6 minute read
Celebrating Idaho Art
BY TIM ATWELL
Idaho Opera soprano Cecilia Violetta Lopez shares her talents at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts.
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When people think about Idaho, they almost certainly think of potatoes–but what they should also note is our vibrant art scene, which offers a variety of visual, performance, music, theater, architecture, and almost any other art you can think of. In the mood to see something beautiful? We’ve got you covered. Stir your consciousness
It is impossible to watch a great ballet performance without feeling a stir of consciousness. The powerful combination of human movement and sound elevates dance to a high art form–an art form that has been celebrated for 50 years by Ballet Idaho.
As a nonprofit organization, Ballet Idaho is dedicated to training and showcasing the top ballet talent in the state. The dancers from Ballet Idaho can be found sharing their talents on a mix of stages around town, most notably including large shows at the Morrison Center.
During recitals and performances, Ballet Idaho partners with musicians from the Boise Philharmonic to provide live music for the dancers. The result is a combination of visual and auditory art that celebrates beauty, grace, and athleticism.
So it’s never been easier to enjoy the talents of the Boise Philharmonic, the group of nearly six dozen talented musicians who collaborate to bring immersive orchestra concerts to audiences around the Treasure Valley.
Ballet is for everybody. I think there tends to be a sense that it might be a little bit unapproachable as an art form. But it’s simply telling stories and conveying human emotions through movement.
Ballet Idaho performs Swan Lake for its 50th Anniversary season / Karen Day
Boise Philharmonic / Brooke Burton
Not only do they perform at some of the area’s premier venues, including the Morrison Center, JUMP, and the Grove Hotel, but they also now offer a Digital Stage where listeners can tune in to a collection of concert videos from their own digital devices.
Led by Director Eric Garcia, who is known for his elegant and expressive conducting, the Boise Philharmonic regularly thrills audiences with a mix of classic and contemporary pieces.
In addition to their professional performances, the Philharmonic also supports music education for young musicians and secondary programs.
Act out
The Boise Contemporary Theater, unlike some of the larger stages in town,
is built for a more personal experience. Just over 200 seats form a cozy environment around the stage, with the front row seats close enough to feel as though they are right in the middle of the action.
Boise Contemporary Theater is the only nonprofit theater in the area dedicated to producing a full lineup of contemporary shows, which fill a
50 Anniversary th
Mozart in Motion
November 4-6, 2022
The Nutcracker
December 9-18, 2022
Anthology
February 9-12, 2023
Swan Lake
May 4-7, 2023
tickets at balletidaho.org
slightly more experimental space than classic shows, allowing Boise Contemporary Theater to carve out a special niche in the Boise arts community.
Since it was founded in 1997, Boise Contemporary Theater has produced thought-provoking contemporary pieces to create transformational experiences for its audience.
The proximity to dozens of restaurants and bars within walking distance can easily turn an outing to a contemporary theater show into a full evening event for those looking to explore everything downtown Boise has to offer.
If you’re feeling outdoorsy in a sort of indoorsy way, check out the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, with a 2022 lineup that includes classics such as Romeo & Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing, as well as performances of more contemporary shows such as Little Shop of Horrors and Ain’t Misbehavin’, a show celebrating the legendary jazz musician, Thomas ‘Fats’ Walker.
BCT offers an exceptional repertoire of theater. / Karen Day
Boise
Contemporary
For the 2022 season, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival has partnered with City of Good to cater food and beverage. City of Good is a nonprofit organization that provides meals to people in the community who are experiencing food insecurity.
The idyllic venue and setting of the Shakespeare Festival provide a unique outdoor experience to watch live plays.
“We’re located in a nature reserve; there are birds flying overhead, there’s incredible food. You can bring anything you want from home to eat and drink,” says Hannah Read Newbill, director of marketing at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. “You’ll be absorbed by the incredible, immersive surroundings. It’s like you got really out of town without having to travel very far.”
Proud to be the City of Boise 22|23 Cultural Ambassador
22|23 Mainstage Season
The Persistent Guest
by Jodeen Revere Oct 12 - 29, 2022
Sweat
by Lynn Nottage Jan 25 - Feb 11, 2023
Tiny Beautiful Things
based on the book by Cheryl Strayed Adapted by Nia Vardalos Mar 8 - 25, 2023
The Christians
by Lucas Hnath Apr 19 - May 6, 2023
A special holiday add-on presented in conjunction with Opera Idaho
All is Calm
The Christmas Truce of 1914
by Peter Rothstein Vocal Arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach Nov 30 - Dec 18, 2022
The Idaho High School Theater Awards sends two lucky winners to New York City! / Courtesy of Morrison Center
Appreciate an out-of-towner
For nearly 40 years, the Velma V.
Morrison Center for Performing
Arts has been a staple of performing arts in downtown Boise. Located along the river on the west side of Boise State’s campus, the 2,000-person-capacity venue hosts broadway plays, concerts, and other performances of all genres year-round.
This year’s shows include a wide mix of genres including concerts, comedians, and Broadway shows featuring Idahoans, out-of-towners, and everyone in between.
No matter what show is playing, the Morrison Center for Performing Arts is a comfortable, friendly venue known for bringing together people from all over the community.
“I think anytime you get to see something live it’s exhilarating. As you get ready for the curtain to go up and the show to start, it’s just that excitement and anticipation,” says Alana Lynn, associate director of marketing communications at the Morrison Center for Performing Arts. “I think that the arts as well as music have such a way to be able to transform and transport people and make people feel something.”
Music Director Eric Garcia
boisephil.org
Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s outdoor amphitheater / Courtesy Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Summer-Long Theater Family Nights Café Shakespeare by City of Good Facility Rentals & Catering Mini-Concerts Summer Camps School of Theater
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! idahoshakespeare.org
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