Thirty-eight years ago, a group of 17 musicians led by the local pharmacist banded together for a performance of “The Music Man” in Kanab, in the first-ever appearance of what would become Symphony of the Canyons.
Almost four decades and more than 300 concerts later, the pharmacist-conductor, Kortney Stirland, and many of the other original performers are still here, and Kanab’s connection to great music is still going strong. From “The Nutcracker” during the holiday season to full-blown musicals as Kanab Area Community Theater, Symphony of the Canyons is a fixture in Kanab.
The Symphony teamed up with the LDS Church to produce a musicals including “Sound of Music,” “My Fair Lady,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mary Poppins” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” Several shows have been produced twice and one show (Annie) has made it to the stage three times.
Over the years this production has served to bring our community together during rough times and has focused on inclusivity and diversity by reaching out to the entire area. To include involvement from Page, Hurricane, Cedar Mountain, Moccasin, and all areas in between.
When the LDS Church moved away from pageants, Symphony of the Canyons stepped up to the plate and became the sole sponsor, registering the name Kanab Area Community Theater in an effort to continue this community event.
These productions involve dozens, if not hundreds, of individuals every other summer and this year’s production is a celebration of all the amazing people that have been involved over nearly 40 years. Specifically, “Hello! My Baby” features Kortney Stirland on the piano in what may very well be his last year with the Symphony. Kortney has firm plans to move closer to family.
Although this production is normally a breakeven financial proposition, any proceeds will go to support the Symphony operations to include equipment and associated costs for normally free concerts, future musical productions, and the Symphony of the Canyons Scholarship fund. This scholarship fund has awarded nearly $25,000 in the past eight years to the High School students in our area that stay involved in music programs with a bonus for playing The set for “Hello! My Baby” is quickly coming together. Mark your calendars to support our production and Symphony, August 4, 5, 6, and 8, at 7 p.m., at the Kanab High School Auditorium. with the Symphony. Each student can earn up to $1,500.
Please mark your calendars to support our production and Symphony, August 4, 5, 6, and 8, at 7 p.m., at the Kanab High School Auditorium, $15 per ticket. Get additional information and buy your tickets now at www.symphonyofthecanyons. org. Early Bird discount ends July 24. Use promo code ERLY38
