Free for students: Boise State orchestra blends film scores with 18th-century arias
The annual Halloween concert features a tribute to John Williams and a soloist who won a university competition.
By Alessia Desai ·
Boise State University’s Symphony Orchestra performs its annual Halloween concert on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The event, titled “Of Stage and Screen,” takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the main hall of the Morrison Center. Admission is free for students, faculty, and staff who present a Boise State ID. General admission tickets cost $15.
The program spans three centuries of music. It opens with arias from the 18th century and includes works by Jacques Offenbach and Camille Saint-Saëns. The orchestra also performs music from the film “Catch Me If You Can.”
The concert closes with a medley arranged by Paul Lavender. This tribute features iconic scores by John Williams, including themes from “Jaws,” “Harry Potter,” and “E.T.”
Orchestra Director Chris Purdy has led the ensemble for nearly 30 years. He describes the Morrison Center as one of the finest halls in the Northwest. Purdy invites students and faculty from all departments to attend the light-hearted event.
Three faculty members will perform as soloists on Wednesday. Matt Castner will play the alto saxophone. Dr. Kramer Milan will play the vibraphone. Chris Amirati, the bass instructor, will also join the stage.
Eliot DeHaven, the winner of the 2026 Concerto-Aria Competition, will sing two arias. He will perform 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 perform a concerto movement, character piece, or vocal aria.
DeHaven noted that he has limited experience in ensemble music outside of choir. He described the experience of blending with the full orchestra as special. “It’s really lovely to work with such a talented group of people,” DeHaven said.
Cameron Edwards, the principal cellist, said the group often coordinates matching Halloween-themed attire for the performance. This tradition adds a playful element for the audience. “It’s really fun to see what costumes people show up in,” Edwards said.
Both Edwards and DeHaven discussed the acoustics of the venue. The hall holds 2,000 people. Musicians must project their sound to the back of the room while maintaining balance with their section. Edwards emphasized the value of live performance in an age of constant digital communication.
The orchestra will return to the stage on Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. for its Annual Holiday Concert.
Source: The Arbiter (Boise State)
