Local symphony prepares for Christmas concert
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) - Last month we told you about the first female guest conductor of the Idaho Falls Symphony, but what many people don’t know is the resident conductor at the Idaho State Civic Symphony in Pocatello is a woman.
Linda Larsen got to sit down with Nell Flanders and talk about this opportunity and attend the rehearsal for the famous Christmas concert Joy to the World.
Flanders is not only the conductor of the Idaho State Civic Symphony but a violinist by training. She says she loves her position in front of the symphony.
"When I started conducting, I felt like oh, this is perfect. It brings together all the things I love. I get to make music I get to interpret this these, you know some of the great works of human creative life<" Flanders said. "I'm also a teacher, but with an orchestra, you get all of these incredible sounds. There's so much variety and tambor in an orchestra and to be able to experience that on stage is is extraordinary."
This concert is a collaboration with the ISU concert choir and the community Camerata Singers with chorus master Scott Anderson.
"It's a really lovely mix of familiar carols. People are gonna get to sing along the we have a lot of familiar carols and christmas songs, singing along with the whole orchestra and a choir which for me is just such a fun to experience."
We asked Flanders why someone who had never been to the symphony should go.
"Why should you come to the symphony? If you come once you'll know why," Flanders said. "Because it is such an overwhelming experience the music that we're playing is very beautiful and varied and enlivening. And it just gives you all kinds of emotions, and then to be sharing that experience in a concert hall. The experience of live music is just completely different from your recording and that to have that shared experiences are a really magical and unique thing."
So if you would like to experience the Christmas concert Joy to the World for the first time or continue a beautiful holiday tradition, don't miss the chance to be a part of the experience.
The concerts are Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jensen Concert Hall in Pocatello.
You can get tickets by calling the Stephens Performing Arts Center box office at 208-282-3595 or HERE.
