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‘The Pinnacle Event of the Summer;’ 25th Symphony by the Lake Takes Place Friday, July 27, at Chetola Resort

By Paul T. Choate

July 19, 2012. Symphony by the Lake at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock will be celebrating their 25th anniversary on Friday, July 27, featuring Symphony of the Mountains of Kingsport, Tenn., as well as a fireworks show.

Symphony by the Lake anticipates a turnout of approximately 3,000 people this year on their 25th anniversary. Photo by Ken Ketchie

“It has been called the pinnacle event of the summer,” said Billie Rogers, events director for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. 

Located by Chetola Lake, the annual event, sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, is expected to draw about 3,000 lakeside this year, according to Rogers.

“It’s the event that most people here look forward to,” said Rogers, adding, “We have people come from all over North Carolina, all over South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee — we’ll have people out there from everywhere that come to this, and it is an annual excursion for them.”

Symphony by the Lake was also voted one of the top 20 events by the Southeast Tourism Society this year. 

Prior to the Symphony of the Mountains concert, local favorites The Harris Brothers will perform from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. The symphony will play from 7:30 until just after dark and fireworks will begin at the conclusion of their performance. 

The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. as the orchestra is finishing their final song. Photo by Ken Kecthie

“We have been told it is one of the best fireworks shows in the area, so don’t leave early,” said Rogers. 

In addition to plenty of great music, plenty of food options are available. guests are invited to bring a picnic basket, or may choose from one of three dining options prepared by The Manor House Restaurant at Chetola. Options include: Picnic on the Lawn beginning at 5:30 p.m., priced at $13 for adults and $8 for kids 5 to 12 years old; Pre-Symphony Dinner Buffet beginning at 5 p.m. and priced at $48 per person; and Dinner on the Patio, which reservations are encouraged for, and includes the symphony ticket for $99 beginning at 7 p.m.

According to Rogers, about 30 patron tents were available but have already sold out. These tents are rented by private citizens as well as companies. This year, co-sponsor Wells Fargo Bank will have one of the tents. 

Tickets are $30 for adults and $12 for children under 12. They can be purchased through the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce or online at blowingrock.com/symphony.

Parking for the event will be available at Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, the Food Lion shopping center, Wallingford Parking Deck, and the American Legion Hall. Shuttle service is available at no charge and runs between the Food Lion shopping center, Wallingford Parking Deck, American Legion Hall and Chetola Resort. Shuttles are handicapped accessible.

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828-295-7851 or visit blowingrock.com.   

Symphony of the Mountains

Symphony of the Mountains was formed in 1946 as the Kingsport Civic Symphony. Today, the orchestra serves the entire Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia region. Conducted by Maestro Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Symphony of the Mountains consists of more than 65 musicians, drawn from the Tri-Cities area as well as symphony orchestras in Knoxville, Tenn., Asheville, Roanoke, Va. and more. Maestro Orth joined the Symphony of the Mountains during its 60th year in 2006. She holds three master’s degrees in piano and choral, one in orchestra conducting, and has conducted various choirs, youth and community orchestras, operas and musical productions throughout Europe.

For more information about Symphony of the Mountains, click to www.symphonyofthemountains.org.