Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Philharmonic invites music lovers and families to “Halloween at Hogwarts,” a magical and spooky concert experience taking place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Koger Center for the Arts. This family-friendly concert, perfect for a festive Halloween outing, will be conducted by guest conductor Yuriy Bekker, the acclaimed Artistic Director of the Charleston Symphony. Bekker will lead the SC Philharmonic in a spellbinding program that combines music from the beloved Harry Potter films with classical pieces that capture the eerie spirit of the season.
The concert will transform the Koger Center into the famed school of witchcraft and wizardry, creating a captivating experience with themed activities in the lobby before the show. Attendees can look forward to hearing iconic music from the Harry Potter films, alongside spine-tingling classical pieces like Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, selections from Bernard Herrmann’s Suite from Psycho, and highlights from Stephen Schwartz’s hit musical Wicked. The varied program aims to entertain audiences of all ages and introduce them to both film music and classical masterpieces in a fun, accessible way.
Yuriy Bekker, who has been a prominent figure in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra for 15 years, brings his expertise as a violinist and conductor to the SC Philharmonic for this special concert. Bekker recently became the Artistic Director of the Charleston Symphony and has a history of leading the orchestra to success as Concertmaster and Principal Pops Conductor. His work has been recognized with the Outstanding Artistic Achievement award from the city of Charleston for his contributions to the arts community.
To enhance the atmosphere, the SC Philharmonic will collaborate with Steve Borders, longtime Koger Center Technical Director, to create exciting stage lighting effects that bring the music to life through color and movement. The combination of familiar movie music and thrilling classical works is designed to make “Halloween at Hogwarts” an accessible entry point into the world of orchestral music for Midlands families.
The pre-concert festivities will feature an array of Hogwarts-themed activities in the lobby, including lightning bolt face painting, interactive sessions with Carolina Wildlife, and a photo station where attendees can pose with “Have You Seen This Wizard?” frames. Costumes are highly encouraged to add to the fun and magic of the occasion.
“Halloween at Hogwarts” will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the Koger Center for the Arts. This event is in-person only, with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $55 in sections named after the Hogwarts houses. While the seating areas bear the names of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, audiences are not required to sit in their corresponding house. Tickets can be purchased by visiting scphilharmonic.com or by calling the Koger Center Box Office at 803-251-2222.
The South Carolina Philharmonic is dedicated to providing live symphonic music and educational opportunities in the Midlands, embracing its role as an essential part of the local cultural scene. For more information about the concert and upcoming events, visit SCPhilharmonic.com or follow the organization on social media platforms.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the magic and music of “Halloween at Hogwarts” – an enchanting concert that promises fun for the whole family!
