Introducing classical music to your children at an early age can have a great and positive effect on their musical interests. With Halloween around the corner, what could be a more fun way to do that than to take them to a Classical Music Halloween performance? In cities all over the United States, symphony orchestras are preparing for a much younger audience. Some orchestras go so far as to dress up in full costume! These Halloween concerts are sure to bring joy and excitement to all ages.

1. Philhar-Monsters, Omaha Symphony

• When: Sunday, October 29, 2006, 2:00 PM
• Where: Holland Performing Arts Center - Omaha, NE
• Conductor: Ernest Richardson

Along with spooky Halloween music, magician, Keith West, will perform magic tricks, ensuring for a fun-filled afternoon.More »

2. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Clark Wilson

• When: Tuesday, October 31, 2006, 8:00 PM
• Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall - Los Angeles, CA
• Organist: Clark Wilson

This is a great concert for children over 13. Renowned organist, Clark Wilson returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall to simultaneously perform the soundtrack to the classic silent film, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.More »

3. The Haunted Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra

• When: Sunday, October 29, 2006, 2:30 PM
• Where: The Meyerson Symphony Center - Dallas, TX
• Dan Kamin: actor; Danail Rachev: conductor

This Dallas Symphony Orchestra family Halloween tradition features a lively and comedic performance by musical comedian, Dan Kamin. Be sure to show up early in your best costume for pre-performance activities.More »

4. A Magic Halloween, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

• When: Sunday, October 29, 2006, 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM
• Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall - Atlanta, GA
• Conductor: Jere Flint

Conductor, Jere Flint as Merlin the Magician, takes his audience on a wild ride featuring many famous works including William's "Harry's Wondrous World" from Harry Potter and Mancini's "The Pink Panther."More »

5. Hallowed Haunts, The Civic Orchestra of Chicago

• When: Saturday, October 28, 2006, 3:00 PM
• Where: Symphony Center - Chicago, IL
• Conductor: Richard Kaufman

Recommended for ages 5 and up, this spooky Halloween concert features many famous works including selections from Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. Concert festivities begin at 1:30 PM.More »

6. Halloween High Jinks, Utah Symphony

• When: Monday, October 30, 2006, 7:00 pm
• Where: Abravanel Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
• Conductor: Scott O'Neil

A popular family tradition of the Utah Symphony, this year's Halloween High Jinks concert marks their 16th year of performing high quality music for Halloween. Be sure to dress up for a chance to win great prizes.More »

7. Halloween Spooktacular, Toledo Symphony

• When: Sunday, October 29, 2006, 3:00 PM
• Where: Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle - Toledo, OH
• Conductor: Chelsea Tipton II

This exciting Halloween concert looks like it will be a blast. Children can dress in costume and participate in the on stage costume parade. This year's concert will be performed by the Phantoms of the Orchestra with the Magic Circle Mime Co.More »

8. Halloween Family Concert, Dubuque Symphony Orchestra

• When: Sunday, October 29, 2006, 2:00 PM
• Where: Five Flags Theater - Dubuque, IA
• Conductor: William Intriligator

Featuring music from Prokofiev?s classic tale of "Peter and the Wolf," special guest, radio personality Paul Hemmer as narrator, and dancers from the Heartland Ballet, this Halloween Family Concert promises to an enjoyable experience for young and old. Don't forget about the pre-concert activities!More »

9. Marvin's Halloween Monster Mash, NSO Pops

• When: October 26 - 28, 2006, 7:00 PM (26th & 27th) 8:00 PM (28th)
• Where: Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington D.C.
• Conductor: Marvin Hamlisch

Works like Mussorgsky's A Night on Bald Mountain, selections from Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, King Kong, and Psycho (and many more) make up this exciting program. Children and adults alike are encouraged to attend in costume. This looks to be an evening of great fun.More »

10. Halloween Spooktacular, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

• When: Sunday, October 29, 2006, 2:00 PM
• Where: Eastman Theatre - Rochester, NY
• Conductor: Jeff Tyzik

Another great Halloween concert for children. As always children are encouraged to dress in costume. Costumed musicians will take you on a Halloween journey with well-known spooky classical and contemporary works.More »