The Phoenix Symphony recognizes that adults benefit from ongoing educational opportunities that deepen their connection with orchestral music. The following paragraphs offer a brief overview of our many adult education programs and audience development initiatives.

"Musically Speaking" Pre-Concert Conversations

"Musically Speaking" pre-concert discussions begin one hour prior to Classics concerts (Thursday and Saturday evenings and Friday mornings). Using an informal half-hour format, our moderator interviews a guest artist or a member of the Symphony. The week's music is discussed, and the audience is invited to ask questions. This series of "Musically Speaking" Pre-Concert Conversations is free to all ticketholders for each respective concert.

"Intermission Insights"

Fresh from the stage and still in the moment of music-making, guest soloists or Symphony musicians are invited to sit down with Phoenix Symphony Music Director Michael Christie at intermission for an immediate post-performance chat. A brief dialogue with an artist, a discussion about the program, and your questions are sure to deepen your engagement with these concerts.

"Keeping Score" ©

As part of As part of the performances lead by Phoenix Symphony Music Director Michael Christie, an optional program entitled Keeping Score will be available to enhance the concert experience. Developed by Michael Christie, Keeping Score is a short, easy-to-follow real-time guide to the music being performed. Keeping Score is a registered trademark of Interactive Performance Media Inc. and is written by Michael Christie.

Meet the Artists

After every Coffee Classics concert, patrons are invited to a luncheon and panel discussion with musicians, conductors or guest artists. Hosted by the Phoenix Symphony Auxiliary and moderated by the Symphony's General Manager, this series enables audiences to interact with the musicians on a one-to-one basis, allowing patrons to ask questions of the panel and chat with them over lunch.

Phoenix Symphony "Close-Ups"
at Borders and Mountain View Presbyterian Church

This series of free lecture-demonstrations features individual musicians from The Phoenix Symphony talking about their lives, background, and instrument. Each one-hour "Close-Up" includes a question & answer session. "Close-Ups" are held at Borders Books & Music (2402 East Camelback, Phoenix) and Mountain View Presbyterian Church (8050 E. Mountain View Rd, Scottsdale). The Borders evening series is sponsored by Borders Books & Music. The Mountain View morning series is presented by the Phoenix Symphony Auxiliary. For more information, click here.