ISU College of Arts and Letters announces December events

Music Events

• Dec. 1: ISU Chamber Choir Holiday Concert

7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, Pocatello, (202 S. Seventh Ave)

The Chamber Choir will sing “Riu, Riu, Chiu” an anonymous Spanish carol featuring soloists from the choir, Claudo Monteverdi’s setting of “Kyrie” from the 1610 “Missa illo tempore,” “O Come, Let us sing unto the Lord” taken from Georg Friedrich Handel’s “Chandos Anthem No. 8,” the Stephen Paulus setting of “Soñaba” from his “Poems of Love,” the hauntingly beautiful “Lullaby” from “Three Nocturnes” by Daniel Elder and Michael Engelhardt’s rhythmic setting of “Gaudete!” ISU staff pianist Natalia Lauk is featured in performance of the Handel and Elder pieces. Singers from Century High School will present holiday music under the direction of Elissa Jones.

Tickets: Suggested donation of $5

• Dec. 8 and 9: Idaho State-Civic Symphony “Joy to the World: An ISU Christmas”

7:30 p.m., Joseph C. and Cheryl H. Jensen Grand Concert Hall in the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center

The baroque traditional classic “Gloria!” by Antonio Vivaldi is the center piece of this year’s Christmas program.  The compassion in Vivaldi’s heart shines through in the symphony’s performance of this seasonal classic. The night’s featured performers Kathleen Lane and Diana Livingston-Friedley make this holiday performance a true celebration of the collaboration between the ISU chorus and the whole variety of musical offering throughout the season. Choose from Friday or Saturday night, but hurry, these shows do sell out every year.

Tickets: isu.edu/tickets or (208) 282-3595

• Dec. 9: ISU Children’s Choir

1 p.m., Goranson Hall in the Fine Arts Building

Tickets: Free admission

 Art Events

• Nov. 29-Dec. 8: Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Thesis Art Exhibition: Aubri Matkin

John B. Davis Gallery

Hours: Monday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m.

College Events

• Dec. 5: “In Plain Sight” documentary screening

6 p.m., Frazier Hall

“In Plain Sight” is a feature-length documentary that features six modern-day abolitionists as they fight sex trafficking across America. Journeying to six U.S. cities, the documentary opens the viewer’s eyes to what’s happening down the street “in plain sight.” Through engaging interviews with numerous victims of sex trafficking, the force, coercion, and deception of the children and women becomes apparent. In the midst of the darkness, stories of hope and freedom emerge as each survivor shares how she was impacted through the work of a sex trafficking aftercare home. There will be a roundtable discussion following the event.

Tickets: Free and open to the public

• Dec. 6: Elizabeth Smart Keynote Address*

4 p.m., Jensen Grand Concert Hall in the Stephens Performing Arts Center

The abduction of Elizabeth Smart was one of the most followed child abduction cases of our time. Her presentation will not only tell her personal story, but will also discuss topics such as overcoming adversity, the importance and process of recovery and not allowing the past to dictate a person’s future. Local victims’ assistance organizations will be onsite after the presentation to provide the community with more information and resources. A Q&A and book signing will also follow the presentation.

Tickets: Sold out. Visit isu.edu/cal to learn how to live stream the event from home.

• Dec. 7 Voices” dance performance

7:30 p.m., Frazier Hall

Idaho State University dance and theatre students will offer a special performance based on the script “Voices” that tells personal stories written by victims of violence from around the world.  The performance will be preceded by a talk by Christine Hart, an international advocate on women's rights. 

Tickets: Free and open to the public

• Dec. 31: Fifth Annual New Year’s Eve Gala “Fire & Ice”

7 p.m., Stephens Performing Art Center

The Gala is held every year to raise money for student scholarships. The evening’s entertainment will include ISU students showcasing their talents in art, theatre, music and dance. John Abreu, Portneuf Medical Center’s Chief Financial Officer, will play Shostakovich’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” and the Salt Lake City-based cover band The Number Ones will help ring in the New Year with their jazz/funk covers. Food and drinks are included. The New Year’s Eve Gala has raised more than $184,000 in its first four years for student scholarships in theatre, music, dance, art, communication and English.

Tickets: $125 each or $1,000 for a table of 10, available at isu.edu/calgala