A Spooktacular Celebration

John Jesensky and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Step into a world of mystery and magic with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Tales of Halloween,’ conducted by John Jesensky. This spine-chilling musical journey features eerie classics and the premiere of Jesensky’s own composition, ‘Tales of Halloween.’ Join us for a hauntingly memorable experience at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Tales of Halloween

An Immersive Musical Experience With John Jesensky

The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts underwent a spectral metamorphosis, becoming a phantasmagorical theater adorned with interactive specters, bewitching decorations, and eerie ambiance. Patrons wandered through the halls, collecting treats and encountering playful spirits as they embarked on a musical journey.

Jesensky’s original composition, ‘Tales of Halloween,’ made its grand debut, intertwining seamlessly with beloved movie scores and timeless Halloween melodies. From the haunting strains of the orchestra to the familiar tunes that echoed through the air, it was a symphonic storybook adventure that captivated audiences of all ages—a bewitching night etched in memory! 

Behind the Scenes

Discover The Making of 'Tales of Halloween'

Peek behind the curtain and explore the creative process behind ‘Tales of Halloween’. From composing spine-chilling melodies to orchestrating a symphonic experience, join John Jesensky on a journey through the making of this hauntingly beautiful performance.

  • Composition Insights

    Explore the creative process behind John Jesensky's original composition, 'Tales of Halloween.' Learn about his musical influences, thematic choices, and the stories that inspired this captivating piece.

  • Orchestration Mastery

    Dive into the world of orchestration as John Jesensky discusses bringing 'Tales of Halloween' to life with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Learn about the instrumentation, arrangement, and the magic of symphonic storytelling

  • Conductor's Insights

    Gain insight into John Jesensky's role as the conductor of 'Tales of Halloween.' Discover how he guides the orchestra, sets the mood, and creates a captivating performance that enchants audiences.

Stay Updated

Lates News And Events

Explore the latest news, updates, and upcoming events related to ‘Tales of Halloween’ with John Jesensky and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. From behind-the-scenes insights to special performances, this section keeps you informed and engaged with all things spooky and spectacular.

Hartford Symphony Orchestra announces 2023-2024 POPS! Series

Hartford Symphony Orchestra President & CEO Steve Collins and HSO Music Director Carolyn Kuan are thrilled to announce the 2023-2024 POPS! Series, to take place in Mortensen Hall at The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford, CT.

John Jesensky '07 Conducts Hartford Symphony Orchestra's Tales of Halloween

The Hartford Symphony Orchestra is, and always will be, my "home orchestra." My very first exposure to classical music was from hearing the HSO in concert. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to conduct...

HSO's Tales of Halloween

Take your seats for a thrilling Halloween celebration with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the Hartford Chorale. John Jesensky leads the HSO through chilling favorites from “Hocus Pocus,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and more – with plenty of shocking surprises in store.

The Hart School

Keep it creepy this Halloween season with Hartford Symphony Orchestra’s (HSO) Tales of Halloween, conducted by Hartt School alum John Jesensky, ’07.

In addition to guiding this musical tour of all things spooky, John will premiere his very own...

Out and About Mom

This Halloween, take a trip through the world of spooky folklore alongside the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Join the HSO on Saturday, October 29th at 3:00pm for Tales of Halloween, an adventurous concert that features hair-raising encounters with the spookiest music written for the concert hall and silver screen!