ASO Halloween Children's Concert - 2024

The Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) invites families to its annual Halloween Children's Concert, transforming the Long Center's Dell Hall into a festive and interactive environment designed for kids aged 4-11. This year's theme, 'Chills and Thrills,' promises to deliver a mix of enjoyable and spooky experiences, making it a delightful event for young attendees.

Highlighting this year's concert is 'The Composer is Dead,' a creative collaboration between composer Nathaniel Stookey and author Lemony Snicket, known for his captivating storytelling. The concert, led by Assistant Conductor Pablo Zamora and featuring Austin actor Andre Martin, presents a fun murder mystery where each musician in the orchestra becomes a suspect, engaging children with a thrilling storytelling approach intertwined with symphonic music.

Pre-concert activities will kick off at 2:00 pm on the H-E-B Terrace, featuring a variety of engaging options such as musical crafts, games, and an Instrument Petting Zoo, allowing children to explore music in an interactive format. Following these activities, the one-hour narrated concert will begin at 3:00 pm in Dell Hall, providing an entertaining and immersive experience for young audiences.

Attendees are encouraged to come in costumes, as many orchestra members will also participate, and there will be a Spooktacular Costume Contest with various categories such as The Scariest and The Most Original. This adds an additional layer of excitement to the event, with prizes awarded during the concert.

The event is specifically designed for children ages 4-11, and the ASO advises against bringing younger children, as they may distract from the experience intended for the older audience. For families who do choose to attend with infants or toddlers, it is requested that they be prepared to step out if noise levels rise above a whisper, as the concert's soft symphonic music requires attentive listening. The ASO appreciates the cooperation of all attendees in enhancing the experience for everyone, with a reminder that tickets are necessary for everyone entering the performance hall.