The Caird Hall will awaken from its lockdown slumber for a special Halloween family concert
Children's Classic Concerts in collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra have created an innovative Halloween production that embraces the challenges faced by the cultural sector.
Article Source: Children's Classic Concerts
Last Updated: 21 October 2020 14:10
Image: Owen Gunnell with Lorna Rough RSNO violin at La Bonne Auberge. Credit Martin Shields
Children’s Classic Concerts’ Presenter and percussionist, Owen Gunnell, is preparing to walk the eerily empty corridors of the Caird Hall, Dundee - he’s looking forward to dusting off the cobwebs and unpacking his percussion gear. But, is all as it seems, or is there something strange going on?
In a unique digital presentation of Children’s Classic Concerts popular Halloween collaboration with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, CCC has created an innovative production that embraces the challenges faced by the cultural sector at the current time.
With the Caird Hall opening especially for the filming and for the first time since the start of lockdown, CCC were able to take advantage of an empty concert hall and the technical wizardry that filming affords to create an engaging presentation of orchestral music. Featuring both soloists from the RSNO and a reduced, socially distanced orchestra of 20, The Haunted Concert Hall invites the family audience to view the orchestra as it is rarely seen.
The film will reach families not just in the central belt of Scotland but UK-wide making orchestral music free and accessible regardless of limitations on live performances due to COVID.
Many of the most popular aspects of CCC’s Halloween concert will continue to feature prominently. Students from the University of the West of Scotland have animated drawings created by CCC’s young followers which will feature during ‘In the Hall of the Mountain King’, the RSNO Junior Chorus will appear via a virtual meet up and the much-loved costume competition will go ahead with entries to be posted on the CCC’s facebook page (participants must be photographed whilst watching the film!). The winning entry will receive a private virtual concert/workshop session with Artistic Director, Owen Gunnell
Children’s Classic Concerts Artistic Director/Presenter Owen Gunnell said: “Even though we are sad not be presenting our Halloween concerts live on stage this year, getting let loose in a huge empty concert hall like the Caird Hall was an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Some of the corridors backstage were pretty spooky even before we gave them the Haunted Concert Hall treatment! We can’t wait for families to settle down (not too comfortably of course…) on 31st to watch - hopefully we can spread a little bit of CCC silliness, share some incredible performances and get everyone in the Halloween spirit!”
Director of Concerts and Engagement at the RSNO, Bill Chandler, said: “Halloween is going to feel different this year without outdoor trick-or-treating, so we are excited to be a part of this safe and fun way to celebrate the spooky season, completely free-of-charge for families across the UK. We are so proud of young people across the country who have been so brave this year, but I think even this bold new generation will be spooked by some of the encounters Owen faces in The Haunted Concert Hall. Our musicians and Junior Chorus have had a lot of fun being involved in this performance, as we always do with Children’s Classic Concerts, and can’t wait to tune-in for the concert on Halloween.”
Since 1994, Children’s Classic Concerts has reached 400,000 children and their families. With the aim of providing inspiring and engaging introductions to orchestral music, our concerts encourage active audience participation and sing-alongs, educating young audiences in a fun and informal atmosphere. CCC concerts are devised for children age 4 – 12 but loved by every generation.
Children’s Classic Concerts’ The Haunted Concert Hall will premiere live on CCC’s facebook page and youtube channel on 31 October 2020 at 2pm. It will be available to watch for 30 days. The concert will be free to view but donations to CCC will be welcome via text and paypal through CCC’s website childrensclassicconcerts.co.uk
Supported by Creative Scotland, La Bonne Auberge and Glasgow City Council
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Can you give a pair of PJs this Christmas
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORE
The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
More free parking in Paisley town centre for festive period
Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.
READ MORE
Travelling Gallery transported Paisley visitors to Another Realm
Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire falls silent to pay respect to the Armed Forces
Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Paisley
Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
The Christmas tradition of the year is back...
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links