Bringing Music Alive in a Cave?

On June 15th, the towering sandstone recess of Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park (Logan, Ohio) resonated with something extraordinary: the soaring sound of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. As part of Ohio’s Arts in the Parks program, the orchestra brought classical music out of the concert hall and into one of the state’s most stunning natural spaces—proving that inspiration strikes deeper when culture meets landscape.

Pictures from Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Nestled beneath the overhang of the cave, musicians played to an audience of hikers, families, and first-time symphony-goers drawn in by curiosity and the beauty of the setting. Many who had never attended a live orchestral performance found themselves captivated—not only by the rich tones of the ensemble, but by the unexpected magic of encountering art in the wild.

Events like these showcased the power of creative outreach. By reimagining where and how music is experienced, organizations like the Columbus Symphony are inviting entirely new audiences to fall in love with the arts. The blend of natural beauty and live performance forged lasting memories and reminded all who attended that music doesn’t need marble walls to move the soul.

Pictures from Ohio Department of Natural Resources