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The Music of Danny Elfman captures Halloween season

By Samara Caplan and Laura Gauthier on October 15, 2025

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Laura and Samara spend their days as non-profit unicorns and fill every spare minute exploring the world of musical theatre as BFFs (that’s Broadway Friends Forever). Follow @bffs613 on Instagram and Facebook.


Ottawa Pops Orchestra has been a consistent go-to for highlighting the works of major artists and scores. Their newest production takes us into the world of The Music of Danny Elfman as they open their 2025-2026 season at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.

When you think of some of your favourite movie soundtracks and scores, it is almost guaranteed that an Elfman number will make the list. With an illustrious career spanning decades and some of Hollywood’s and audiences’ biggest hits, we can’t think of a better composer to spend your night with.

Elfman’s dramatic, ghostly and sometimes unusual scores underline a plethora of key movie moments. They bring you back to beloved, odd and impactful stories with every single note. You can expect to hear music from fan favourites, including Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Edward Scissorhands, among many others.

“Conducting a concert dedicated to Danny Elfman is both exhilarating and dizzying,” shares conductor Jonathan Dagenais. “[Elfman’s] soundscape, perched between darkness and fantasy, plunges us into a place where the grotesque becomes poetic and eccentricity reveals unexpected beauty…this concert is a true celebration of imagination, whimsy and wonder—an invitation to step into a world where every note tells a story.”

Ottawa Pops Orchestra has always made its performances approachable and accessible. For families, aficionados, and those new to orchestra performances, all will feel welcome.

The orchestra, accompanied by a choir, is set to elevate the cinematic nature of Elfman’s pieces. We can’t think of a better treat than to hear these epic scores performed live. With performances just two weeks before Halloween, Elfman’s spooky sounds are the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit.

Grab your tickets and see the magic of a live orchestra as you descend into the world of Danny Elfman.


Ottawa Pops Orchestra’s The Music of Danny Elfman takes place on October 17 at 7:30 pm and October 18th at 7:00 pm, with a matinee performance at 2 pm on Saturday. Tickets range from $40 – $70, with reduced prices available for those under 30.


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