The South Kansas Symphony (SKS) will return for its 2021-2022 season on Sunday, Oct. 24, for its annual Halloween Pops concert “La Celebración,” thanks to the generous support of Phil and Mary Jarvis. The performance will be at 3 p.m., in Richardson Performing Arts Center at Southwestern College. 

Some musical selections will celebrate the upcoming holiday, Dia De Los Muertos, including “Night in Mexico,” “Huapango del Oso,” and Music from “Coco.”

This concert will also feature the 2021 South Kansas Symphony Concerto Competition Junior Division finalist, Sophie Deng. The 15-year-old is a Stillwater, Okla., native and has already received many recognitions, including membership in the 2021 National Youth Orchestra and first place prizes for the OKC Orchestra League Keith Competition, the American Protegé Concerto Competition, the American Protegé Piano and Strings Competition, and the ENKOR International Strings Competition. She will perform the third movement of Dvorak's “Cello Concerto” in b minor. 

“The concert will conclude with a traditional favorite for our younger audience members: ‘The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra’ by Benjamin Britten,” says Amber Peterson, SKS director.  “This piece is an excellent introduction to all the sections of a symphony orchestra, and includes special features of all the instruments. Dr. Joshua Robinson (assistant professor of musical theatre at Southwestern College) will narrate this piece.”

Tickets for the performance are $10 for adults and free for all children, and can be purchased at the door. Costumes are encouraged for all and door prizes will be awarded.

Season tickets will also be available for patrons who wish to purchase tickets at a discount and have reserved seating for most of the symphony and pre-college string ensemble concerts ($35 for adults and $10 for children). Tickets for the symphony's Chamber Gala, the annual fundraising event, will also be available for purchase as well for $40 per person.