Symphony of the Canyons: 39 Years of Musical Magic in Kanab, Utah
Thirty-nine years ago, a group of 17 musicians, led by the local pharmacist, united to stage their first-ever performance of The Music Man in Kanab, Utah. Little did they know that this event would lay the foundation for what would become Symphony of the Canyons—a musical legacy that endures to this day. Under the baton of pharmacist-conductor Kortney Stirland, who retired in 2022, the orchestra has flourished, presenting over 300 concerts and captivating audiences with their mesmerizing melodies.
From enchanting renditions of “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season to impressive musicals at Kanab Area Community Theater, Symphony of the Canyons has become an integral part of Kanab’s cultural fabric. In 1990, the orchestra transformed into an official non-profit entity, allowing them to apply for grants and solicit donations for music and equipment. This change also led to the inception of “Operation Band-Aid,” an annual Christmas concert featuring dinner and performances, which now serves as the orchestra’s primary fundraiser and supports the Kanab High School scholarship fund.
The orchestra’s influence expanded beyond Kanab’s borders when they performed for a live radio audience during a special USO show commemorating the Smithsonian Exhibit on World War I in 1995. They further showcased their talent with annual performances at the north rim of Grand Canyon National Park, at the Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City, and by hosting piano master Pierce Emata from Indianapolis in a series of memorable concerts.
In 1999, the orchestra changed its name to Symphony of the Canyons to better reflect the diverse group of performers hailing from various communities, ranging in age from young teenagers to seasoned musicians. One poignant performance followed the tragic events of 9/11, where they paid tribute to the lives lost in the catastrophe. Another stirring moment arrived when they collaborated with local schools and a children’s choir, Voiceworx, to present “Light the Fire With,” a heartfelt homage to the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah.
Over the years, Symphony of the Canyons has received numerous accolades, with retired Conductor Kortney Stirland, being nominated for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 1992. In 2003, the orchestra was presented with the Governor’s Silver Bowl Award, honoring their significant contributions to enriching the lives of others.
Remarkably, for a community with approximately 5,000 residents, Symphony of the Canyons thrives as a labor of love, driven by passionate leaders, dedicated volunteers, and talented performers. Their commitment results in about a dozen concerts each year, captivating audiences and nurturing the enduring love for great music in Kanab, Utah.
The 2023 Symphony of the Canyons summer concerts will include the North Rim Lodge once again. This year’s performances are under the direction of Ellie Barlow, conductor, and include selections from popular movies and plays such as Les Misérables, Forest Gump, and My Fair Lady, along with the usual summer flair for rock and patriotic themes. Please join us as we celebrate our 39th year.
This year’s performance schedule has the symphony playing at the Kanab Center, Kanab, UT, on August 31st, 6:30 PM. Then at Cottonwood Park, in Colorado City, AZ, on September 8th, 6 PM, with a third performance at the North Rim Lodge, North Rim, AZ, on September 9th, 5 PM.
Visit www.symphonyofthecanyons.org for more information.
