Can you imagine a more picturesque setting to have an open air concert than Utah’s National Parks? That’s just what the Utah Symphony has set out to do for their free concert series this week.
This week the Utah Symphony will embark on their “Mighty 5 Tour,” a tour which will hit Utah’s five iconic National Parks: Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.
Set against the stunning natural backdrop of “Red Rock Country,” they have programmed music that complements as well as contemplates this breathtaking scenery. Two movements of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” will be on the program, perhaps emphasizing the almost “other-worldly” nature of this scenery for those who have never experienced it before.
The audience sits outside on the grass to hear the Utah Symphony play, with gorgeous southern utah scenery in the background.
The Utah Symphony performing against the backdrop of Utah's gorgeous State Parks.
Other pieces on the program include Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” as well as the ever patriotic “Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Phillip Sousa. This number will be led by a special guest conductor – Governor Gary Herbert.
The Director of Communications in the office of the Governor, Marty Carpenter, says that of all the years he’s known Governor Herbert, he’s never seen him have such a good time. And, based on a quick dress rehearsal Saturday, he didn’t do too shabby.
“As the governor says, in Utah we have some natural treasures in our national parks, so many of the other beautiful places in our state that, combining those with another one of our great treasures, our art and cultural offerings, especially the Utah Symphony is just a perfect match,” said Carpenter.
“It’s just a great way to drive some interest in tourism in our state but also to help people appreciate and experience the arts that we have to offer as well. It’s sort of the perfect marriage between the symphony and our national parks and give people the chance to hear beautiful music in a beautiful setting.”