Symphony in the Flint Hills
On the open prairie, it is only the vast sky that grounds us – and the North Star that guides us. Join us at Irma’s Pasture near Bazaar in Chase County, Kansas on June 15, 2019 as we explore the theme, Ad Astra.
THEME
According to ancient tradition, the Osages (in their own language, the Wahzhazhe) came to earth from the stars. Perhaps they were the first to comprehend that we are all made of stardust. An understanding of the heavens was as essential to their survival on the open grasslands as it was to sailors on the vast sea. But once European settlers’ prairie schooners rolled to a stop, the mariners of the prairie turned their gazes toward the Farmer’s Almanac and their noses to the grindstone. With no perceived useful purpose, the skies became the dominion of dreamers. But on the open prairie, it is only the vast sky that ground us – and the North Star that guides us.
LODGING & FOOD
Stay and enjoy a weekend in the Kansas Flint Hills! Discover a camp ground, quaint inn or hotel in one of our charming small towns in Chase County. Or see what nearby Emporia has to offer. Can’t stay in June? Visit Chase County any time of year.
Join us on Irma’s Pasture for lunch and dinner. Enjoy offerings from Cox Brothers BBQ. At dinnertime, VIP ticketholders enjoyed conversation with friends and a fine chuckwagon-style dining experience by Coco Bolos.
ART
Every year, Symphony in the Flint Hills features a Prairie Art Exhibit and Auction that features paintings, drawings, watercolor or mixed media that thematically and graphically reference the Flint Hills of Kansas. Once accepted through the jury process, the winning pieces are exhibited in the Art Tent at the Signature Event where attendees can place a bid on each piece throughout the day during a silent auction. Each year, one piece of artwork will be selected for the official limited edition commemorative print and sold in our retail store.
MUSIC & PRAIRIE PAVILIONS
This year, we turn our gazes to the stars to recognize a fading night sky and present an intergalactic arts initiative called Jump!Star. For the past two years, we have been working with a team of scientists, artists and musicians to imagine what an event celebrating a new North Star, which will happen one thousand years from now, might look like. Symphony in the Flint Hills is proud to partner with the Kansas City Symphony (KCS) for our Signature Event. This year’s event will feature the work of Jump!Star composer Jherek Bischoff and the vocal stylings of indie songwriter Mirah working under the artistic direction of George Ferrandi. In the education tents, we’ll explore our place in the cosmos. And, of course, there are always a few surprises.
FIELD JOURNAL
When you purchase your tickets, remember to reserve a copy of this year’s Field Journal. Our Field Journal, now in its 11th Edition, is a Flint Hills resource whose articles on topics from night skies to prairie chickens have been downloaded by thousands of researchers worldwide. Browse past editions or search our online database at New Prairie Press. Or buy hard copies at our Flint Hills Store.
TICKETS
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online, in line or by phone. On March 2 ONLY, you may purchase tickets in person at the Kansas City Livestock Exchange at 1600 Genessee or at the Symphony in the Flint Hills office at 331 Broadway in Cottonwood Falls.
Tickets may also be purchased online at Eventbrite.com and by calling 620-273-8955. Adult General Admission tickets are $95 plus tax. Child tickets (12 and under) are $50 plus tax.
Consider becoming a patron. Patrons, who help support our year-round mission, receive two VIP tickets with reserved concert seating, a parking pass, access to the on-site hospitality tent, admission to the patron reception and dinner, recognition in the program and other amenities.
Should weather affect our ability to hold the Signature Event, it will be rescheduled for the following day – June 16, 2019. If both events are cancelled, tickets will not be refunded. No refunds. No exchanges.