Ijams Journal: 29th Symphony in the Park closes summer season

Sunday, September 14, 2014

29th Symphony in the Park closes summer season

Photo Stephen Lyn Bales

In late summer, as the sun sits a little lower in the sky and the jewelweed blooms around the ponds and streams, Mother Nature ramps up her symphony. The drone of dragonflies and bumblebees fills the meadows. The first of the migrating birds add their voices to the chorus that greets the early-morning sun, and the evening buzz of the cicadas reaches a crescendo that rivals the work of Beethoven himself.

As the summer draws to a close here at Ijams, we like to make a little music of our own.

Maestro Richman

Last Sunday, September 7, Ijams celebrated the 29th year of Symphony in the Park (SIP). This annual fundraising event brings people together for an elegant evening of music in an idyllic outdoor setting. Cocktails and a silent auction give way to dinner and an enchanting performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. This was Maestro Lucas Richman twelfth and last SIP. All have been memorable.

Richard Pratt

In addition to music, Symphony in the Park also highlights a local visual artist each year.

This year’s event highlighted the work of Knoxville painter Richard Pratt. Natural themes and abstract color usage are embodied in Pratt’s work, and the natural setting of Ijams provides the perfect backdrop for his art. Several of his pieces will be on display throughout the evening.

Symphony in the Park raises money to support Ijams’ mission of providing engaging outdoor experiences for people of all ages and walks of life.

Special thanks to our sponsors

DOGWOOD ($10,000)
Stephen and April Harris

BEAUTYBERRY ($5,000)

Jupiter Entertainment

Pilot Flying J

LENTEN ROSE ($2,500)

Alcoa, Inc.

City of Knoxville

Moxley Carmichael

Pinnacle Financial Partners

Sherri Lee

The Trust Company of Knoxville