Symphony San Jose Hosts Symphonic Spooktacular Concerts

The San Jose orchestra performed a series of costumed concerts centered on the theme of heroes and villains.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Classical

Symphony San Jose Hosts Symphonic Spooktacular Concerts

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Symphony San Jose held its annual Symphonic Spooktacular concerts at the California Theatre over the weekend. The performances featured costumed musicians and a parade that included more than 200 audience members.

Why it matters

The event blends classical repertoire with pops music and audience interaction to engage the local community during the Halloween season. The concert served as a showcase for the artistic staff's thematic presentation of heroes and villains.

The concert series continues a tradition of costumed performances, while the parallel 31 Skulls auction featured 31 artists. One skull art piece created by Erin Salazar sold for $4,500 during the live event held at the Big Arts Building.

The players

Symphony San Jose

This is a professional musical organization that performs at the California Theatre and serves the San Jose area.

Peter Jaffe

He serves as the music director for the symphony and has maintained his tenure with the organization for 30 years.

Bianca Orsi

She is a soprano who performed vocal selections during the themed concert series.

Erin Salazar

She is an artist who participated in the 31 Skulls auction and sold a piece for $4,500.

The details

Orchestra members and Conductor Peter Jaffe dressed as various pop culture icons, including Batman and Darth Vader, to play a mix of traditional and pops music. Soprano Bianca Orsi contributed to the show with performances of songs including Cruella de Vil and Goldfinger.

October 23, 2026: Local Color held the live 31 Skulls auction.
October 24-25, 2026: Symphony San Jose held the Symphonic Spooktacular concerts.
October 29, 2026: Therapy animal parade at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
October 30-31, 2026: Halloween trick-or-treating at San Jose Mineta International Airport.

Industry Dynamics

The event reflects a growing trend where regional orchestras integrate thematic costume elements to differentiate themselves in a competitive entertainment market. This approach follows the pattern set by the 7th annual 31 Skulls auction, which emphasizes localized community-driven art projects.

Attendees can participate in interactive segments like costume parades, which have become a staple of these seasonal performances. Access to the concert series is managed through the California Theatre, while local art remains available for viewing through community-based charity events.

The takeaway

Regional arts organizations are increasingly using immersive and participatory themes to broaden their appeal beyond traditional classical programming. Audiences interested in supporting local artists should look for multi-week community art auctions as a way to engage with the creative sector.

What happens next

San Jose Mineta International Airport will host a therapy animal parade on October 29, 2026, followed by trick-or-treating events on October 30 and 31, 2026.