Idaho State University is hosting a full calendar of cultural events this week in Pocatello, giving residents and students several opportunities to enjoy live music and film without traveling far from home. From a world-class choral festival to a well-reviewed comedy-drama starring one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, the ISU campus is the center of the action through the weekend and into the following week.
Idaho International Choral Festival Takes Center Stage
The Idaho International Choral Festival runs Wednesday through Saturday, bringing choirs from around the world to perform across multiple ISU venues. Evening performances on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday begin at 7 p.m. at Jensen Grand Concert Hall or Goranson Hall, with tickets priced at $11 for adults and $6 for children per evening event. Those who want to attend multiple nights can purchase an all-events pass for $34.
Two free performances are scheduled for the ISU Quad on Thursday and Friday at noon, giving the broader community a no-cost chance to enjoy the festival’s international lineup. The week culminates with a Gala Concert on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Jensen Grand Concert Hall, where all participating choirs will perform together on one stage — a fitting close to what promises to be one of Pocatello’s most internationally minded cultural events of the summer.
Ian McKellen Film Screening at Bengal Theater
Also on Friday, ISU’s Bengal Theater inside the Pond Student Union will show “The Christophers” at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The film is a comedy-drama centered on an aging London artist and stars acclaimed British actor Ian McKellen.
Critics have responded enthusiastically to the picture. The Wall Street Journal called McKellen’s performance “yet another marvelous late-career highlight,” describing his character as “by turns amusingly viperish and not quite successful at concealing the softness of age.” The New York Times praised the film’s lead performances, writing that the on-screen rapport between McKellen and his co-star “could have gone on forever and not been long enough.”
Admission pricing makes the screening accessible across the board. ISU students get in free, staff pay just $2, and the general public can attend for $3 — a modest price of entry for a film drawing considerable critical praise.
Looking Ahead: More Events on the Horizon
The activity on campus doesn’t end with the choral festival and film screening. The following week brings two additional events worth marking on the calendar.
On Wednesday, July 23, ISU will host the John Rush Summer Concert on the Quad, beginning at 6 p.m. The outdoor setting of the Quad has proven a popular summer venue, offering an informal atmosphere for community members and students alike to enjoy live music.
Then on Thursday, July 24, the Bengal Theater returns to the schedule with a screening of “A Little Prayer,” with showtimes again at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Further details on that film were not immediately available, but the back-to-back programming in the Bengal Theater signals a continued commitment to bringing quality cinema to the ISU community at an affordable price.
Taken together, the week’s lineup reflects ISU’s role not just as an academic institution but as a genuine cultural hub for Pocatello and southeast Idaho. Whether it’s internationally recognized choral groups, critically acclaimed film, or outdoor live music, the university’s events calendar offers something for residents of all ages and backgrounds.
For ISU students in particular, several of the events carry free or deeply discounted admission — a meaningful benefit for a population that often faces tight budgets. Community members interested in the choral festival are encouraged to consider the all-events pass as the most cost-effective way to take in multiple performances throughout the week.
What Comes Next
The Idaho International Choral Festival gets underway Wednesday evening. Residents planning to attend are encouraged to arrive early, as parking near Jensen Grand Concert Hall and the Pond Student Union can be limited during popular campus events. The free noon Quad performances Thursday and Friday require no tickets and are open to all. For the latest updates on ISU events and programming, visit Idaho State University’s official website at isu.edu.