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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Symphony has announced a series of concerts in iconic settings within Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks.
The announcement was made in a rock climbing gym where experienced climbers scaled a 100 foot wall while a string quartet played.
Music lovers will hear music by Shostakovich, Puccini, Gershwin and Strauss echoing from the red rocks at a different park over four nights.
Conductor Thierry Fischer has never conducted the 75-piece orchestra in an outdoor venue, but he said the change of venue affects the listeners' perception and pleasure.
“This is definitely an inspiration for me,” Fischer said. “To be able to combine both my professional activity — the very hard work we’re doing with the Utah Symphony — and be in the middle of this inspiring nature is just putting the beauties together.”
Steve Williams, host of KUER’s “Nighttime Jazz,” predicts the concerts will be wildly popular.
“It’s the surrounding that make this so spectacular. And then you put an orchestra that size into the surroundings. … I’ve got to go just to see what it’s like,” Williams said.
The concerts give the Office of Tourism an opportunity to promote Utah in a unique way.
“I think this is something both Utah tourists and tourists around the world are going to absolutely embrace,” said Vicki Varela, Utah Office of Tourism.
The Mighty 5 include Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
The symphony will be joined by acclaimed soprano and Utah native Celena Shafer during the concert series.
The concerts will be held at a different park from Aug. 11 to 17. Tickets go on sale July 1. More information is available on the Utah Symphony website.
