The Ottawa Pops Orchestra Presents: The Music of Danny Elfman
LIVE Featuring a Full Orchestra and Choir under the direction of Jonathan Dagenais
Ottawa, ON – October 8, 2025 – The Ottawa Pops Orchestra is thrilled to open its 2025–2026 season with The Music of Danny Elfman! An immersive concert celebrating one of Hollywood’s most distinctive and imaginative composers. Fans of Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Edward Scissorhands, beware — this concert is as strange as it is unforgettable!
“Conducting a concert dedicated to Danny Elfman is both exhilarating and dizzying,” says conductor Jonathan Dagenais. “His soundscape, perched between darkness and fantasy, plunges us into a place where the grotesque becomes poetic and eccentricity reveals unexpected beauty. With the Ottawa Pops Orchestra, our goal is to capture that unique atmosphere — a mix of mystery, irony, and raw emotion so typical of Elfman and Tim Burton’s collaborations.
His music is full of contrasts: it laughs, trembles, and soars all at once. It’s profoundly expressive and theatrical — music that demands to be experienced as much as heard. This concert is a true celebration of imagination, whimsy, and wonder — an invitation to step into a world where every note tells a story.”
Adding to the excitement, Artistic Director Mathieu Roy shares:
“Halloween is my Christmas. Over the years, I think I’ve dressed up as almost every Tim Burton or Johnny Depp character imaginable: Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, the Mad Hatter… So programming this concert feels like a dream come true. Elfman’s music is fiendishly difficult and fantastically original; he helped define the very sound of Halloween we hear across pop culture today. While he may not have the same household name as John Williams or Hans Zimmer, his themes are absolutely iconic — they’ve shaped an entire generation of film music. And since this concert takes place just one week before Halloween, we’re inviting everyone to join the fun and come in costume!”
The choir, prepared by Chorusmaster Laurence Ewashko, and music director of the Ewashko Singers, plays a central role in this performance — singing in almost every piece and serving as a vivid extension of Elfman’s cinematic imagination.
“The chorus in this program is almost a character of its own,” says Ewashko. “Elfman uses the human voice to create atmosphere — to whisper, chant, or burst into sound that feels alive. At times, the singers become ghosts, at others, storytellers or echoes from another world. It’s thrilling music to perform, and it adds an extra layer of color and drama to the orchestra’s already spectacular sound.”
This concert offers something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned concertgoer or attending a live orchestra performance for the very first time. Fans are encouraged to come as they are, ready to immerse themselves in the music. Make an evening of it! The intermission bar will be open one hour before and after the performance, with a new spooky look for the occasion!
Showtimes
Friday, October 17 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 18 – 2:00 PM
Saturday, October 18 – 7:00 PM
All performances will take place at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (355 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON).
Tickets for The Music of Danny Elfman are available online through the OPO’s website and Eventbrite. Audiences are encouraged to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment, as availability may be limited at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Ottawa Pops Orchestra's website.
Media Information:
Members of the media are invited to attend the dress rehearsal on Thursday, October 16, from 7:00–10:00 PM at Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (355 Cooper St, Ottawa) to capture footage or photos of the event.
In-person interviews on October 16 should be pre-scheduled and will take place between 6:00–7:00 PM. Jonathan Dagenais (Conductor) and Mathieu Roy (Artistic Director) are available for both in-person and phone interviews.
Additionally, a small group of musicians can be made available for an on-air performance upon request.
About the Ottawa Pops Orchestra
The Ottawa Pops Orchestra is dedicated to bringing diverse and engaging musical experiences to audiences in the Ottawa area and beyond. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, the orchestra strives to redefine the concert experience and inspire a new generation of music enthusiasts.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Mathieu Roy
Artistic Director, Ottawa Pops Orchestra
Email: mathieu.roy@ottawapopsorchestra.ca
Phone: 613-793-3998
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