Is there a more iconic or more unsettling movie instrumental song than the theme from John Carpenter’s classic 1978 horror film Halloween? It pulses in 5/4 time, letting the listener know that something is wrong. The sharp notes of the "Psycho" theme are equally unsettling, with the sharp string notes reminiscent of the stabbing knife in the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film. French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’s haunting “Dans Macabre” is a classic interpretation of the macabre song, about the ancient superstition that Death plays the violin and dances the dead from their graves. It was inspired by a poem by Henri Casalis. .
These famous horror anthems are part of the program that spooky music lovers will hear on “Candlelight Yorba Linda: A Haunted Night of Halloween Classics.” Held at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda, the event by global entertainment company Fever will feature live Halloween-themed music by candlelight on October 30th and 31st. . This show is part of a series of events. Candlelight concert fever is bringing Orange County.
“Candlelight has reimagined the orchestral concert experience to appeal to a broader audience, including those new to classical music,” said Wyatt McNeil, Fever’s project manager.
In November, Fever will perform “Tribute to Metallica,” “Tribute to Coldplay” and “The Best of the Beatles” at the same venue. The concerts are designed to bring orchestral music to a wider audience, and McNeil said the company is doing that at some of its properties.
“We have shortened our performances to more accessible 60 minutes and held them in unique venues that go beyond traditional concert halls, offering a wide variety of performances from classical masterpieces to themed shows such as Halloween and tributes to contemporary artists. We offer a wide range of repertoire,” McNeil said. “There’s a show for everyone.”
A Halloween-themed classical music performance at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum will include songs like “Marionette’s Funeral March” and Danny Elfman’s “Beetlejuice” theme.
(Courtesy of Fever)
Candlelight additions aren’t just for the spooky season. Soft lighting makes movie music more moving and creates an atmosphere for different types of music. The show, scheduled for early November at Laguna Beach’s Neighborhood Congregational Church, will focus on the work of German film composer and music producer Hans Zimmer.
“The candlelight atmosphere, coupled with talented local musicians who engage directly with the audience and share their insights about the music, creates an intimate and immersive experience,” McNeil said.
In addition to the aforementioned songs, the performance will also include Charles Gounod’s “Funeral March,” the theme song for Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” and a medley of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
The October 30th show is already sold out, but tickets are still available for two performances on October 31st at 6:30pm and 9pm. Participants must be at least 8 years old, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket prices range from $42 to $76 and can be found at feverup.com.
