Having attended an enchanting orchestra concert at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, we were thrilled to learn about this event taking place on the Yosemite Valley floor, about 25 minutes from our Yosemite Stay homes.
The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert inside Yosemite National Park on Sunday, April 26th, 2015, at 2:00 pm , at the Ahwahnee Hotel. Officially part of the 125th Anniversary of Yosemite Celebration, the concert will be free of charge. For similar performances, the Great Lounge filled from floor to balconies with over 250 listeners.
The Symphony will play three major pieces, including Conductor Les Marsden’s work titled, “Yosemite!”, a 30-minute piece with several named sections. Marsden’s music brings to life the water, wildlife and even historic events of Yosemite, such as the Glacier Point Firefall.
The Firefall, and on-and-off event where fire was rained down from Glacier Point, was banned in 1969. You might not know there were two particular tunes associated with this experience. Marsden incorporated hints of these into the Symphony’s piece for the Firefall Section. You’ll have to attend to find out which famous tunes!
Other sections carry titles like “Giants of the Mariposa Grove”, “Chickaree” (which is a very cute squirrel) and “Black Bear’s Lament” . We are eager to hear the orchestra translates favorites such as Yosemite Falls and our Sequoias into a musical experience.
Insider Tip From Holly and Jeff: It’s been crowded on weekends with difficult parking and the concert offers limited seating. Make a day of it near the Ahwahnee. Start with one of our top picks, the Grand Buffet Brunch (Sundays only). After brunch, walk the paths behind the Ahwahnee, maybe to Mirror Lake. Arriving early will help you get oriented, find a parking spot and enjoy the experience.
There will be an additional performance in Mariposa, outside the park, on Saturday, April 25th, 2015, at 7:00 pm, in the Fiester Auditorium. Tickets are $6 for adults/$4 for students and may be purchased from the Mariposa Arts Council .
The Mariposa Symphony Orchestra was founded in 2002 and has approximately 60 members. The only orchestra to make an annual performance inside Yosemite National Park, Mariposa celebrates another proud distinction– the smallest town in America with its own symphony orchestra.