Why do live concerts matter?

Sometimes, it’s difficult to put into words how something makes you feel. That’s what I experience when I attend a live orchestra concert. I can’t quite articulate my emotions, but I know I’m feeling something deeply.

This sensation is common for musicians and non-musicians alike. The ability to feel things deeply is part of what makes us human. “Many of us believe ourselves to be thinking beings who feel, but as neuroanatomist Jill Taylor rightly points out, we are actually feeling beings who think” (Magsamen and Ross, “Your Brain on Art”).

Why live music?

Attending live concerts is more than just a neat one-time experience – it offers social and mental benefits. According to a Deakin University study, “People who regularly attend musical performances have a higher feeling of well-being than those who don’t” (Castaneda, “6 Reasons Going to Concerts Is Good for Your Health”).

Concerts combat loneliness

More than half of American adults often feel lonely or isolated (American Psychological Association). Live music brings people together in a low-pressure setting. This connection is referred to as collective effervescence (CE). According to the University at Buffalo, “CE describes a combined sense of connection to others and a sensation of sacredness felt by people when they are in a crowd, engaged in a shared experience, like a live musical performance” (Gambini, “‘Come together,’ right now”).

Stress relief

If you regularly feel stress, you’re like most Americans (American Psychological Association). Studies show that attending live concerts lowers your blood pressure, reduces cortisol (a stress hormone), and decreases your heart rate, all helping you feel calmer (Castaneda, “6 Reasons Going to Concerts Is Good for Your Health”).

Time to reflect

Orchestra concerts are mentally stimulating and engaging without being overwhelming and distracting, allowing audience members a chance to reflect on their lives. Professor Thomas M. Beaudoin suggests that listening to music is “…an opportunity to revisit something inside of you and think about where you are with that [emotion] now… almost like what you’d do in therapy” (Castaneda, “6 Reasons Going to Concerts Is Good for Your Health”).

Experience live music

The Idaho Falls Symphony has a unique upcoming concert season. Each concert will be conducted by a different person, each with their own artistic flair and musical background. Every time you attend a concert this season, it will truly be a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Idaho Falls Symphony cares deeply about connecting with the Idaho Falls area, and we value your opinion. When you attend a concert this season, you can leave anonymous feedback to help us pick a new music director.

Mark your calendars to meet all six of our outstanding music director candidates:

• Shizuo Z Kuwahara will conduct Search Series I: “The Melting Pot” on Oct. 17, 2026.
• Danko Druško will conduct Search Series II: “Stealing From Birds” on Nov. 21, 2026.
• Daniel Black will conduct Search Series III: “Classically Christmas” on Dec. 19, 2026.
• Wesley Schulz will conduct Search Series IV: “Love Stories” on Feb. 13, 2027.
• Timothy Verville will conduct Search Series V: “Beethoven’s 5th” on March 13, 2027.
• Jiannan Cheng will conduct Search Series VI: “A River Runs Through” on April 24, 2027.

You can learn more about each candidate at https://ifsymphony.org/about/meet-the-conductor-finalists.

The Idaho Falls Symphony has been bringing joyful music to our community for 77 years.

Information about the Idaho Falls Symphony and tickets for the upcoming season can be found at ifsymphony.org.

— Leah Anderson