This year, like every year since 1977, the University Symphony and University Philharmonia Orchestra are coming together to play fan-favorite spooky autumnal songs at the beautiful Hill Auditorium. I had the pleasure of attending the Halloween Concert for the first time last fall, and as soon as it ended, I started looking forward to this October.
Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes to the performance, and it was truly a joy to listen to a masterful rendition of “Cinderella’s Waltz” while sitting next to Mario and Luigi. As a violinist myself, I’ve rarely seen entire families wholeheartedly enjoying orchestral music the way they did at the Halloween concert. The excellent music combined with the funny interludes and audience participation made for a wholesome, fun experience.
The performers themselves were in costume and, between songs, the directors would enact a short skit as they switched off. The mini sketches were hints to the songs that were coming next. My personal favorites were the orchestra’s renditions of Psycho Suite and the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean. Even from my seat in the back of the auditorium, the sound quality was crisp and all-encompassing.
Of course, no University of Michigan Halloween Concert is complete without the famous “Ghostbusters” theme song, played at the end of every Halloween Concert. Everyone excitedly shouted back the refrain to the musicians’ “Who you gonna call?” in what was a lively finale.
Halloween Concert
Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 2:00 PM
Hill Auditorium
Reserved Seating $25 / $20 / $11
Presented by School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD)
The Halloween Concert is for lovers of all things fall and orchestral. There’s no age limit for timeless Halloween fun. Put on a costume, grab your friends and family, and head to Hill Auditorium on October 31 for probably the best classical concert you will ever attend.
Staff and students of the University can attend for free with the Staff Explorer Pass and Passport to the Arts, respectively.
