New Haven – On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Civic Orchestra of New Haven delivered a free, family‑focused Halloween concert at the Yale Peabody Museum’s Central Gallery. Under the looming skeleton of a prehistoric sea turtle, Music Director Nadya Potemkina, dressed as the Cat in the Hat, led the ensemble through a lively medley of beloved movie and TV themes.
Spooky Tunes and Community Connection
The program, billed as “When Music Casts a Spell,” featured recognizable scores from The Addams Family, Tales from the Crypt, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, and even the K‑pop‑inspired hit “Golden” from the film KPop Demon Hunters. Musicians wore playful costumes – skeletons, cats, and other Halloween motifs – while children in costumes ranging from Spider‑Man to a purple‑braided Rumi danced and sang along.
Audience participation was encouraged throughout. When the orchestra launched into the iconic Ghostbusters theme, Potemkina prompted the crowd to shout “Ghostbusters!” on cue, and the hall erupted with enthusiastic responses. The performance also included a lively rendition of the classic “Monster Mash” and a nod to Scooby‑Doo, ensuring that both kids and parents were fully engaged.
Educational Moments Amid the Fun
Beyond entertainment, Potemkina turned the concert into an educational experience. She asked the audience to identify various instruments, highlighting the French horn and oboe as particularly challenging to spot. After the music, the orchestra set up a “petting zoo” of instruments, allowing children to handle strings, brass, and percussion up close. This hands‑on approach sparked curiosity and, as Orchestra President Amanda Hetric noted, may inspire some families to pursue music lessons.
Building Long‑Term Community Ties
Hetric emphasized that the free concert is part of a broader strategy to deepen the orchestra’s relationship with New Haven residents. The season will include a mix of traditional classical concerts and unconventional programs, such as a November show featuring organ and bagpipes and a May performance with tango and the bandoneón. By offering diverse programming and free access, the Civic Orchestra aims to make high‑quality music reachable for all families, regardless of income.
“You never know who’s in the audience or what impact you might have on them,” Hetric said. “Our goal is to plant a seed of musical appreciation that can grow for a lifetime.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the Spooktacular event suggests strong community appetite for accessible cultural experiences. With plans for more free or low‑cost concerts, the Civic Orchestra hopes to continue fostering intergenerational connections and nurturing the next generation of musicians in New Haven.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
