Ghosts in Grafton, stolen quilts in Rockville and moonlight sonatas in
Springdale. A cycle of songs celebrating the history and contemporary
life of Zion National Park and its neighboring communities. Based on oral histories gathered from local residents (portrayed here in a photo gallery). Performed
by an all-star ensemble on a lively assortment of guitars, violins, oboe, English
horn, mandolin,
banjo, mandocello, harmonica, button accordion, jaw harp, upright bass and vocals.
READ the lyrics and the stories behind the songs HERE
Composer and former Springdale, Utah mayor Phillip Bimstein wrote Zion Canyon Song Cycle
on a grant from the nationwide Continental Harmony commissioning
program of the American Composers Forum. His alternative classical
works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln
Center, Abravanel Hall, London’s Royal Opera House, and his new wave
band's videos appeared on MTV in the 1980s. He also performs with the chamber folk
ensemble, blue haiku.
Zion Canyon Song Cycle is performed by Red Rock Rondo, a 6-member ensemble including the internationally-known recording artist Kate MacLeod, Deseret String Band and Cowboy Poetry Gathering founder Hal Cannon, Phillip Bimstein and fellow blue haiku members Harold Carr, Flavia Cerviño-Wood and Charlotte Bell, who also perform with the Salt Lake Symphony. Their music is a well-crafted synergy of folk and classical styles.
To see live concert photos, click here. To hear songs from the Zion Canyon Song Cycle CD, click here. To buy the CD, click here. To see stills from the upcoming 2009 PBS TV special about Red Rock Rondo, in celebration of Zion National Park's Centennial, "A Century of Sanctuary," click here.
For more information, please email Red Rock Rondo
Read a feature story in the Salt Lake Tribune
Read a review in the Deseret News
Go to CD cover artist Kate Starling's website here.
