‘A Kurt Bestor Christmas’ returns to ISU Dec. 18

“A Kurt Bestor Christmas” returns for a third year to Idaho State University at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 in the Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall in the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Bestor’s performance is part of the 2007-08 “A Season of Note” concert series. There are only a limited number of tickets left to this popular show.

This Christmas show captures the spirit of the season with a starry stage, featured musicians and orchestra, as well as Bestor’s own playing, conducting and emceeing. He is perhaps best known for his innovative interpretation of seasonal carols on “Kurt Bestor Christmas, Volumes One and Two.” Bestor has produced 20 CDs during his career including “The Dance,” “ Sketches,” “ Seasons,” “ Evening Angels,” “Noel” and “One Silent Night.”

For more than a decade, Bestor’s film scores, television themes, compositions and carols have provided an indelible soundtrack for American life. Indeed, much of Bestor’s own life has been dedicated to creating musical parallels to visual images.

The Utah-based composer and performer launched his career writing music for television and movies. His credits include more than 30 film scores and more than 40 themes for national TV programs and commercials. It is Bestor’s music that has introduced “Good Morning America,” “NFL Monday Night Football,” and ABC’s “Sunday Night Movie.” He scored TBS’s “Wild! Life Adventures” and the IMAX film “Great American West.”

He also was given the Outstanding Film Score Award at the New York Film and Television Festival for his music for PBS’s “A More Perfect Union.” Bestor was awarded an Emmy for his collaboration with Sam Cardon on the original music for ABC’s coverage of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Bestor’s Web site is www.kurtbestor.com.

Tickets are $30 main level, $26 upper level and can be purchased at the Stephens Performing Arts Center Box Office, open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the school year.

Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at (208) 282-3595 or online at www.isu.edu/stephens.