Hays Symphony Celebrates Day of the Dead for October Concert

​​​​​​It’s a celebration for all ages—and the entire community is invited! The Hays Symphony will be presenting its annual Children’s Halloween Concert, “¡Fiesta Mexicana!,” on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. in FHSU’s Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. 

Featured for the Halloween Concert this year are the vibrant sounds of Mexico with music by composers Moncayo, Elizondo, and Márquez. This colorful musical lineup honors Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and Day of the Dead festivities.

In José Pablo Moncayo's Huapango, listeners will feel the swirling joy and pride of Mexico's famous fandango, a style of musical composition that practically invites concert attendees directly to the dance floor.

The energy continues with José Elizondo's Estampas Mexicanas, a lively parade of simple folk-like tunes and rhythms. The piece is a statement which celebrates life and all of its colors! Elizondo's "Atardecer Tapatío" (from Danzas Latinoamericanas) draws motifs from Mexican jarabe folk-dance music and the sound of mariachi bands. It is a tribute to the composer’s homeland.

Finally, attendees hear one of the most famous orchestral Mexican contemporary classical music compositions with Arturo Márquez's Danzón No. 2. Inspired by a visit to a ballroom in Veracruz, the wild danzón will close out the concert with thrilling push, pull, and pulse.

Before the concert, parents are encouraged to bring their children in costume to participate in a series of hands-on music activities starting at 1:15 p.m. All pre-concert activities will begin in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center lobby. 

Youth concert-goers can try their hand at violin, viola, cello, and bass in the String Instrument Petting Zoo led by USD 489 teachers. They can also explore the other side of the orchestra and Meet the Woodwinds and Brass Families. In addition, FHSU’s National Association for Music Education (NAfME) students will assist children in themed Día de Muertos arts and crafts. Hays Public Library staff will lead a Musical Storytime. For photo opportunities, there will be a booth curated with fun Día de Muertos, Halloween, and fall-themed props. 

Like in years past, children dressed in the Halloween spirit will be invited to join in the Halloween Costume Parade just before the concert where they will march behind brass players leading the parade. 

Following the concert, the Hays Symphony will be offering free trick-or-treat bags to the first 250 children who came for the afternoon pre-concert activities. The trick-or-treat bags are sponsored by a generous donation from Werth Wealth Management. 

“¡Fiesta Mexicana!” marks the eighth year that the Hays Symphony has put on the Children’s Halloween Concert, an event which invites young people to explore hands-on the world of orchestral music through an afternoon of family friendly activities. It’s one of the musicians’ favorite concerts of the year because they get to share their love of music along with the spooky season, and the orchestra is eager to see the concert hall full of spirit again this year. 

Attendees can reserve free tickets for concerts in advance on the symphony’s website at https://www.hayssymphony.org where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays community.