Arts at Noon: Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra

Continuing the Arts at Noon series, the Grand Rapids Symphony will be performing on Feb. 3 at noon in the Cook-DeWitt Center. The Grand Rapids Symphony will perform two serenades for string orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings” and Dag Wirén’s “Serenade.”

Established in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony is devoted to serving the community through performances that reach students, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

Tchaikovsky wrote his “Serenade for Strings” at the same time as the “1812 Overture.” While he didn’t particularly like the “1812 Overture,” he loved his “Serenade,” and considered it to be one of his best pieces.

The Swedish composer Dag Wirén’s “Serenade” is a 20th century nod to Mozart.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.grsymphony.org or www.gvsu.edu/music.

The Scarlet Cord Film Screening

There will be a discussion and film screening about human trafficking at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4 in the Multipurpose Room of the Mary Idema Pew Library.

This event will give insight into the world of human trafficking, while offering hope and ideas for action. Judge T.J. Ackert will speak about the increase of trafficking on local levels. Artist Pamela Alderman, whose work, “The Scarlet Cord,” will be on display, will discuss her experience of depicting sex trafficking during ArtPrize 2014 and the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoenix. Elise Hilton will share her family’s journey from trauma to recovery.

Following the discussion, the film that highlights the reactions of those who walked through Alderman’s art installation, including trafficking and sexual abuse survivors will be shown.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Meijer Honors College, the political science department at (616) 331-3219 and the Joseph Stevens Freedom Endowment.

‘Godspell’

Premiering at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 5, the GVSU production of the musical “Godspell” will run from then until Feb. 14.

The musical is based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. The show is a love fest dedicated to light, joy and love. The music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz are eclectic, bringing in rock, folk, gospel and Broadway styles. The updated “Godspell 2012” is a family-friendly show and a retelling of the original version of “Godspell.” The 2012 version brings in new arrangements and contemporary references.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Louis Armstrong Theatre box office at (616) 331-2300. Tickets may also be purchased through Startickets online or by calling (800) 585-3737. The tickets will cost an addition $1 if purchased at the door.

Grand Rapids Symphony: Pokémon Evolutions

Bringing to life the Pokémon video games, the Grand Rapids Symphony will be performing a Pokémon concert at 8 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the DeVos Performance Hall. With all new arrangements and carefully timed visuals from recent and classic Pokémon video games, the performance will follow the series through time.

“Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions” has become a popular video game concert this year, giving fans and newcomers of all ages a chance to experience the evolution of the Pokémon franchise like never before.

Susie Benchasil Seiter will conduct the performance.

$1 of every ticket sale will be donated to support arts education programs. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.grsymphony.org.