Conductor

Step into a world where science, art, and music converge in What Music Is, a transformative concert-theatre experience that explores the profound role music plays in our lives and the universe. Created by composer Bill Barclay, this immersive, family-friendly performance features a full orchestra, captivating spoken narrative, and stunning animations that bring to life the universal language of music.

EPSG:4326

What Music Is

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center

Over the last four decades, Béla Fleck has made a point of boldly going where no banjo player has gone before—a musical journey that has earned him 16 Grammy awards in nine different fields, including Country, Pop, Jazz, Instrumental, Classical and World Music. His newest project is no different, and yet, entirely original as Fleck expands and explores George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue by paying homage to the legendary composer while redefining an American classic just in time for its centennial.

Bela Fleck Plays Gershwin

Idaho Falls High School

The impassioned Sixth Symphony of Tchaikovsky will be a fitting companion to the power and passion of our Young Artists Competition winners. Local students will also be featured Side-by-Side with our IFS musicians in the music of Mendelssohn.

Tchaikovsky 6 & Young Artists

The Great Ladies of Jazz stars Aisha de Haas and Nova Payton as they pay tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Ginger Rogers, and other legendary ladies.  This evening will feature many of the greatest hits from the Great American Songbook. The annual Red Dress Concert honors Women’s Heart Health, with continued support provided by EIRMC.

Great Ladies of Jazz

Handel’s Messiah was the first concert ever presented by the Idaho Falls Symphony in December of 1949. Now, almost 75 years to the day, we bring back Handel’s magnificent music. An enthusiastic Festival Chorus of local singers will be featured alongside an intimate Baroque-sized orchestra, plus the voices of four incredible Guest Artists of international renown.

Sapphire Messiah

A Santa Fe favorite, Nosotros is undoubtedly the Southwest’s top dance band. They seamlessly combine Latin rhythms with elements of Rock, Salsa, Jazz, and Cumbia—creating an original sound that is unmistakable. Originally from Las Cruces, NM, Nosotros is now based in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe area. They have a near non-stop performance schedule and have been featured on NPR’s Alt Latino; named twice as winners in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition; and awarded 13 New Mexico Music Awards including “Best Latin Song” and “Best Arrangement,” and “Producer of the Year.”

Sonrisas! Smiles of a Summer Night

Magers Field

The finale for Season 76 features an incredible Side-by-Side performance with the IFS Youth Orchestra, under the direction of our beloved Dr. Thomas Heuser in his last season concert during his tenure as IFS Music Director & Conductor. This truly historic event will feature a huge group of adult and student musicians performing together as one ensemble. The music for the combined groups includes the beloved symphonic poem Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, plus the comic Overture to Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss Jr., whose 200th birthday in 2025 will be celebrated worldwide. After intermission, the intrepid adult Symphony musicians will round out the program with the awe inspiring First Symphony of Johannes Brahms.

Conductor

Thomas Heuser

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 25, 2026

Passing the Baton: Side-by-Side with IFS Youth Symphony · Idaho Falls Symphony

Past events

Nov 16, 2025

What Music Is · Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Apr 26, 2025

Bela Fleck Plays Gershwin · Idaho Falls Symphony

Future and recently performed repertoire

Conductor in Symphony No. 1 by Brahms

Idaho Falls Symphony

Conductor in Finlandia by Sibelius

Idaho Falls Symphony

Conductor in Starburst by Montgomery

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Die Fledermaus by Strauss

Idaho Falls Symphony

Conductor in Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun by Debussy

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Nimrod by Elgar

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Symphony No. 1 by Prokofiev

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in The Planets by Holst

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

Conductor in Asteroid 4179: Toutatis by Saariaho

Wichita Symphony Orchestra

About

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