Carlsbad, NM – Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra are teaming up to celebrate the 100th birthday of the National Park Service in a musical tradition of years past. On Friday, November 4, a string quartet from the Philharmonic will present a concert in one of the world’s most unique and breathtaking auditoriums—the Big Room of Carlsbad Cavern.
Music is not new to Carlsbad Cavern. Eighty-three years ago, visitors to the park were treated to a subterranean oratorio performance as an entire symphony orchestra, accompanied by 175 singers, presented Josef Haydn’sThe Creation. And, for almost twenty years, from 1928 through 1944, Caverns visitors were mesmerized by the annual “Rock of Ages” program which culminated with a solo rendition of the hymn of the same name. Musicians and listeners alike have been transported by the magical sound created by the marvelous acoustics of this World Heritage Site. The upcoming concert will recreate that unforgettable experience.
On the evening of the event, visitors will enter the cave no later than 4 p.m. via the elevator. The concert will take place at the Top of the Cross amphitheater, which will require a 1.25 mile walk on sloped and uneven trails. There is no charge for this once-in-a-lifetime event, but seating is limited, and reservations must be made in advance by calling 575-785-3152 starting October 1.
The visitor center’s winter hours are 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. For more information about Centennial events, park regulations, visitation or park tours, call 575-785-2232 or visit www.nps.gov/cave.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service, 1933 concert in the cave.