PhilharMonster 2019: What to know about annual Halloween concert

Kids of all ages are welcomed to enjoy the spooky fun and surprises in store at the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra's annual PhilharMonster Halloween concert Sunday, Oct. 20.

>> When is trick-or-treating in your city?

Credit: Chris Stewart

Credit: Chris Stewart

Here’s what to expect at one of Dayton’s most beloved Halloween celebrations for children (and families):

Credit: Apryl Pilolli

THE MUSIC

The Family Series program. led by Artistic Director and Conducter Neal Gittleman, will include Adam Glaser’s “March of the Little Goblins” (featuring a procession of costumed DPO musicians), John Williams’ Parade of the Ewoks,” Michael Schelle’s “VIRUS/This is Not Going to End Well,” Hector Berlioz’s “Ballet of the Sylphs” from “The Damnation of the Feast,” and Igor Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite.”

>> These haunted attractions near Dayton will scare the bejesus out of you

Wright State University alumna Annie Pesch, who most recently starred in a reading of Los Angeles-based playwright Desiree York’s one-woman drama “Fractured” at the Dayton Playhouse, will narrate “Firebird Suite” as adapted by DPO Music Director Neal Gittleman.

>> The best Halloween events to plan for now

Credit: Jan Underwood

COSTUME CONTEST AND ACTIVITIES

All guests are encouraged to wear a costume. In particular, there will be a costume parade before the performance and during the show the audience will have the chance to vote on the best musician costume.

Activities for kids begin at 2 p.m. in the Wintergarden of the Schuster with crafts, treats, a scavenger hunt, a costume parade, and an instrument petting zoo.

>> Celebrate Dia De Muertos Dayton style