POCATELLO — High school singers from across the state will flock to the Gate City this weekend for the 40th annual Choral Invitational Festival hosted by the Idaho State University School of Performing Arts.

The festival, held on Friday and Saturday, will culminate in a final concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Stephens Performing Arts Center at 1002 Sam Nixon Drive, according to a news release.

Over 400 high school singers from 11 different choirs throughout the Gem State will be featured at the festival. They will perform with guest conductor Jake Runestad.

“Imagine 400-plus high school students on stage singing with a famous guest conductor,” Dr. Jeffrey Francom, director of choral activities, said in the news release. “This year’s guest, Jake Runestad, is an internationally renowned composer whose music connects deeply to issues of mental health and well-being. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students.”

High school choirs will work directly with Runestad starting on Friday. They will also participate in clinics and masterclasses led by ISU faculty members, including Jenna McLean, Diana Livingston Friedley and Geoffrey Friedley.

Francom said in the news release that it will be an honor to host Runestad at ISU for this rare opportunity.

“This festival is unique because it involves entire choirs, not just selected individuals,” Francom said in the news release. “Jensen Grand Hall is one of the top performing venues in the country, making this an unforgettable experience for the students and audiences alike.”

ISU choir members will also be performing during the Saturday concert. Other students have an important role in running the event, managing logistics, organizing food and traffic flow and assisting guest choirs.

“Our hope is that audiences will recognize the beauty of today’s youth, despite what we often see on social media and the news,” Francom said. “There is so much good in the world, and it will be reflected in the students performing on stage.”

Tickets will cost $10 for general admission, $7 for ISU faculty and staff, $5 for pre-college students and free for ISU students with a student ID.