There’s a spooky new tradition coming to the Flint Symphony Orchestra on Oct. 26 — this year’s Frightfully Fun Pops Halloween concert is sure to bring haunts, howls and a whole lot of fun to the community.

FSO Manager Michelle Tschirhart wanted to implement a Halloween concert since she started in her role last year.
“It’s just a hoot. Everybody dresses up — the musicians, the conductor, the audience. We’ll play very familiar tunes from the classical repertoire as well as some songs from popular spooky movies,” she said.

Aside from the festive fun, this is a more approachable event than what one might typically find in the concert hall.
“You don’t have to come and sit and be quiet. We encourage people to dress up, cheer and get into the Halloween spirit,” explained Tschirhart.

Children of all ages are welcome (whereas kiddos under the age of five are not recommended to attend an average FSO concert), and ghouls and goblins (and humans) under age 12 get in for free with an adult.

Additionally, the concert will be a Sunday afternoon matinee, making it more accessible for families. Tschirhart says to expect trick-or-treating and other frightfully fun activities incorporated into the afternoon.

Abdiel Vázquez, guest music director and conductor, said that this type of programming is a great way to break down barriers and bring families into the concert hall.

“It is an excellent way to bring in newer audiences, including young people and families with children,” said Vázquez.

“Plus, it’s not very long and at a perfect time of the day for people to follow up with some other activity, like going out to eat.”

Tschirhart mentioned a quote from her former youth orchestra director, Ben Zander, who now gives TED talks: “Everyone loves classical music, they just don’t know it yet.”

“This will be a great way for us to get involved with the community and get adults and kids of all ages to come have a good time with the symphony,” she said.

The FSO Frightfully Fun Halloween Pops concert takes place at 3pm in Whiting Auditorium. Tickets
for children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket, and costumes are encouraged!

The FSO Frightfully Fun Halloween Pops concert takes place at 3pm in Whiting Auditorium. Tickets
for children 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket, and costumes are encouraged! Tickets are available by calling the FIM Ticket Center at 810-237-7333, stopping by a box office location at Whiting Auditorium or Capitol Theatre, or clicking on the event below.