OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Music in the American Wild, a collaboration featuring seven classical musicians performing original works by 11 composers, will present three free concerts in Olympic National Park.
“Each original composition was inspired by the beauty and uniquely American experience of national parks,” said Barb Maynes, spokeswoman for the Olympic National Park, in a news release.
“Working in locations ranging from caves to mountaintops to indoor theaters, Music in the American Wild tailors each acoustic concert to its venue so that listeners can hear and enjoy the music’s interactions with the environment.”
Here is the outdoor concert schedule:
Monday, Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m. — Heart o’ the Hills Campground amphitheater.
Tuesday, Aug. 16, 5 p.m. — Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center terrace.
Wednesday, Aug. 17, musical interludes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses Trail.
The concerts are offered in celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, Maynes said.
Music in the American Wild is directed by Emlyn Johnson, flutist. She is joined by six other musicians performing on clarinet, horn, violin, viola, cello and percussion.
All of the performers, as well as the composers, are affiliated with the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
“We are truly honored to host these talented young musicians and warmly invite our neighbors and visitors to come enjoy the concerts,” said acting Superintendent Rachel Spector.
$20,000 endowment
Music in the American Wild is supported by a $20,000 National Endowment for the Arts Art Works/Imagine Your Parks grant, and private donors.
Earlier this summer, Music in the American Wild completed a performance tour through national parks in several eastern states.
“We hope to enhance visitors’ experiences in the parks by sharing our music in concerts and field recordings,” said Johnson.
“It’s an honor to celebrate the NPS centennial with new music in the beautiful and diverse landscapes of Olympic National Park.”
Information about the composers, musicians, and other area performances is available at www.music intheamericanwild.com.
