Music on the Rocks with Art is night to remember
By Debra Mayeux The Daily Times

FARMINGTON — As the babbling Animas River rolled by, the sun shone through the gray clouds slightly illuminating the Bluffs. A giant rainbow made an arch over the mountain, and the San Juan Symphony Chamber Orchestra began to play.

The Farmington Museum's terrace came to life. Children began to dance. People gasped at the beauty of the sights and sounds of Music on the Rocks with Art.

Saturday marked the second year for this soon-to-be tradition that raises money for the symphony and the Farmington Chamber of Commerce.

Karen Ellsbury is a Farmington artist, who donated her work to the event for a silent auction. She attended last year and wanted to participate again.

"I made a special effort to be included," she said. "It's such a lovely mood outside. It's inspiring for an artist to see so many people in Farmington supporting the arts."

Ellsbury was one of 200 area residents who added Music on the Rocks to their September calendar. They did so because the event featured the art of food, wine, music and fine art.

"I love listening to the symphony," said Millie Spear of Farmington. "I sat down and also loved the beauty and rhythm of the river, and the food was delicious."

Joan Walsh of Farmington added that the food was "composed as beautifully as the music."

There were fresh oysters, crab claws, grape leaves, shish-ka-bobs, cheese, smoked salmon and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

The event was catered by The Bluffs, and chef Kelly Ledbetter said he considers Music on the Rocks to be a "do-not-miss-event," because of the riverside setting and the beautiful chamber music.

Arthur Post, director of the San Juan Symphony, said the symphony began


30 years ago, when an orchestra from Durango, Colo., joined with an orchestra from Farmington. The full orchestra, which is set to perform Oct. 7, at the Farmington Civic Center, is five times larger than the chamber group.

He said the symphony would like to see its audience grow as well as see financial support from the area increase.

Post reminded the audience that many composers, like Mozart and Hayden, were in the employ of nobility in their day.

"We need the support of our nobility," Post said, adding the people at Music on the Rocks are the nobility of Farmington. "Your help really helps us continue with our concerts and with education in the Four Corners."

Heather Fortner, who chaired the fundraiser, said that support is growing.

"It was a successful evening," she said. "The auction was very good this year. More local artists donated works, and the bids were higher (than last year)."

Walsh summed up the feel of the evening, when she said: "Vivaldi's music was written for the love of God, and it must be true, because when the orchestra started playing (Vivaldi), there was sunlight on the Bluffs and a rainbow shone over the Bluffs. In the Bible it says that God's love is a rainbow."

All agreed it was a night to remember.


Debra Mayeux: dmayeux@daily-times.com