Nancy Ceja
Staff Writer
Idaho State University maintains a reputation for celebrating different types of cultures and religions here on campus. This month, the university is bringing not only bringing a slice of Celtic, but religious roots as well to the Stephens Performing Arts Center on Jan. 26.
Marvin Goldstein, an acclaimed pianist of more than 50 years, and guest vocalist Vanessa Joy, will sing many songs we all know and love, such as classics like “Amazing Grace,” “Celtic Dance,” “Danny Boy,” “Irish Sweet” by Leroy Anderson, and many more right here on the Pocatello stage.
Goldstein began his musical training at the age of 9 and attended Tel Aviv University School of Music in Israel on a music scholarship when he turned 18. He continued his formal music training at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and later obtained his bachelor and master of music degrees at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.
The pianist has created nearly 50 albums along with 15 piano arrangement solo books in the past 50 years. He has headlined for many worldwide tour groups, been a presenter for Brigham Young University Education week and performed on ships sailing across the Pacific Mediterranean and Caribbean.
However, Goldstein doesn’t just perform one genre of music. He plays pop, showtunes, soul, R&B, gospel and, of course, classics.
Goldstein is said to be a “magician” when he plays, bringing the intended emotions and making his music come alive with his skills.
Celtic Celebration was created alongside soprano vocalist and songwriter Vanessa Joy. She graduated with a degree in music from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and about a year ago both her and her husband moved to Phoenix, Arizona.
Joy wanted to continue her musical journey, and her dream came true when she met Marvin Goldstein, an instructor at a seminar she had attended that year. They both wanted to preserve the beauty of timeless classics of hymns and spiritual music together, and the rest is history.
With this growing opportunity, they have gained a full-sized orchestra and recorded over 7 CDs together. Joy and Goldstein also tour through many cities in Europe, South America and Canada, bringing the beautiful message of good singing and timeless piano playing.
Both Goldstein and Joy are working on another album together, which may possibly include some love songs. Joy’s passion for songwriting has only one criteria, “that her music is always uplifting.”
A Celtic Celebration will be here at ISU for one night only on Jan. 26 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $38 for main seating and $32 for upper-level seating. Tickets are already available at the box office in the Stephens Performing Arts Center, by phone, or online at isu.edu/tickets.
