Symphony presents silent movie ahead of Halloween

What would Halloween be without eerie music?

Glacier Symphony has a real treat for Halloween tricksters this month with “Nosferatu – A Symphony of Horror,” in Whitefish and Kalispell on Oct. 27 and 28.

The terrifying 1922 classic silent movie is based on Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” and set the bar for modern day vampire myths.

“It’s not just a great horror movie. It’s a poem of horror, a symphony of dread, a film so rapt, mysterious and weirdly lovely it haunts the mind long after it’s over,” says reviewer Michael Wilmington of the Chicago Tribute.

Composer and pianist Rick Friend has written an original score for orchestra and piano that brings to life the spine tingling tale of Orlok, a count from Transylvania who is believed to be a blood-sucking vampire. Directed by F.W. Murnau and starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok, the tale is filled with scary premonitions, creepy coffins and a predictable ending, all expertly illustrated by the orchestra. Maestro John Zoltek promises “Nosferatu” to be a frighteningly and memorable way to celebrate Halloween “and a rare opportunity to experience the creepiness of this early classic gothic horror film accompanied by full orchestra!”

The concert marks Rick Friend’s third appearance with the Glacier Symphony. He previously brought two silent movies featuring Buster Keeton in “The General” and “The Mark of Zorro.” About Nosferatu Friend says, “It’s creepy in a very effective and very subtle way. It gets under your skin. I didn’t even get it the first time I saw it,” he explained in a recent interview with the Spokane Spokesman Review.

The audience is invited to wear costumes and bring their phones to enter a “selfie” costume contest for prizes. Shows will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. at Whitefish Performing Arts Center, and Sunday, Oct. 28, 3 p.m. at Flathead High Performance Hall, Kalispell.

Tickets for the concert are available in a range of seating prices starting at $5 for youth through grade 12, $10 for college age and $27 and $37 for adults in two seating tiers. Buy online at www.glaciersymphony.org or call the GS Box Office, 406-407-7000, open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and located at 69 N. Main, St. Kalispell. Business sponsor for this concert is Plant Land with Season Support by Glacier Bank and Sustaining Support by First Montana Bank.