Boise State Symphony Sets $15 Price Tag for Oct. 28 Halloween Concert
The orchestra will perform film scores and 18th-century arias in the Morrison Center main hall, with free entry for university affiliates.
By Rahul Sato ·
Boise State University’s Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Halloween event, titled “Of Stage and Screen,” on Wednesday, Oct. 28. The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the main hall of the Morrison Center. General admission tickets are priced at $15, while students, faculty, and staff holding a Boise State ID may enter for free.
The program spans centuries of musical history, combining works from the 18th century with modern film scores. The repertoire includes compositions by Jacques Offenbach and Camille Saint-Saëns. The concert will also feature music from the film “Catch Me If You Can,” composed by John Williams.
Chris Purdy, the orchestra director, stated that three faculty members will perform as soloists during the event. Matt Castner will play the alto saxophone, Dr. Kramer Milan will perform on the vibraphone, and Chris Amirati, the bass instructor, will join the ensemble. Purdy described performing in the Morrison Center as an honor, noting that he considers it one of the finest halls in the Northwest.
Eliot DeHaven, the winner of the 2026 Concerto-Aria Competition, will sing two arias: Mozart’s “Hai già vinta la causa!” and Charles Gounod’s “Ô sainte médaille… Avant de quitter ces lieux.” The competition allows Boise State music majors and minors to compete by performing a concerto movement, character piece, or vocal aria. DeHaven said it is special to be part of the orchestra, noting that he has not been in ensemble music outside of choir since childhood.
Cameron Edwards, the principal cellist, highlighted the unique atmosphere created by the performers. He explained that full sections of the orchestra often coordinate to wear matching Halloween-themed attire. Edwards noted that seeing the costumes makes the performance feel lighter and allows the audience to have a good time.
Both Edwards and DeHaven discussed the acoustic challenges of the venue. The musicians must project their sound to the back of the two-thousand person hall while maintaining a blend with their collaborators. Edwards argued that live orchestral concerts remain important in an era dominated by social media, stating that people need to take time to find beauty away from constant digital demands.
The “Spooktacular” concert marks the beginning of the orchestra’s fall schedule. The group is scheduled to perform its Annual Holiday Concert on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Source: The Arbiter (Boise State)
