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 Lanarkshire News
Enjoy the inaugural Haunted Hatchlings Duck Dash: Curse of the Black Lade at New Lanark World Heritage Site this Halloween
For the first time this Halloween, the quiet world heritage village of New Lanark will gather for a Haunted Duck Race down the 'eerie' Lade, the water channel conveying water to the mill-wheel.
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Motherwell shopper scoops cash for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Autumn events at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MORE
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign
The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MORE
Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol
With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MORE
Zombies break out of M&Ds Scream Park
Shoppers and local businesses in Motherwell's Brandon Street got more than they bargained for when they came face to face with some escaped zombies from M&D's Scotland's Scream Park.
READ MORE
Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it
Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MORE
Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge
Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue
Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MORE
Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season
Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween
Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORE
LAMS announce Charity Partner for We Will Rock You!
Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity ‘The Brian Reilly Music Fellowship’ (BRMF) as Charity Partner for their 2026 Production of We Will Rock You!
READ MORE
Braehead secures SuperPark, Global Leisure Brand, for its UK debut
Global indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MORE
SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MORE
Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month
For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MORE
A new community play celebrating Billy Connolly and his links to Cumbernauld comes to the stage this Autumn
Connolly's Cumbernauld Flourish is a community celebration of Billy Connolly's life and the legendary comedian's connection to Cumbernauld.
READ MORE
Beat the Street CamGlen is go!
Beat the Street, the free active travel game has launched for the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
READ MORE
Autumn adventures await at New Lanark: craft, mystery & stargazing magic
Get ready for a thrilling mix of creativity, mystery and starlit wonder at New Lanark this autumn.
READ MORE
Supreme Queen bring iconic tribute show to Hamilton
Renowned tribute band Supreme Queen will bring their spectacular live production to The Town House, Hamilton, Friday 26th September as part of their nationwide UK tour.
READ MORE
Wedding venue Crossbasket Castle unveils exquisite new menu curated by Michelin starred chef Michel Roux
Scotland's premier five-star luxury wedding destination, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled a new decadent wedding menu crafted exclusively by world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links