POCATELLO — Please join Artistic Director Grant Harville, Mark Neiwirth, and the talented Idaho State-Civic Symphony musicians as they present another gem in this season’s classical concert series on Friday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jensen Grand Concert Hall of the Stephens Performing Arts Center.

The ISU Chamber Orchestra will provide a brief pre-concert performance in the Rotunda at 6:30 p.m. prior to the opening of the Hall’s doors at 7 p.m. You can enjoy the ambiance of our spectacular home while having a beverage, delicious desserts, and snacks, all available for purchase. So come early, visit with friends, and make it a full evening out at the symphony!

The “Emerald” concert begins on a rousing note with the stirring sounds of Guiseppe Verdi’s Triumphal March from Aida, guaranteed to re-invigorate anyone who has just completed a tiring week. There won’t be any wearing of the green on stage, but you’ll sway to the sounds of the Emerald Isle during Stanford’s beautiful Irish Rhapsody and be moved by the strains of “Danny Boy” imbedded in the piece. Fauré’s Pavane, a beautiful piece first composed for piano, explores the nuances of the 16th-century French dance which lends its name to the piece. Close your eyes and go back in time, picture the flowing and colorful gowns of the women and the elaborate doublets, hose, and jerkins sported by the men as the pairs of dancers bow to each other and execute the steps of this courtly processional dance, the conclusion of which will bring you back to the present and an intermission before the appearance of our guest artist.

ISU Adjunct faculty member and Steinway Distinguished Artist, Mark Neiwirth, celebrates his fourteenth appearance with the Idaho State Civic Symphony when he takes the stage after intermission for Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor.

The work grabs our attention from the opening salvo of the timpani and keeps it throughout the first movement’s amazing complexity. The orchestra and piano shift from madly passionate sections to softly tender ones, functioning as co-stars throughout the piece until the movement’s dramatic finish. The second movement is more quiet and reverential (“Blessed are those who come in the name of the Lord”) but the dialogue and interaction continues throughout some achingly tender passages. The mood lightens for the rollicking third movement, a vigorous rondo which brings this dramatic and powerful piece to a spectacular end.

Mark Neiwirth’s sensitivity, intensity, and feel for drama—qualities which were recognized early in his performance career—are perfect for the power and intensity of this Concerto. As the New York Times review stated after his New York debuts “…[Neiwirth] plays with poised precision, utmost sensitivity and a high feel for drama.” The Washington Post described his playing as “intensely expressive.” We are eagerly anticipating Mark’s appearance with the Idaho State-Civic Symphony under the direction of our new conductor, Dr. Grant Harville, in the performance of this remarkable piano concerto.

Tickets are $32 per adult; $17 for students through high school; third-tier balcony seating is $12; RUSH tickets are available after 7:00 at $17. All prices are subject to additional box office fees and credit card charges. ISU students with valid Bengal ID are admitted free. Please contact the ISU Box Office at 282-3595 or Vickers Western Store, 1460 Yellowstone (237-5700) for tickets and information.