A little spooky, a little spectacular, and a whole season of music ahead.

The South Jersey Pops Orchestra kicks off its 2026–2027 season this Sunday, October 25, at 3 p.m. with Stage Fright: The Soundtrack of the Mysterious at Lenape High School Auditorium in Medford. The SJP was founded right here in Medford over 50 years ago in 1969! That's 50+ Years of bringing incredible music to our community!

The family-friendly Halloween "Soundtrack of the Mysterious" concert opens a season exploring the soundtracks of mystery, celebration, wonder, and home, with an additional performance at Collingswood’s Scottish Rite Auditorium bringing Hollywood heroes into the spotlight.

With season passes on sale now, Sunday is the perfect time to start a new musical tradition that is extremely affordable - season passes save you 25% on ticket costs, this is a deal you can't beat!

🎃 First Up: Stage Fright

Under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Robert Bradshaw, Stage Fright: The Soundtrack of the Mysterious brings together Broadway favorites, eerie television themes, classical masterworks, and symphonic rock.

Audiences will hear the theatrical drama of The Phantom of the Opera, the mischievous energy of Beetlejuice, and the ghostly charm of Grim Grinning Ghosts. Music from Wednesday and The Haunting of Hill House adds a contemporary chill, while Michael Jackson’s Thriller delivers a Halloween favorite.

Rock fans can look forward to Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters and the Rolling Stones’ Paint It Black, reimagined for orchestra. <Shameless plug> The latter features Medford resident, principal cellist, and founder of Destination Medford - Abbie Galie, alongside vocalist Samuel McDonald and the Pops’ cello section.

Joining the orchestra are Rada Culciar on electric violin and vocalists Lauren Loo and Samuel McDonald, with featured Pops performers including Emma Gibbins, Jaress Loo, and Andrei Gladkowski.

The program also ventures into the classical macabre with a spectacular version of Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, including a rock-inspired finale featuring Concertmaster Jaress Loo, and electric violinist Rada Culciar, round out the afternoon. Having heard this in dress rehearsal this week - I feel confident guaranteeing that you will be completely wowed by these performances!

🎶 A Season Worth Coming Back For

Sunday’s concert is just the beginning. Here’s what’s ahead:

• October 25, 2026 • The Soundtrack of the Mysterious: Stage Fright opens the season with spooky favorites and orchestral thrills.
• December 20, 2026 • The Soundtrack of Celebration: The Pops’ holiday tradition returns with festive favorites and the joy of making music together.
• April 18, 2027 • The Soundtrack of Wonder: Continue the season with an afternoon devoted to music’s ability to spark imagination and discovery.
• June 6, 2027 • The Soundtrack of Home: The season closes with a musical celebration of home and connection.

All four concerts take place at Lenape High School at 3 p.m.

There’s also a special date to mark: February 14, 2027, at 2 p.m., when the Pops presents The Heroes of Hollywood at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, celebrating music from cinematic adventures and beloved screen heroes.

🎟️ Make It a Season of Music

From Halloween thrills to holiday cheer and beyond, the Pops offers plenty of reasons to keep coming back. Season passes are available now, making this the ideal time to plan a year of live music close to home. Their Christmas show always sells out....so this is a good time to plan for that incredible experience too, before you miss your chance!

Explore season pass options and purchase yours here.

Plan Your Sunday

• When: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3 p.m.
• Where: Lenape High School Auditorium, 235 Hartford Road, Medford
• Single-concert tickets: $25 adults; $20 seniors ages 62 and up; $10 children under 12

Get tickets to Stage Fright