A Halloween Tradition Continues at the Winspear

By Micha Oostenbrink

Get ready to be spooked as a beloved tradition returns to the Winspear this Halloween!

On almost every Halloween night since 2012, organist Dennis James has performed on the Winspear Centre stage, providing a live organ soundtrack to early 20th century silent films like Phantom of the Opera, The Monster, and more.

This year is no different, with James returning to play the soundtrack for Nosferatu, a film based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. “This is a chance to see the first feature length Dracula film, a silent film from 1922, now fully restored and shown with an organ solo music performed live using the Winspear Centre’s grand Davis Concert Organ!” said James. “What is unique this year, is that I have prepared it from many sources – incorporating the few surviving themes from the original score, together with generic silent film themes from the film’s original release, plus excerpts from the classical organ literature.”

This annual performance is an audience favourite for a reason. With a Halloween-themed drink special and a concert hall full of creative costumes, it makes for a truly unique night out. “This concert presentation provides the rare opportunity to experience the film presented in the way it was seen and heard over 100 years ago," James adds.

When asked about his favourite thing about performing at the Winspear every year, James said, “For me, it's the enthusiasm of the Edmonton audience for each of these silent film with live music programs – especially for the Halloween horror classics such as Nosferatu!”

You won’t want to miss hearing the magnificent Davis Concert Organ at this spine-chilling event on October 31! Tickets are on sale now!