USU Youth Conservatory Prepares for Annual Monster Concert on Oct. 28

The Utah State University Youth Conservatory will host its annual monster concert, “Monster’s Halloween Spook-Tacular,” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, in the Daines Concert Hall.

During the concert, youth conservatory students, community students, USU students, and faculty members will come together to perform Halloween piano pieces in an orchestra-like setting, with 15 pianos on the stage.

“It's a spectacle. I mean, this is something that you don't see every day — this many pianos on the stage — and a lot of kids having a lot of fun,” USU Piano Area Coordinator Kevin Olson said.

According to Olson, the Youth Conservatory has conducted its annual Monster Concert since the ’80s. This year the Cache Children’s Choir is collaborating with the Youth Conservatory on a few of their numbers.

Emily Ezola, USU Youth Conservatory director, said concert attendees can anticipate seeing the 288 registered pianists performing in spooky, fun Halloween costumes.

“If you have any kids in your life, you should bring them to this,” Ezola said, “it's very kid oriented and kid friendly. It's not too long. I think it's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.”

According to Olson, the narration, production, lighting, monster mascot and spooky special effects are some of the reasons this concert will be so memorable and fun.

Tickets for the Monster Concert are free to all USU students, faculty, staff, and anyone under the age of 18. Adult tickets are $8 and can be purchased on this site.