Prepare to be Scared with Scary Movie Music

October 17th, 2025

With a chill in the air and the sound of fear, the season of spooks is back. The Omaha Symphony may just be the cause of your next frightful scream or joyful laugh with their upcoming Halloween party, Scary Movie Music, on October 17 and 18 at the Holland Center. A celebration of horror, the party will lure guests into safety with a party full of festive activities before descending into a bone-chilling night of classic Scary Movie Music. 

“This is the first time that we have tried to really have a grown up Halloween party, like because we have a full symphony orchestra,” Richardson said. “It starts off and gets very scary and then it gets more fun as we go.” 

Donned with a dreadful coat of paint, the Holland Center will transport guests from the bustling streets of Omaha to the abandoned halls of a haunted mansion for the party. Decorations and immersive lobby performers will greet guests as they arrive. Omaha Symphony Resident Conductor & Principical Pops Conductor Ernest Richardson says the party will kick off with The Witching Hour at 6:30 p.m. 

“It’s just like this, almost carnival kind of approach to the first part of the show,” Richardson said. “So, you come early it’s really a fun time prior to the concert.” 

The Witching Hour will feature several activities. Each night of the party, guests are encouraged to pull out their favorite costumes for the costume contest. To participate, simply pose in costume anywhere in the Holland Center and email the photo to email@theomahasymphony.org any time before the end of intermission. The inquisitive guest might just catch a glimpse into their future with fortune telling, tarot or bones readings as well as rune readings. Dreadfully themed drinks are available to sip on while admiring the various Lego displays that will be exhibited throughout the center.  

After The Witching Hour commences, the Scary Movie Music concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. 

The symphony will perform music from classic horror films such as “Nosferatu”, “The Shining”, “Psycho”, “Nope”, “Alien” and much more. Omaha comedian Matt Geiler will be hosting the concert, introducing songs and keeping a lively atmosphere. Adding to the chilling performance, the Omaha Symphony will be joined by Resonance, an Omaha vocal ensemble.

“Always, the most important thing for us is how amazing the orchestra sounds and what it’s able to convey,” Richardson said. “So whether you’re praising Satan or worried about the shark infested beaches or, you know, in “Halloweentown”, wherever you are, the orchestra is able to convey just a tremendous array of music.”

Following the hair-raising performance, guests can gather in the lobby of the Holland Center to keep the party going with a post-concert set performed by DJ Brent Crampton. 

For more information about the Scary Movie Music concert, you can visit omahasymphony.org.