Symphony Of Canyons

Symphony of the Canyons is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Kanab, Utah, that has been performing for over 38 years. The group was originally founded by pharmacist Kortney Stirland and has held more than 300 concerts since its inception. They offer performances in scenic canyon settings and provide scholarships to students in grades 7 through 12.

The orchestra operates out of Kanab, Utah, and performs at various locations including the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. They also host special events like the annual North Rim Concert and the Operation Band-Aid Christmas fundraiser dinner and performance.

You can join the Symphony by attending their Thursday evening practices at 7pm Utah time in the Dragon Room at the Kanab Center, located at 20 North 100 East. The group is open to new members who can play instruments or offer organizational talents to help with fundraising.

The Symphony offers scholarships to students in grades 7 through 12 who participate continuously in the school music program and the Symphony Youth Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra. Graduates may receive up to $250 per year for their continued involvement.

Several reviewers praise the Symphony for the unique combination of nature's beauty and magnificent melodies that create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Many visitors describe the experience as a feast for the senses where the music resonating through the canyons is pure bliss.

The Symphony has a 4.1 out of 5 rating from 10 reviews on Trustburn, with the most recent review dated October 3, 2023. The rating split includes several 5-star reviews highlighting the enchanting music and breathtaking canyon views.

The group was officially incorporated as a non-profit entity in 1990 to apply for grants and matching funds. Before that, it started as a group of 17 musicians performing The Music Man in Kanab in the late 1980s.

You can reach Symphony of the Canyons by calling 4356443098 or visiting their website at symphonyofthecanyons.org. They also accept email inquiries through their contact form on the official site.

The Symphony changed its name from Kanab Civic Orchestra to Symphony of the Canyons in 1999 to better represent the entire area that produces its musicians. Performers vary in age from young teenagers to more than 70 and come from communities as far away as St. George and Page, AZ.

A recurring theme among reviewers is the magical ambiance created when the music echoes through the canyon, making the performance truly enchanting. Many visitors find the natural ambience of the canyon adds a unique and ethereal touch to the whole experience.

The Symphony has been honored with the Governor's Silver Bowl Award in 2003 and Conductor Stirland was nominated for the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1992. They also performed a special USO show for a live radio audience in 1995 during a Smithsonian Exhibit on World War I.

The website states that the Symphony needs support through donations, playing, or offering organizational talents to continue their mission. They actively seek people to help fundraise and join the board to sustain their operations.

The Symphony has performed special tributes, including a program honoring those killed in the World Trade Center attacks and a tribute to the 2002 Winter Olympics. They also hosted the Hiratsuka Koto Ensemble from Japan in 1998 with dancers and shakuhachi players.

The Symphony operates on a rotating group of conductors after Kortney Stirland retired, ensuring the legacy continues under new leadership. They maintain a strong connection to Kanab, where the community of 4,800 residents has a deep bond with great music.

The Symphony is a fixture in Kanab, performing full-blown musicals alongside The Nutcracker during the holiday season. They also worked the entire year 1998 to prepare for a special concert featuring the Hiratsuka Koto Ensemble from Japan.