By Trent Blackham
As the sun began setting behind the trees, while listeners laying out on blankets and lawn chairs waited for the Utah Symphony to return to the stage after an intermission.
The Utah Symphony kicked off their summer series of outdoor concerts last Saturday evening, July 3, at Sundance.
The concert titled, 'Patriotic Celebration,' included patriotic favorites such as the 'Star Spangled Banner' and 'Stars and Stripes Forever.' Also including other patriotic compositions such as Aaron Copland''s 'Lincoln Portrait' and John William''s 'Hymn to the Fallen' from the film 'Saving Private Ryan.'
'It''s unique that the amphitheater helps trap the sound,' said Scott O''Neil, associate conductor of the Utah Symphony. 'You get the benefits of playing outside, but the sound is closer to playing inside.'
Some of the listeners said they enjoyed the unique setting for the concert.
'I think it''s beautiful,' said Megan Gunter, who attended the concert. 'That''s one of the reasons that I wanted to come tonight. I''ve been to concerts here before, and I just love the pine tree backdrop that they have up here.'
Music lovers do not need to drive far to enjoy the fine arts. Sundance is only a 20-minute drive from Provo and BYU campus. The concert series may provide students an opportunity to enjoy fine arts and classical music because it is so close.
The concert was not only enjoyable for the audience, but also for the performers.
'It''s such a beautiful location, and we''re playing such beautiful music,' said Tad Calcara, clarinet player for the Utah Symphony. 'It matches what''s on stage. I was just so taken by the beautiful spot.'
The concert provided a nice alternative activity in celebration of the Fourth of July. Those who attended the concert avoided heavy traffic and large crowds that were found throughout Provo. Some people said the quiet setting and natural scenery were a nice change of pace.
'It''s just different from your normal Fourth of July activity,' said Bryn Fairclough, a BYU student who works at Sundance.
Others appreciated the cooler climate of the mountains.
'It''s nice to be up here where it''s cool at night because it''s so hot down in the valley,' Gunter said.
Based on the crowd''s response, the symphony''s performance seemed to satisfy the audience''s patriotic sentiments with performances of the national anthem and other patriotic tunes.
'I thought it was great,' Calcara said. 'There was a nice big crowd. Everyone was enjoying themselves.'