YOUR AD HERE »

Letter: Music should be patriotic

I, too, was disappointed with the music selection for this year’s Fourth of July concert. I would like to share some personal history to support the call for next year’s concert to revert to a collection of traditional patriotic music.

My father fought in the battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific in World War II. Gentle-hearted though he was, his life was shaped by the occasions when he risked his life to defend our liberty. I cherish the stories he told me when I was a boy of the times he nearly escaped death, of the fear he had to confront and of the courage he had to summon in order to survive the war.

When I moved to Aspen/Snowmass five years ago and first heard the majesty of the beautiful, patriotic music played in the splendor of the music tent on the Fourth of July, I literally could feel my father’s spirit celebrating along with us. I could feel his happiness that I had found Aspen and decided to make Aspen and Snowmass my home.



In honor of my father and all of the servicemen and servicewomen who have either risked or given their lives in the defense of liberty, I believe it is right and proper to celebrate Independence Day with patriotic music that resonates with the final words of our national anthem, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

Finally, I would just like to say that I am truly grateful for all that the Aspen Music Festival and School does for our community. It’s one of the reasons I live here. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Alan Fletcher and to all the full time staff, musicians and volunteers who help make the summer season so wonderful for us. Play on!




John Hornblower

Aspen