Strata Unveiled: Live Concert and Album Release by ISCS and the Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet

The quartet will be joined on stage by ISCS Conductor Nell Flanders, Concertmaster Hyeri Choi, and Principal Cellist Eleanor Christman, who each played an integral role in the album’s creation. 

The album Strata is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Idaho State-Civic Symphony and the Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet. Faculty and students from the ISU Music Department’s Commercial Music Program, under the direction of Jon Armstrong, engineered the recording process.

Nell Flanders, says, “this album represents a huge accomplishment for the Idaho State-Civic Symphony and an opportunity to showcase internationally the excellent work that is being done at ISU.”

This exciting event, held at Jensen Grand Concert Hall, will be a unique opportunity for audiences to hear music from the album, as well as works by the renowned Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla and traditional tangos.

The project also involved extensive contributions from ISU students working in marketing and music production, further solidifying the collaboration between the symphony and the academic community. The album artwork and graphic design were created by ISU Art Department faculty member Shawn Edrington. 

Strata was recorded after the February 2024 ISCS concert, where the works featured on the album were first performed. Pedro Giraudo, originally from Córdoba, Argentina, is a Grammy-winning composer and bandleader whose music blends tango, classical, and jazz elements to create a distinct and powerful sound. His compositions are featured throughout Strata, offering listeners a rich tapestry of musical layers. 

The album title, “strata” refers to the idea of layers—just as geological strata reveal the history and complexity of the earth, Giraudo’s compositions unfold in complex, intricate layers of sound and emotion, making the album a symphony of textures and deep emotional currents.

The November 9 concert coincides with the physical release of Strata on both CD and vinyl formats. Attendees will be among the first to purchase the album, while the digital version will be available across all major streaming platforms starting November 1.

This project was made possible in part through the generous support of the Faye Yost White-Forrey Foundation, whose sponsorship enabled this collaboration between ISCS and Pedro Giraudo.

Tickets for the November 9th concert are available now, priced at $30. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ISCSymphony.org or call (208) 282-3595. ISU students are encouraged to attend and can obtain free tickets with their Bengal ID card.