Symphony to return to Flint Hills

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Just across the county line in Chase County, an annual gathering on the prairie known as Symphony in the Flint Hills will arrive June 15 at Irma’s Pasture, seven miles south of Cottonwood Falls. Signs will be posted on K-177 to direct people to the site.

The event, beginning at noon, will celebrate music, art, and the ecology of the Flint Hills.

The state’s motto, Ad Astra per Aspera, “to the stars through difficulties,” will be the theme of this year’s event, which will culminate in a sunset performance by the world-class Kansas City Symphony.

The symphony will present custom-composed, celestial-themed music accompanied by a display of large paper sculptures and costumed dancers in a parade-like setting.

Osage Ballet will perform “WahZhaZhe,” a contemporary ballet featuring rhythmic drums and a powerful story about the Osage Nation. The ballet performance will start at 4:30 p.m., prior to the concert at 6:45 p.m.

Daytime events will include food and beverages, prairie walks, covered wagon rides, story circle poetry, inspirational talks, and an art exhibit and auction.

Irma’s Pasture is owned by Mike Stout, board chairman for Symphony in the Flint Hills, and his brother, Joe Stout. It’s close to other family-owned land that was settled by their great-great-grandfather in 1868.

Tickets are available at (620) 273-8955 or symphonyintheflinthills.org. Price is $95 for adults and $50 for children.

In case of bad weather, the event will be June 16. Symphony in the Flint Hills is in its 14th year.