This year's symphony south of Council Grove
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, February 8, 2008
STRONG CITY — Building off the success of two previous sell-out concerts in 2006 and 2007, organizers of Symphony in the Flint Hills has announced details for the third annual concert to take place June 14 on private ranch land south of historic Council Grove in Morris County. Also announced, UMB Bank has signed on as the 2008 Major Presenting Sponsor.
“Our company’s history is grounded in celebrating the arts and agriculture,” said Mariner Kemper, chairman and chief executive officer of UMB Financial Corp. of which UMB Bank is a subsidiary. “We are proud to offer support for this event which will take place in such an extraordinary setting.”
The 2008 site, North Lakeview Pasture, is owned by the C.H. White family and is located just east of Kansas Highway 177.
“This beautiful site in the Flint Hills provides a perfect showcase for both the wonders of nature and of art: delightful symphonic music performed amidst the splendor of undisturbed prairie grass," said Cathy Hoy, president of the non-profit organization Symphony in the Flint Hills, producer of the event.
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will again serve as the honorary chair of the Symphony in the Flint Hills event.
“This music is the perfect compliment to the majestic beauty of the Flint Hills,” Sebelius said. “Each year the crowds seem to get bigger and bigger. This year, I hope even more Kansans have the chance to enjoy this extraordinary experience in the heart of the Flint Hills.”
Part of the vision of Symphony in the Flint Hills is to produce an ongoing series of symphonic concerts in the Kansas Flint Hills that will heighten appreciation and knowledge of the Flint Hills while providing an economic boost to rural Kansas communities.
Debbie Miller, who lives on a ranch outside Council Grove and is co-owner of the historic 1857 Hays House restaurant, said the town is already busy preparing to welcome symphony guests.
“We’re very excited to show off the Council Grove area and its well-preserved Santa Fe Trail history and ranching heritage. It’s our chance to celebrate this beautiful region that we take such pride in and to promote the businesses and attractions that keep this rural community prospering,” said Miller. “Once visitors discover our small-town charm and Flint Hills friendliness, we know they’ll be back for more.”
Symphony in the Flint Hills 2008 concert tickets will go on sale March 3. Tickets will cost $45 for general admission and $30 for children 12 years of age and younger. Tickets will again be available only through the Kansas City Symphony box office, and can be purchased beginning March 3 online at www.kcsymphony.org, or by phone at (816) 471-0400.
As in previous years, only 5,000 general admission tickets will be sold, with additional tickets allocated to patron and sponsorship packages.
A limited number of patron packages and corporate sponsorships are still available. Interested persons and organizations should call Symphony in the Flint Hills at (620) 273-8955 for more information, or visit www.symphonyintheflinthills.org.