From “Harry Potter” to “Practical Magic” to a murder mystery written by Lemony Snicket, there’s something for every music lover at the upcoming Saratoga Orchestra concerts this weekend in Langley and Oak Harbor.
The family-friendly “Music, Magic & Mystery” concerts begin at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at South Whidbey High School and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 at Oak Harbor High School.
An hour and a half prior, kids are invited to participate in an instrument petting zoo, where they can try their hand at a number of orchestral instruments that include the violin, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. Plenty of disinfectant will also be on hand, Saratoga Orchestra Executive Director Larry Heidel said.
Oak Harbor magician JR Russell will be the common thread throughout the concert, popping out between each piece of music to entertain the audience.
“We’re not actually quite sure what to expect from him. He’s kind of a loose cannon, and we like that,” Heidel said. “He’s very creative and he’s got some great antics for the concert.”
Composer Nancy Galbraith’s “Danza de los Duendes” is sure to get people sitting on the edge of their seats with its high energy and percussive sound. “Los Duendes” are malicious goblin-like creatures from South American folklore.
For obvious reasons relating to its filming in Coupeville, there will also be music from the 1998 film “Practical Magic,” which stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Movie fans can also expect to hear a medley of music from all eight “Harry Potter” films.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the concert, audience members will get to solve a murder mystery called “The Composer is Dead,” a collaborative effort between composer Nathaniel Stookey and writer Lemony Snicket. A section of the orchestra murdered the composer, and the audience needs to find out whodunnit.
“We’ve been waiting for the right chance to program this piece,” Heidel said. “In spite of the title, it is family-friendly. It’s a very cute story. It’s got a hint of the macabre because of the whole Lemony Snicket angle of it.”
This year, half a dozen high school students from South Whidbey, Coupeville and Oak Harbor are playing alongside professional musicians in the Saratoga Orchestra, who act as mentors.
Tickets for the spooky concerts are available on the day of at the venues or online in advance. General admission for adults is $30 and $25 for seniors and military. Students 17 and under can attend for free.
For more information, visit sowhidbey.com.
JR Russell is an Oak Harbor magician with plenty of tricks up his sleeve for the upcoming concerts. (Photo provided)
Kids try playing a double bass during a past instrument petting zoo. (Photo provided)
