32nd Symphony Above The Clouds Is ON! July 5th Woodland Park, Colorado

July 2, 2012 - PRLog -- When: THURSDAY, July 5, 5:30 p.m.
Where:  Woodland Park Middle School, 600 E. Kelly Rd.
Phone: 719.687.1304
Price: FREE
http://symphonyabovetheclouds.org
Gates open:  5 p.m.

“The 32nd Symphony Above The Clouds is on,” said Nancy Spradling, Ute Pass Symphony Guild President.

"We know that the Waldo Canyon Fire has has significant impact to our local community.  Our deepest condolences go to those who lost lives and property in the region.  We believe that keeping the community tradition alive shows the resiliency of all who have been impacted by this tragedy by moving forward in some way. This time-honored tradition will lift spirits and let everyone thank all those heroes who have been involved in fighting the fire and now involved in recovery. So, please join us," Spradling said.

"We have planned an outdoor evening of fun with music by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic with associate conductor Thomas Wilson and Ceol Ceili (Irish folk music group),” said Nancy Spradling, UTE Pass Symphony Guild President.

The celebrity conductor is Woodland Park city manager, David Buttery.
Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with Ceol Ceili beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the symphony playing at 7:30 p.m.

“The Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra, which usually plays a medley of both patriotic and popular music as well as some light classics, always ending with the ever-popular Overture to the 1812. Although the ending of the 1812 is frequently accompanied by cannons and fireworks, because of the fire danger this year that cannot happen. There will, however, be some spectacular percussion and bell ringing that should mark the end of the concert in grand style,” Spradling said.

“Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or be prepared to sit on the ground as seats in the metal bleachers are limited,” Spradling said.

People are also encouraged to bring jackets and a picnic dinner or snacks. The Panther Pride Athletic Boosters will sell hot dogs, hamburgers, snacks and drinks.

No dogs, smoking or alcoholic beverages will be allowed on the field, according to event organizers.

The Ute Pass Symphony Guild has brought the event to Woodland Park for now 32 years through donations from businesses and patrons.  

“We are so proud to be able to continue this tradition in spite of all that has happened this summer. This is such a fine community that to be able to give this gift  of a free concert to our area when so much else has been such chaos is just perfect,” Spradling said.

“There is absolutely no way we would have been able to do this, however, without extraordinary help from the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and from the entire staff of the City of Woodland Park. Everyone involved has stretched just a bit - or more - further than they would have ordinarily to make this happen this year and for that we are extremely grateful.  We are also, both as a community and as an organization, unendingly grateful to the firefighters and law enforcement officials who, by getting this awful fire under control, have made it possible for us to be on the field on July 5th," Spradling said.

For more information about the Ute Pass Symphony Guild or how to support the organization visit: http://symphonyabovetheclouds.org.  View a short video from the 31st event. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct99mMpO0QA



The Colorado Springs Philharmonic has been an amazing partner over the years, performing on July 5th in weather conditions that have been truly awful at times. “In the 32 years of our association, the concert has only been cancelled because of weather twice. That record is certainly the result of the orchestra's willingness to go above and beyond what's required,” Spralding said.  More at: http://www.csphilharmonic.org/about-us

ABOUT THE UTE PASS SYMPHONY GUILD: Founded in 1979 for the purpose of promoting music with the community.  Partnerships/Sponsorships are available.  For more information:  719-687-1304.

ABOUT THE WALDO CANYON FIRE:  Visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2929