Classical and creepy: ESO's 'Musical Chills and Thrills' concert
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is preparing for a hair-raising concert that proves Halloween isn't just for kids.
"Musical Chills and Thrills" features a full orchestra in a concert with spooky and hilariously funny music. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin.
The concert consists of shorter pieces and a more casual atmosphere. Maestro Andrew Grams will lead the audience through music that haunts the soul while actor Damon Gupton narrates the comedic orchestra instrument tutorial, Lemony Snicket's "The Composer is Dead."
Other classical pieces featured are Arnold's "Tam O'Shanter Overture," Saint-Saëns' "Danse Macabre," Gounod's "Funeral March of a Marionette" and Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain."
A native of Detroit, Gupton held the post of assistant conductor of the Kansas City Symphony from 2006-2008. Gupton received his bachelor of music education degree from the University of Michigan. He studied conducting with David Zinman and Murry Sidlin at the Aspen Music Festival and with Leonard Slatkin at the National Conducting Institute in Washington, D.C.
An accomplished actor, Gupton graduated from The Drama Division of the Juilliard School in New York. He has had roles in television, film, and on stage. Currently, he is a lead of the new television series "The Divide" produced by AMC and premiering in July 2014. On film, he has appeared in the 2002 drama "Unfaithful" directed by Adrian Lyne, "The Loretta Claiborne Story," "Helen at Risk," Sidney Lumet's "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead," M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender," and "This is 40" from Judd Apatow. He is currently starring in NBC's "The Player."
Gupton has been featured as narrator in many venues including The Cleveland Orchestra, The Grand Teton Music Festival, The Memphis Symphony, and on The Videmus recording Fare Ye Well. He also narrated a concert version of Beethoven's Fidelio with David Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
The Elgin Symphony Orchestra offers a fun, relaxing, cultural experience. Patrons can enjoy a drink, time with friends and even shopping in the lobby of the Hemmens Cultural Center. After Saturday night performances, the audience is invited to "Mingle with the Musicians" at the local restaurant, Elgin Public House.
Concert tickets start at $30 and can be purchased through the ESO Box Office, (847) 888-4000, or by visiting www.elginsymphony.org. Student tickets are available for $10 plus a city tax by calling the Box Office at (847) 888-4000.