Six years ago, I performed a solo recital in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The audience hiked to reach me, and as I played, the music merged with nature's own symphony. I did not expect a huge audience at the time, due to the unique nature of the venue, and because no one had done a concert like that before. After getting the proper permits and permissions, I hiked up to my concert location, which overlook the beautiful mountains at dusk. To my pleasant surprise, I had a bigger audience than expected, including those who hiked to that location specifically for the concert, with their own blankets and folding camp chairs, coming from as far as Arkansas to our North Carolina location. The audience wasn't just dedicated listeners, though- hikers passing by stopped for a few moments to listen to the music, and they told me afterwards that it was the highlight of their trip. Not only that, but they told me that there had been a bear lurking nearby- which means that not only did the humans enjoy that magical moment, but so did the animals!
That experience became one of the top highlights of my 22-year performing career and showed me how powerful these intimate encounters could be, where music doesn't just exist in nature but becomes part of it.
Protecting Our Natural Treasures
Our national and state parks are American treasures—living landscapes that tell the story of our land. From ancient geological formations to diverse ecosystems, these precious spaces belong to all of us. As these irreplaceable parklands face increasing challenges, it becomes vital to help people connect with them in meaningful ways. When you discover the resonance of a musical instrument mixing with a babbling brook or wind in the trees, you understand viscerally why these spaces must be preserved for future generations.
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To create intimate musical encounters in America's wild spaces, where classical music emerges naturally from the landscape, inviting both intentional listeners and serendipitous discoverers to experience the profound connection between art and nature through journey-based performances.
We envision a future where hiking trails become pathways to unexpected artistic discovery, where music blends seamlessly with natural soundscapes, and where each performance creates moments of wonder that deepen visitors' connection to both art and wilderness.
1. Natural Integration
- Embracing performance without artificial amplification
- Creating experiences that complement rather than compete with nature
- Allowing music to blend with nature's own rhythms and sounds
- Minimizing our physical presence in the landscape
2. Journey & Discovery
- Rewarding the adventure of reaching performance spaces
- Creating magical moments of unexpected encounter
- Honoring both intentional audience and chance discoveries
- Making each performance location part of the experience
3. Accessibility
- Choosing trails of moderate difficulty
- Providing clear wayfinding information
- Offering free performances with optional donations
- Creating welcoming experiences for all skill levels
4. Environmental Stewardship
- Practicing and promoting Leave No Trace principles
- Minimizing our impact on natural spaces
- Inspiring protection of wild spaces through artistic connection
- Respecting wildlife and natural processes
5. Community Building
- Fostering connections between hikers and artists
- Creating shared experiences of discovery
- Building community around both music and nature
- Encouraging quiet reflection and group experience
6. Artistic Excellence
- Presenting thoughtfully curated programs
- Adapting repertoire to natural settings
- Maintaining professional standards in unique environments
- Creating memorable musical moments
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