October 25, 2025 will mark an extraordinary cultural moment in Southern Utah as Kayenta Arts presents Crossing Open Ground at Snow Canyon State Park, produced by Liquid Music. This one-day-only performance combines the artistry of Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy Award-winning composer John Luther Adams with the participation of 36 local musicians from Utah Tech University, set in the dramatic natural amphitheater of Snow Canyon.
The immersive acoustic score — composed for winds, brass, and percussion — has only been performed twice before: at Lincoln Center in New York City and at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Audience members will be surrounded by musicians, invited to “slow down, pay attention, and remember our place within the larger community of life on earth,” as Adams describes.
Performances will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 AM and 3 PM. Acclaimed conductor and violist Nadia Sirota will lead the ensemble, with direction by internationally recognized choreographer Dimitri Chamblas. Nationally known section leaders include Doug Perkins (percussion), Laura Cocks (winds), and C.J. Camerieri and Trever Hagen (brass).
“This project has been two years in the making and is the most ambitious performance Kayenta Arts has ever produced,” said Miranda Wright, Executive Director of Kayenta Arts. “Crossing Open Ground is a powerful example of the meeting of artistic vision and our region’s natural beauty. We’re thrilled to partner with Snow Canyon State Park and hope for more collaborations to come.”
Tickets are $45 general admission, $25 for local artists, and $20 for students. They are available online at kayentaarts.org or by calling 435-674-2787. Parking instructions will be provided to ticket holders. The event requires a short 0.4-mile hike to the performance site. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for October 26, and an accessible performance will be offered at Utah Tech University.
Event Details
Kayenta Arts Presents John Luther Adams: Crossing Open Ground
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Directed by Dimitri Chamblas & Nadia Sirota
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Produced by Liquid Music
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Saturday, October 25, 2025 — 11 AM & 3 PM
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Snow Canyon State Park
Tickets: $45 GA | $25 Local Artists | $20 Students
Purchase: kayentaarts.org | 435-674-2787
