Community Calendar

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise is proud to host one of the region’s most beloved summer traditions as the Pro-Art Association launches its 50th season with the 14th annual Symphony of the Mountains performance at UVA Wise. This year’s concert will shift to a new day and location, with Symphony of the Mountains taking the stage in the David J. Prior Convocation Center on Sunday, July 19th at 3 p.m. for All American Legacy with Jake Hoot featuring The Voice champion alongside the full orchestra. The concert is free and open to all. Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of music and community in the heart of Wise.

Under the masterful direction of Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Symphony of the Mountains celebrates American music, heritage and community in an inspiring program honoring the nation’s rich musical traditions. Featured performer Jake Hoot is a storyteller with a six-string and a purpose. Best known as the Season 17 winner of NBC’s The Voice, Jake has graced iconic stages like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, captivating audiences with his rich, soulful voice and undeniable gift for storytelling. Together with bandmates Jamie Floyd, Brittney Hoot and Charles Peahouse, Jake Hoot joins the orchestra for a dynamic collaboration featuring original songs and Nashville favorites, blending country, folk and contemporary with the grandeur of the full symphony orchestra.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 15, 2026

Winds of the Mountain Empire Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Free Concert Featuring Carmina Burana

BIG STONE GAP, VA — Winds of the Mountain Empire will celebrate its 20th anniversary performance with a free
concert on Sunday, July 26, at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Union High School in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
Founded in 2006, Winds of the Mountain Empire is a professional wind ensemble that has brought together
musicians from throughout Southwest Virginia, Northeast Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky, and beyond for two
decades of high-quality wind band performances.

This year’s anniversary concert will feature a powerful and celebratory program, including The Star-Spangled
Banner, arranged by John Williams; March from Symphonic Metamorphosis by Paul Hindemith; Meridian by Ola
Gjeilo, featuring UVA Wise Associate Professor of Music and pianist Peter Ryan; world premiere performances of
Above the Mountains by UVA Wise music major Joshua Cunningham and Regalia: A Ceremonial Overture by
Donald W. Sorah; and the cornerstone work of the program, Carl Orff’s dramatic and iconic Carmina Burana.

The concert is made possible with the generous support of The Slemp Foundation and the Pro-Art Association,
whose support helps Winds of the Mountain Empire continue offering free, high-quality performances to
audiences throughout the region.