Erie Philharmonic Presents Cinematic Splendor and Nightmare Before Christmas
- The Erie Philharmonic has scheduled two concert programs for October at the Warner Theatre, featuring both a symphonic opening and a live-to-film pops performance.
- The October 10 symphonic program centers on pieces that evoke strong visual imagery, according to Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape.
- The orchestra shifts to its pops series on the weekend before Halloween with performances accompanying the screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The Erie Philharmonic has scheduled two concert programs for October at the Warner Theatre, featuring both a symphonic opening and a live-to-film pops performance. The orchestra’s 20th Symphonic Season opens on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. with a program titled Cinematic Splendor, followed by screenings of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m.
Cinematic Splendor Opens the 20th Symphonic Season
The October 10 symphonic program centers on pieces that evoke strong visual imagery, according to Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Bobby Pape. The evening opens with music from Khachaturian’s Spartacus ballet. It has all the drama, romance, and sweep of an old Hollywood epic,
Pape said. Guest soloist pianist Evren Ozel then performs Grieg’s Piano Concerto. Pape described that work as instantly recognizable, devilishly virtuosic, and brimming with emotion.
Following the intermission, the orchestra performs Smetana’s Má vlast, including The Moldau, which traces a river’s course through the Czech countryside.
The Nightmare Before Christmas Brings Live Film Scoring to the Warner Theatre
The orchestra shifts to its pops series on the weekend before Halloween with performances accompanying the screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Pape noted that film-score concerts require precise synchronization because the film does not pause for the ensemble. Music Director Daniel Meyer uses a podium video monitor displaying the film and a visual beat to keep musicians timed down to the second. The Philharmonic selected Danny Elfman’s score for its combination of theatricality, dark tone, and musical substance that matches the professional caliber of the orchestra’s musicians.
Ticket Pricing and Venue Logistics for October Concerts
All performances take place at the Warner Theatre, located at 811 State St. in Erie. Ticket prices for both the Cinematic Splendor and The Nightmare Before Christmas engagements range from $19 to $69. Tickets and additional event information are available through the official Erie Philharmonic website at eriephil.org.