History
The Past . . .
The Idaho State-Civic Symphony is the oldest orchestra in the State of Idaho, having been established early in the 1900s. Its 501(c)3 non-profit charitable corporation, the Idaho State-Civic Symphony Association, was incorporated in 1977 to promote and develop an appreciation of the musical arts in the community, to provide incentives for the development of musical talent, and to help arrange for guest artists for musical performances.

The Present . . .
Today, the Symphony is a cooperative ISU/community effort. For example, our Artistic Director is an ISU faculty member, many ISU students participate in Orchestra for class credit, and many ISU faculty members serve as principal chairs. The Symphony’s regular performance schedule consists of five classical concerts, a Pops concert, and Family Concerts. The Idaho State-Civic Symphony Association, governed by a 30-member volunteer board of directors with the assistance of the Executive Director, provides funding and support for both the orchestra’s performances and educational programs. The Association also employs a Personnel Manager for the 90-member orchestra as well as a student Properties Manager and a Music Librarian.

A Great Future . . .
Since April of 2005, the Symphony and our audiences have enjoyed the benefits of the incredible acoustics of the Joseph C. Jensen Grand Concert Hall of the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center. The Center is an imposing 123,000 square-foot edifice of classic design, with a hub-and-spoke arrangement centered on the large Marshall Rotunda lobby, which serves us as a venue for our pre-concert activities and chamber music. We’re looking forward to decades more of fulfilling our mission in this spectacular setting!

And A Timeless Mission . . .
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“Making Magic and Changing Lives in our Spectacular Home.”
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