Canyonlands Grotto Sky
Last week, I got to spend time in one of my favorite places with two of my favorite people! My sister visited us for two weeks, and the middle part of our trip included a visit to Moab, Utah. Becky and I usually travel on our own but this time time, we invited my husband, Peter. The day after we arrived, we were treated to one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever known – a classical concert in a remote natural amphitheater next to the Colorado river in Canyonlands National Park. As part of the Moab Music Festival, musicians play chamber music in this magical place.
Everyone is transported via jet boat down the river to this hidden location in the red rock canyon – The Grotto. And get this: they even carry a six foot long Steinway grand piano to the location for the concert. I chose this shot because it was taken looking straight up at the sky through the opening in the rock walls – an unusual point of view indeed!
To learn more about the Moab Music Festival, click here.
To learn more about the Weekly Photo Challenge, click here.
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That’s dedication!
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It is dedication, Denise. Six feet of grand piano on a boat, the carted up this short dirt path to the center of the Grotto! But the sound is amazing!
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I assumed they had a piano tuner after that trip! I bet it was magnificent!
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Yes, I think that’s an accurate assumption, Denise. I think they keep the tuner pretty busy during the two weeks of the festival. What with carry it around and the outdoor venues which wreak havoc with a piano I suspect they would have to tune it for every performance. And it was hot this past week. The string players were tuning between movements.
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Hi Cathy, what a great picture and I loved the story too. What fun you must’ve had.
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Thanks, Candy!
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That must be a feast for the eyes and ears!!
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It is, Mimi! Exquisite musical talent in that pristine place…and getting there on a jet boat through Canyonlands NP. Amazing!
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Oh my goodness – how lucky were you? I bookmarked it immediately and can scarcely think of anything I would like to do more. How wonderful Cathy and the picture was perfect.. Was that your view during the music?
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If you looked up, yes. It’s a space about 75 yards in diameter and probably 200 feet high with a large opening onto the river that’s protected by trees. They place the piano close to the center and put chairs out for the guests. Some people also sit on the natural rock shelves behind the chairs.
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Yes I looked at the website and it looked fantastic!
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Wow, what a stunning photo, Cathy! That must have been a beautiful spot to listen to music.
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Thanks, Amy. It’s one of the most pristine places on Earth and soooo quiet. Imagine a Schumann quintet in a place with no external sounds at all! I highly recommend it!
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What an amazing experience that must have been. To hear beautiful music in that beautiful setting? Oh, I can only imagine. 🙂
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You would love it, Carrie. Beautiful place, outstanding musicians, no other sounds but a gentle breeze!
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Wow, that is totally spectacular! Wish I were there!
But I too carry a grand piano with me wherever I go, so I don’t see what’s so unusual about that. I should probably learn to play it at some point, though. It would make more sense that way.
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I know! Who wouldn’t want to carry a six-foot Steinway with them into Canyonlands? I mean, what happens if you do decide to learn to play? 🙂
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Umm…I’d get to star in The Pianist 2? I’ve got the nose for it, and the piano hands. Everybody says so. 😛
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Wow! What a picture, Cathy! I will definitely check out the Moab music festival!
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Thanks, Moonstone Love. It’s always around the first two weeks in September and World Class!
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Sounds great and magical — like your pic! Talk about a painted desert–beautiful.
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Thanks, Brigitte! It is a beautiful painted desert!
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That visit sounds like it was a total feast for the senses, Cathy. If attendees do not get wet, and I ever found myself presented with the opportunity to go, I would consider putting aside my aversion to leaving terra firma for this adventure.
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It was a total feast for the senses, V. We didn’t get wet, but enjoyed the river and music in a way that most people on the planet never get to experience. I felt very blessed. Very civilized but, yes, an adventure. The musicians were mostly Julliard trained, with the lead violinist playing a 1711 Stradivarius exquisitely. And YES! If you ever had the opportunity to go, I would bet a lot that you would not be disappointed!
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The red in the rock seems on the edge of fantasy…
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I agree, Shimon. And I think some of that effect had to do with the time of day. Thank you, as always, for commenting here.
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Stunning! I love the way the red rock frames the swirling sky. Just gorgeous! And a concert outside… Love them! We used to go to Tanglewood all the time, and it was sublime. Your Moab experience sounds like a few steps up from that!
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Yes, Dawn. There is always something so special about outside venues, especially for classical music. I’ve been to Tanglewood twice and remember those concerts even years later. The Moab experience is quite amazing.
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It sounds INCREDIBLE!
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Great perspective! I need to get back to Utah; the rock formations they have throughout the state are amazing. And to be able to attend a concert at a naturally formed amphitheater must have been fabulous. My mother would have loved that (she was a professional violinist).
I was attuned to the healing energy of Re Hu Tek today. Boy was my third eye getting ready over the past few days (headache!). Should be interesting to learn how to work with it. (rehutek.com)
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Thanks, Susan! This Grotto location is very, very special and the musicians, sublime – chamber music in a secret place! I’ll be interested to hear how it goes with your new frequencies!
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – An Unusual Point of View « LargeSelf […]
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – An Unusual Point of View « LargeSelf […]
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – An Unusual Point of View « LargeSelf […]
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What an amazing photograph and I bet the concert was fabulous, thanks for sharing.
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – An Unusual Point of View « LargeSelf […]
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Definitely a great capture for this challenge.
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Thank you, Janaline! I know! It’s so surprising to see a 6-foot Steinway in a canyon!
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – An Unusual Point of View (largeself.com) […]
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I hope to someday visit for a time in Utah. I traveled through the state via rail in 2011 and was transfixed by the beautiful terrain I saw through the window. Thanks for sharing this picture for the challenge.
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Utah is so beautiful! And I’m glad you enjoyed the photo! Moab is only about 6 1/2 hours by car from my home and I so enjoy visiting the area. I have been there many times and always find new places to visit. Thank you for your visit and the comment!
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Wow your photos are wonderful! I wish I was a pro photographer
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Thank you! And welcome! You are too kind. 🙂
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[…] Weekly Photo Challenge – An Unusual Point of View « LargeSelf […]
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