Sunset on McConaughy

Located nine miles north of Ogallala, Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is a reservoir of the North Platte River formed by the Kingsley Dam. Constructed between 1936 and 1941, "Big Mac" as the lake is fondly called stretches 22 miles long and four miles wide at its largest point. Bearing the name of its primary proponent, Charles W. McConaughy, the lake provides hydro-electric power and a vital source of irrigation for the surrounding farmland and ranches. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission maintains a recreation area at the lake, visited by over 700,000 people annually. "Sunset on McConaughy" serves as a musical portrait of a well-known Nebraska landmark. The haunting orchestration generates imagery of a magnificent sunset, growing across the sky of an open prairie, reaching a glorious peak, and fading gently below the horizon. Accessible and poignant, this piece provides a great opportunity for musical storytelling, sure to be a favorite of performers and memorable for audiences.