Haunting harmonies, mystical melodies and a whole lot of musical magic! The Austin Symphony Orchestra is brewing up something special this Halloween season, with superhero adventures, family-friendly fun and unforgettable live performances.
Austin Symphony Orchestra brings Batman, Halloween magic and musical adventures to Austin
We Are Austin host Sierra Waggoner welcomed Austin Symphony Orchestra CEO Justus Zimmerman and actress Liz Zimmerman to share a preview of the exciting concerts ahead, including Batman in Concert, a reimagined Peter and the Wolf and a special Masterworks performance celebrating Music Director Peter Bay’s final season.
We Are Austin host Sierra Waggoner welcomed Austin Symphony Orchestra CEO Justus Zimmerman and actress Liz Zimmerman to share a preview of the exciting concerts ahead, including Batman in Concert, a reimagined Peter and the Wolf and a special Masterworks performance celebrating Music Director Peter Bay’s final season.
Watch the full video above for a sneak peek at the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming performances!
The Bat-Signal is shining for the Butler Pops Series
Calling all Batman fans! The Austin Symphony Orchestra is bringing the iconic 1989 film Batman to the stage on October 16 and 17 as part of its Butler Pops Series.
Starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker, the classic film features Danny Elfman’s unforgettable musical score.
“It’s going to be fun and exciting and a little bit dark,” Justus shared.
The performance offers audiences an opportunity to experience the beloved superhero film alongside the powerful sounds of a live symphony orchestra.
And yes, Batman costumes are welcome!
Peter and the Wolf gets a magical Halloween makeover
The Halloween fun continues with a children’s concert featuring a creative new interpretation of Peter and the Wolf.
“This is not going to be like anything you’ve seen before,” Liz shared. “We’re reimagining it with the symphony, of course, with the narration, but we’re also adding a physical, visual component.”
Liz Zimmerman is bringing the beloved story to life through narration, movement and theatrical masks, helping young audiences connect the music with the characters and their adventures.
“This is not going to be like anything you’ve seen before,” Liz shared. “We’re reimagining it with the symphony, of course, with the narration, but we’re also adding a physical, visual component.”
Liz will embody the characters onstage using specially created masks by a local theater artist, adding another layer of storytelling to the performance.
Liz will embody the characters onstage using specially created masks by a local theater artist, adding another layer of storytelling to the performance.
Pre-concert activities, costumes and family fun
The experience begins before the orchestra even takes the stage!
Families attending the Halloween children’s concert can participate in special mask-making activities in the lobby.
Children will have the opportunity to choose a character, decorate their own paper mask and use it during the performance.
Austin Symphony Orchestra brings Batman, Halloween magic and musical adventures to Austin
“The whole point of this concert is to activate the kids, get them involved, help them understand how to listen to music, how to tell stories with music,” Justus explained.
And don’t forget your Halloween costumes!
Guests are encouraged to dress up, and the festivities will even include a costume contest.
Austin Symphony Orchestra brings Batman, Halloween magic and musical adventures to Austin
Whether you’re bringing a little superhero, a storybook character or a Halloween-loving music fan, there’s plenty of fun to enjoy.
Inspiring young imaginations through music
Beyond the costumes and creativity, the Austin Symphony Orchestra hopes the children’s concert will introduce families to the magic of musical storytelling.
“Peter and the Wolf asks the audience quite directly to imagine a story and to listen to the music and be able to visualize that story,” Liz explained.
The goal is to help children and adults discover how instruments, melodies and movement can work together to create an unforgettable experience.
Celebrating Peter Bay’s final season with the Masterworks Series
The Austin Symphony Orchestra is also preparing for a special Masterworks performance during Music Director Peter Bay’s final season.
The upcoming program explores the theme of marriage, beginning with a short Leonard Bernstein opera about a struggling relationship.
The second half shifts to a lighter tone, featuring humorous poetry and familiar short musical pieces.
The performances are scheduled for October 23, with a matinee on October 25.
The concert is part of a meaningful season celebrating Peter Bay’s contributions to the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
Experience the magic of live music
From Batman’s legendary soundtrack to the imaginative world of Peter and the Wolf and the emotional storytelling of the Masterworks Series, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is offering something for audiences of all ages.
As Justus shared, “You don’t get to spend time with strangers having a communal emotional experience that leaves you smiling at the end. This is one of the few opportunities to do that.”
Upcoming performances:
October 16–17: Batman in Concert — Butler Pops Series
Halloween season: Peter and the Wolf — Children’s Concert
October 23 and 25: Masterworks Series — Peter Bay’s final season
For performance details and tickets, visit AustinSymphony.org. The orchestra encourages guests to purchase tickets directly through its official website.
For performance details and tickets, visit AustinSymphony.org. The orchestra encourages guests to purchase tickets directly through its official website.