ISU Invites Community to Free Opera Preview Ahead of Elementary School Outreach

A free, interactive program at Idaho State University will give community members a chance to explore opera while getting a preview of an outreach project headed to local elementary schools.

ISU music students will present a public dress rehearsal at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, in Goranson Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The 50-minute program introduces children to opera and is open to the public.

The rehearsal is part of an outreach effort that will bring four free performances to students at Tendoy, Jefferson and Lewis and Clark elementary schools. ISU voice majors and minors prepare the program through a class, rehearsing weekly while learning repertoire and developing an interactive introduction to the art form.

“Not only are the elementary school children introduced to opera, but our own students learn a variety of repertoire through the programming,” said Diana Livingston Friedley, ISU professor of music.

The project connects university music instruction with opportunities for young audiences to experience opera in their schools. Elementary schools receive the performances at no cost.

The Nov. 12 dress rehearsal offers families, educators and other community members an opportunity to experience the program and learn more about ISU’s music outreach.

Event information

What: Free public dress rehearsal of ISU’s interactive opera outreach program
When: 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12
Where: Goranson Hall, Fine Arts Building, Idaho State University
Admission: Free and open to the public
Program length: 50 minutes