC Box Office, by phone at 242-7469, or online at www.mauiarts.org.
Following the Spooktacular, the orchestra’s next seasonal performance will be the Maui Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 3:30 p.m. at The MACC’s Castle Theater.
For more information, visit www.mauipops.com or www.stuartchafetz.com.