Seasonal Events - Symphony in the park

Valley Symphony Association One of Cedaredge, Colorado’s most popular new autumn outdoor attractions – “Picnic with the Pops” – actually features a blast from Cedaredge’s past. Founded with humble beginnings in the Surface Creek home of Charles and Wilma Lowell in 1971, the Valley Symphony Orchestra has blossomed into a regionally-respected arts organization with 45 musicians from four Western Slope counties with regular performance dates set in both Delta and Montrose throughout the traditional school-year calendar. With many VSO members still residing in and around Cedaredge, the “Picnic with the Pops” idea was hatched in 2006, taking advantage of the convergence of a hungry local arts scene, the perfect tree-lined host venue and world-renowned “Indian Summer” weather. Held the second Saturday of September, this rousing event blends old and new musical pieces hailing from both the classical stage and Hollywood’s biggest screen hits, all performed by VSO regulars and special local soloists. Blankets, candles, picnic baskets, and the like have made this sunset event a highlight from its cozy Cedaredge Town Park stage. A free event, hundreds of families are now making this musical celebration a September calendar staple, complete with opportunities to cut loose and dance under the stars – barefoot all the while! The VSO holds regular concerts on selected Friday evenings (Delta, Colorado Center for the Performing Arts) and Sunday afternoons (Montrose Pavilion Auditorium). Also performing under the Valley Symphony Association is the Valley Symphony Chorus, a 55-voice strong group that has held rousing performances in both the fall and spring. Both symphony groups also combine every other year for a memorable Christmas concert. For tickets, sponsorship information or the opportunity to play or sing with a Valley Symphony Association group, call: Mike Kern (970) 325-4234 or visit on-line at www.valleysymphony.net