Summer 2024
Spend Summer With Us
June 1 | June 30 | July 6 | July 20 | Aug 3
We're excited to partner with Symphony of the Mountains and Natural Tunnel State Park
to provide free music programs all summer long!
Pickin' in the Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
First Saturday of the Month, All Summer Long:
June 1st, July 6th, Aug. 3rd, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Natural Tunnel State Park Amphitheater, Duffield
1420 Natural Tunnel Pkwy, Duffield, VA 24244
We're thrilled to partner with Natural Tunnel State Park for their Pickin' in the Park summer music series. Admission is free for these family-friendly events. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
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Join us the first Saturday of each month this summer for an afternoon of music and fun in the Natural Tunnel State Park Amphitheater. This series is hosted by the Cultural Arts Council of the Cove Ridge Foundation and will feature an open mic session from 2–3 p.m. followed by a headline performer at 3 p.m. Performers of all skill levels are welcome to join!
Headliners:
June 1st: Fiddlin' Red and the Bluegrass Harvesters
July 6th: Harlan County Bluegrass
August 3rd: Roan Street Ramblers
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Pickin' in the Park is sponsored by Hob-Nob Drive-In, Mountain Empire Community College, and Tax Center, Inc, and is presented by the Cultural Arts Council of the Cove Ridge Center Foundation and Advisory Board. Natural Tunnel State Park is an affiliated site along the Crooked Road. Learn more here.
A Celebration of Freedom
Symphony of the Mountains
Vision
Sunday, June 30th, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Leeman Field, Pennington Gap
335 Fairground Rd, Pennington Gap, VA 24277
Symphony of the Mountains, under the masterful direction of Cornelia Laemmli Orth, is proud to present A Celebration of Freedom on Sunday, June 30th at Leeman Field in Pennington Gap, VA. The stirring concert will feature a rich and expansive program, set to open with a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," arranged by Leopold Stokowski. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for an enchanting evening full of fresh air and beautiful music.
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Highlights from the concert program include the lively "Dance of the Comedians" from BedÅ™ich Smetana's The Bartered Bride, selections from Disney’s The Lion King, and Benjamin Dawson's contemporary piece "Finch’s Theme."
John Williams'"Remembrances" from Schindler’s List features a violin solo from concertmaster Sean Claire, and is sure to be a deeply moving moment in the evening's program. The performance concludes with Bob Lowden's "Armed Forces Salute" and John Philip Sousa's rousing "The Stars and Stripes Forever," celebrating our freedom on the cusp of America's 247th birthday.
Symphony by the Lake
When the Stars Come Out
with guest soloist Roy Cornelius Smith
Saturday, July 20th, 2024
Sunset (approx. 8:30 p.m.)
RELOCATED DUE TO WEATHER
Greear Gym, UVA Wise
1 College Ave, Wise, VA 24293
Our 48th season kicks off with one of our favorite events—the 12th annual Symphony by the Lake in partnership with The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Symphony of the Mountains, under the direction of Music Director Cornelia Laemmli Orth, presents "When the Stars Come Out" at sunset on Saturday, July 20th featuring tenor soloist and Big Stone Gap native Roy Cornelius Smith.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a fabulous evening of music under the stars at UVA Wise. The concert is free and open to the public, all are welcome to attend.
The concert offers a delightful blend of classical and popular music, beginning with a patriotic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and moving into lively and celebratory pieces by composers such as Franz von Suppé and Johann Strauss II. The program highlights timeless melodies, including a beautiful Italian classic and a waltz by Anthony Hopkins.
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Atlanta-based composer and fellow Big Stone Gap native Kevin Robison will premiere his newest work for voice and orchestra, “Fantasia on Appalachian Folk Songs,” during the program. The piece evokes the spirit and majesty of the Appalachian region through contemporary settings of five popular folk songs: ‘The Sunny South,’ ‘Barbara Allen,’ ‘The True Lover's Farewell,’ ‘The Farmer's Curst Wife,’ and ‘Pretty Saro.’
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The audience will enjoy selections that range from John Williams' stirring compositions to beloved Broadway hits from "Les Misérables." The evening gives way to a series of patriotic and Americana favorites, featuring a trumpet solo by Jimmy Stokes and a medley honoring the armed forces. The concert wraps up with a fresh arrangement of the classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads," ensuring a memorable night for all who attend.
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Symphony of the Mountains’ commitment to service encompasses the entire region, without regard for state or county boundaries. The orchestra consists of more than 70 professional musicians conducted by Cornelia Laemmli Orth. For more information about the symphony and to see a list of upcoming performances, please visit symphonyofthemountains.org.
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Pro-Art partners with a variety of venues, therefore individuals with accessibility needs or general questions are encouraged to call (276) 376-4520 or email pro-art@uvawise.edu. For evolving conditions related to weather cancellations, or similar unforeseen circumstances, patrons are encouraged to check proartva.org for up-to-date information.