Phoenix Symphony News Releases

Concertmaster, Moeckel, Along With Three Other Musicians Receive Tenure

The Phoenix Symphony — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:32:44 GMT

Concertmaster, Moeckel, Along With Three Other Musicians Receive Tenure

PHOENIX – Marking a definitive career accomplishment, four Phoenix Symphony musicians have been awarded tenure within the orchestra: Steven Moeckel, Karen Sinclair, Mark Deatherage and Christopher McKay. The musicians went through a rigorous multi-year process to achieve this status, which makes them permanent members of the orchestra.

Steven Moeckel was named Concertmaster in July of 2008 after being chosen from hundreds of musicians stemming from a year-long search. Mr. Moeckel made his solo debut with the Symphony during the 2008/09 Season playing Pablo de Sarasate’s playful and sensuous Fantasy on Bizet’s Carmen. As a chamber artist, Moeckel has performed as violinist of the Makart Trio Salzburg with Erika Frieser and Dana Micacoi, and as first violinist of the Auraeus quartet in concerts throughout Europe. Born in Germany, Mr. Moeckel began his musical career at an early age, first as violinist, then performing at the age of eleven as principal soprano soloist for the renowned Vienna Boys Choir. After leaving the choir, he resumed violin studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, graduating with honors at the age of nineteen.

Violinist Karen Sinclair began a one-year position with The Phoenix Symphony at the start of the 2009/10 Season. Ms. Sinclair holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, a Diploma of Postgraduate Performance from London’s Royal Academy of Music and a Master of Music degree from Rice University. She made her solo debut at age eleven with the Philadelphia Orchestra and has returned to perform as a soloist with them on two other occasions. At the International Competition of Padua, Italy, Karen was awarded the top prize for Soloist with Orchestra, second prize for String Recital, and third prize for Virtuostic Recital and performed as soloist with the Bacau State Philharmonic of Romania.

Mark Deatherage, Associate Principal Viola, was born and primarily educated in Saint Louis, Missouri and has served as the Acting Principal Viola during the 2009/10 Season. At Indiana University, he received a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance studying under Mimi Zweig, and a Master of Music with a Cognate in Mathematics under Alan DeVeritch. In the following years he continued his studies with Michael Strauss in Indianapolis, Indiana. While a member of the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida, he had the opportunity to study with Cynthia Phelps, Roberto Diaz, and Robert Vernon. Mr. Deatherage has performed as a member of several orchestras including the Evansville Philharmonic, The New World Symphony, and as a substitute in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Section Violist Christopher McKay joined The Phoenix Symphony in 2008 and has served as the Acting Assistant Principal Viola during the 2009/10 Season. Mr. McKay received his viola performance degrees from Louisiana State University and Indiana University. He has served in many capacities as orchestral musician, chamber musician, soloist, and teacher. Christopher’s past engagements include interim viola in the Louisville Orchestra, substitute with the Indianapolis Symphony, Principal Viola of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, asst. principal of New Jersey Opera, Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, and the Owensboro Symphony. His summer engagements include fellowships at Tanglewood Music Center, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Artur Balsam Chamber Music Workshop.

About The Phoenix Symphony: The Phoenix Symphony has been proudly serving the citizens of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona since 1947. What began as an occasional group of musicians performing a handful of concerts each year (in a city of fewer than 100,000 people) today serves more than 300,000 people annually, with almost 200 concerts and presentations throughout the greater Phoenix area and beyond.

Under the artistic leadership of Michael Christie as the Virginia G. Piper Music Director and administrative leadership of President Maryellen H. Gleason, the orchestra is overseen by the non-profit Phoenix Symphony Association under Board Chairman C.A. Howlett.

The Phoenix Symphony presents an annual season from September through the beginning of June, featuring full-length classical and pops concerts at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, as well as concerts in Scottsdale, Mesa, Prescott and throughout central Arizona. The Symphony performs for more than 80,000 students and children, helping to introduce music to new generations through a variety of education and youth-engagement programs.

The Phoenix Symphony Performs Mozart’s Monumental Requiem

The Phoenix Symphony — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:31:32 GMT

The Phoenix Symphony Performs Mozart’s Monumental Requiem

Program also includes Zemlinsky’s sweeping “Spring’s Funeral”

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony will showcase championed compositions from vocal and symphonic repertoire March 18 - 21 at Symphony Hall. The program includes Alexander von Zemlinsky’s “Spring’s Funeral” (Fruhlingsbegräbnis) and the solemn and powerful Kyrie in F, K.33 and Requiem, K. 626 from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Commissioned by Count Franz von Walsegg, whose wife had died in the early part of 1791, Mozart’s powerful Requiem, one of the composer’s most popular works, was left unfinished after his passing in 1791. The premiere of Requiem was held not long after Mozart’s death after being completed by several of Mozart’s colleagues and students.

The Virginia G. Piper Music Director, Michael Christie, will lead The Phoenix Symphony along with guest vocalists Janice Chandler Eteme, Susan Platts, Bryan Griffin and Jason Grant as well as the Phoenix Symphony Chorus.

The Phoenix Symphony Chorus is led by Dr. Gregory Gentry and Assistant Director In-Hwan Choi. Founded in 2001, the Chorus serves as a professional-level performing partner for Arizona's only full-time orchestra. The Chorus is comprised of over 100 volunteers and is governed by its own members in partnership with the Chorusmaster and Symphony staff. Chorus members collectively donate more than 12,000 hours of service to music and the Symphony each year.

“Mozart’s Requiem,” sponsored by Allan and Lois Mayer, will be held at Symphony Hall on March 18 at 7:30 pm and March 20 at 8 pm.

Tickets for “Mozart’s Requiem” range from $22 to $72 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 or by visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Other highlights of The Phoenix Symphony’s 2009/10 Classics Season, sponsored by US Airways, include “American Masters: Copland, Barber & Adams” (April 29 – May 1), “Tan Dun: Crouching Tiger Concerto” (May 13 - 15), and “Great Opera Choruses” (May 20 – 22).

About The Phoenix Symphony: The Phoenix Symphony has been proudly serving the citizens of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona since 1947. What began as an occasional group of musicians performing a handful of concerts each year (in a city of fewer than 100,000 people) today serves more than 300,000 people annually, with 275 concerts and presentations throughout the greater Phoenix area and beyond.

The 76-member Phoenix Symphony presents an annual season from September through the beginning of June, featuring full-length classical and pops concerts at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, as well as concerts in Scottsdale, Mesa, Prescott and throughout central Arizona. The Symphony performs for more than 50,000 students and children, helping to introduce music to new generations through a variety of education and youth-engagement programs.

The Phoenix Symphony Partners with St. Mary’s Food Bank

The Phoenix Symphony — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:30:07 GMT

The Phoenix Symphony Partners

with St. Mary’s Food Bank

The two Valley organizations to participate in

Orchestras Feeding America for the second year

PHOENIX – This March, The Phoenix Symphony will once again partner with St. Mary’s Food Bank as participants in Orchestras Feeding America.

This nationwide project had its start last year and was inspired by the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-trained string player who was living on the streets of Los Angeles as a result of a mental illness. Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez noticed Nathaniel, and was drawn to his talent, intelligence, and passion for Beethoven. The fascinating story led to the film, The Soloist, a film about Mr. Ayers, starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr.

This film and the Orchestras Feeding America project are testaments to the power of music. Last year’s Orchestras Feeding America project involved 250 orchestras collecting over 200,000 pounds of food.

Phoenix Symphony patrons can donate items at Symphony Hall during the “Symphonic Star Wars” and “Star Wars Mania” concerts beginning one hour prior to the start of each concert. Concerts on March 26 and 27 begin at 8 pm and the Sunday matinee on March 27 begins at 2 pm. The Family Series concert on March 27 starts at 2:30 pm. The most needed items include the following:

Dry Soup
Rice
Powdered / Canned Milk
Macaroni and Cheese
Cereal
Peanut Butter
Beans
Canned Fruit and Vegetables
Tuna
Canned Meats
Soup
Pasta
Fruit Juices / Sip-sized Juices

For every 10 accepted items donated, Phoenix Symphony patrons will receive a voucher good for two tickets for an upcoming 2009/10 Symphony concert (some exclusions apply.)

The Phoenix Symphony Announces its 2010/11 Season

The Phoenix Symphony — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:28:40 GMT

The Phoenix Symphony Announces

its 2010/11 Season

“Rediscovered Masters” series illuminates music silenced

during the Holocaust (WWII) era

Associations with National and Valley organizations including Phoenix Theatre, Phoenix Art Museum, The OREL Foundation, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Arizona State University Center for Jewish Studies

Three world premieres to be presented at Symphony Hall

Festivals include a Brandenberg Festival and a two week

Piano Concerto Festival

PHOENIX – Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie and The Phoenix Symphony announce an exceptional 2010/11 Season including major partnerships with national and local organizations, two world premiere performances and a newly commissioned piece. The thrilling year will kick off September 10 - 12 with a feast for the eyes as well as the ears as Michael Christie leads the Symphony in the semi-staged co-production of The Music Man with Phoenix Theatre. The Spotlight Composers for the 2010/11 Season are Felix Mendelssohn, John Corigliano and “Rediscovered Masters,” a series showcasing the powerful artistry and beauty of composers who were silenced during WWII and the Holocaust. The works of these composers will be performed throughout The Phoenix Symphony’s monumental season, including a partnership with the Phoenix Art Museum for Mendelssohn’s pivotal oratorio Elijah, Corigliano’s Oscar-winner score for the film The Red Violin and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. In addition, the Symphony will present its ever popular Pops and Family concerts as well as two festivals throughout the season.

"The adventure continues!” says Music Director Michael Christie,
“I am so pleased by the excitement of our Valley audiences for the good and diverse music performed by the Phoenix Symphony each season. The coming season is no different, bringing our patrons up-close to the music of Spotlight Composers Felix Mendelssohn, John Corigliano and especially the treasure trove of work from our “Rediscovered Masters.” The “Rediscovered Masters” series is particularly meaningful to our community that has embraced the totality of the musical experience, including its political and social ramifications. There are many personal favorites throughout the season, including our semi-staged production of Meredith Wilson's The Music Man, Mendelssohn's Elijah and Corigliano's Red Violin Concerto.”

Classics Series

During the 2010/11 Season, The Phoenix Symphony will highlight the works of Felix Mendelssohn, John Corigliano and “Rediscovered Masters” as part of the orchestra’s Composer Spotlight initiative. Guest artists include pianist Benedetto Lupo; violinists Augustin Hadelich and Jennifer Frautschi; and organist Paul Jacobs. Guest conductors include Mei-Ann Chen leading the Symphony in Also sprach Zarathustra and Christian Lindberg leading Sibelius’ grandiose Symphony No. 2.

Repertoire highlights include Classics opening night of Brahms Violin Concerto, Berloiz’s masterpiece Symphonie fantastique, as well as Hans Krása’s Brundibar, a children’s opera featuring the Phoenix Boys Choir.

Rediscovered Masters

Their lives cut short by the horrors of war and genocide, and their works denied to be heard in the world’s concert halls, World War II affected all walks of life including music composition. Several composers’ vital and passionately lyrical compositions were banned and entire schools of composition were eradicated during the Holocaust while small pockets of music thrived in concentration camps across Eastern Europe. The Phoenix Symphony will explore and perform many of these works for the first time during the 2010/11 Season in its series, “Rediscovered Masters.” These composers include such masters as Max Bruch, Pavel Haas, Mieczyslaw Weinberg, Hans Krása, Erwin Schuloff, Marcel Tyberg and Kurt Weill bringing to life the voices that were silenced decades ago. Throughout the season and academic year, The Phoenix Symphony and the Arizona State University Center for Jewish Studies, in conjunction with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, will present a series of lectures, films and discussions around the Valley, linking the musical presentations to the cultural and historical themes of assimilation, modernization, destruction and remembrance.

“The journey of learning about the incredible musical output of composers displaced or killed by the Nazi occupation of Europe has been particularly meaningful for me. Their music has been unjustly neglected but the quality speaks for itself. The Symphony's season long association with ASU Jewish Studies and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum is going to allow patrons to experience the music and its background in a very profound way. I am thrilled that this association puts us at the forefront of the rediscovery of these masterworks and the lives of their creators” says Michael Christie.

“Nazi Germany intended to eradicate not only the Jewish people, but all traces of Jewish culture as well,” says the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Southwest Regional Director, Melissa Gendason. “Sixty-five years after the defeat of Nazism, the Museum is excited to help bring the works of those impacted by war and the Holocaust to the Phoenix community.”

Piano Concerto Festival: May 5 – 14, 2011

Michael Christie has invited a dazzling line up of talented young soloists to the Valley to perform celebrated concertos as part of a two-week Piano Concerto Festival. With works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky, audience are in for a spectacular treat. Piano soloists performing during the Festival will include the 2009 Bösendorfer USASU International Piano Competition Winner, 2009 Christel DeHaan Classical Fellow of the American Pianists Association and the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist.

Pops

Kicking off not only the Pops Series but the entire 2010/11 Season is the semi-staged co-production of The Music Man with Phoenix Theatre marking the beginning of a three year partnership with the longtime Valley theater company. Michael Christie will take the podium for this inaugural performance, leading the “76 Trombones” with a very special connection to the musical. Says the Music Director, “Most people don't know that I was involved in musical theater throughout high school and I appeared in many spectacular shows including The Music Man as the music man himself, Harold Hill. This first of three annual collaborations bring the greatest classic musicals to our stage with the brilliance of a large orchestra and the skill and talent of Phoenix Theater. A true blast from the past!” Another highlight of the Symphony’s Pops Series is “Cirque de la Symphonie” combining the best of classical music with acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and strongmen on the Symphony Hall stage. Other Pops concerts include “Hollywood Dreams and Nightmares, hosted by James Sedares,” a musical tribute to Elvis Presley, and the return of Jim Witter with “Feelin’ Groovy,” featuring the greatest hits from Simon & Garfunkel. The Pops Series also includes the Phoenix return of Jack Everly in “Irving Berlin: From Rags to Ritzes.” Special guests include conductors Michael Krajewski, Loras John Schissel and Martin Hermann as well as Valley favorite Robert Moody.

Holiday Season

Celebrate the 2010 holidays with The Phoenix Symphony! “Deck the Halls” Family concert opens the Symphony’s holiday season with a magical concert designed for children of all ages led by former Phoenix Symphony Resident Conductor Robert Moody and featuring the Phoenix Boys Choir. Pre-concert activities include a photo op with Santa Claus as well as holiday themed crafts, activities and refreshments. Conductor Robert Moody will stay in Phoenix to also lead the Symphony in “Holiday Pops” with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. The traditional concerts of Handel’s Messiah at venues throughout the Valley will continue during the 2010/11 Season – as well as performances by candlelight as highlights from the oratorio will be performed along with baroque Christmas pieces. The complete oratorio will also be performed with soloists at venues throughout the Valley. Community musicians will once again be invited to participate in Messiah Sing-Along, led by Michael Christie.

Brandenburg Festival: January 14 - 16

Written for and dedicated to the Margrave of Brandenburg in 1721. Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concerti were stowed away and not performed until the late nineteenth century. The Phoenix Symphony will present all six of these hidden treasures in three venues throughout the Valley: The Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, the Tempe Arts Center, and the Mesa Arts Center as a rare holiday treat!

Family Series

The Phoenix Symphony’s Family Series returns for yet another fun-filled and imagination-stirring season beginning with The Music Man and guest artist Phoenix Theatre. Highlights from the Family Series include Enchanted Fairytales including the children’s opera Brundibar and Peter and the Wolf, Prokofiev’s all-time favorite symphony for children. Orchestra from Planet X featuring Magic Circle Mime Co will also be a thrilling part of the Family Series. The Symphony is proud to announce the continuation of the Target Corporation’s generosity in supporting the Family Series. With their support, patrons receive one free child subscription with each adult series subscription purchased.

2010/11 Season Tickets

Season tickets to the 2010/11 Season are now on sale, with a variety of packages offered for the Classics, Pops, Family and Favorites series. Popular packages include the 4 concert Choose Your Own Series, with packages priced for as little as $80! Tickets, additional information and a complete schedule for the 2010/11 Season can be obtained by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office during weekday business hours at 602-495-1999.

Target Day of Music Offers a FREE Afternoon of Family Fun and More

The Phoenix Symphony — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:38:17 GMT

Target Day of Music Offers a FREE Afternoon of Family Fun and More

Phoenix Symphony Partners with Target

in Celebration of Music

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony and Target are giving back to the local community with a FREE, fun-filled musical afternoon on Sunday, March 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Symphony Hall. Featured pre-concert lobby entertainers include the marimba band Panda-monium from Humboldt Elementary School, powerful drummers and a towering stilt walker as part of Afro-Caribe Drum and Dance, and performers from the youth ballet company, Ballet Etudes.

Kids’ activities for Target Day of Music include exploring musical instruments in the Instrument Petting Zoo, crafts, and balloon artists. Food will be available for purchase.

“All of us at The Phoenix Symphony are delighted to present an eclectic and fun concert experience - thanks to the generosity of Target” says Phoenix Symphony President and CEO Maryellen H. Gleason.

Champions of promoting education and enriching the public, both Target and The Phoenix Symphony actively seek out opportunities to contribute to the communities they serve. In keeping with this neighborhood philosophy, both organizations understand the importance of offering a taste of local musical talent at this free community celebration.

Target gives more than $3 million each week to communities where it operates stores to support education, arts, social services and volunteerism programs. The partnership between Target and The Phoenix Symphony was developed in order for both organizations to give back to the community in a way that celebrates and promotes musical education. Each year, the Symphony’s musical education programs reach 80,000 students and adults, working with 275 schools valley-wide in 40 school districts and 35 cities state-wide, while the Symphony’s public concert presentations help music touch the lives of over 300,000 citizens annually.

Due to limited capacity, patrons wishing to attend Target Day of Music must call the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 to receive a free voucher. On the day of the Target Day of Music concert, vouchers will be redeemed at Symphony Hall for a general admission ticket. Patrons holding a voucher will receive tickets first, then any remaining tickets will be distributed to non-voucher holders on a first come, first serve basis.

Target Free Day of Music on Sunday, March 7takes place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Symphony Hall with free admission throughout the day. The public is encouraged to come for the entire event or to choose any part of the afternoon that tickles their musical fancy. Entertainment includes:

1 – 3 pm: Balloon Artists
1 – 1:30 pm & 2 – 2:30 pm: Panda-Monium Marimba Band
1:30 – 1:45 pm & 2:30 – 2:45 pm: Afro-Caribe Drum & Dance
1:45 – 1:55 pm & 2:45 – 2:55 pm: Ballet Etudes
3 pm: The Phoenix Symphony – The Phoenix Symphony, under the direction of Assistant Conductor Benjamin Rous, will be performing works from Bernstein and Williams to Joplin, to complement a perfect day at the hall. Don’t miss the rousing rendition of Copland’s Rodeo!

About Target: Minneapolis-based Target Corporation serves guests at 1,684 stores in 48 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.

“The Beatles and Friends” to Replace Phoenix Symphony May Pops Concert

The Phoenix Symphony — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:35:01 GMT

“The Beatles and Friends” to Replace

Phoenix Symphony May Pops Concert

Phoenix favorite Michael Krajewski returns to Symphony Hall

PHOENIX – The May Pops program “Disco Days and Boogie Nights” at Symphony Hall will be postponed until a future Phoenix Symphony season and replaced with a new program for the current 2009/10 Season.

Audience favorite, guest conductor Michael Krajewski, has a brand new show and was able to fit the Symphony’s concert dates into his tour schedule. Mr. Krajewski and his outrageous sense of humor have delighted Phoenix Symphony audiences with his past concerts including “Bond and Beyond” last season and 2007’s “Celtic Celebration.”

The dates for the May Pops concert will stay the same (May 7 - 9) but the program will take the audience back a decade. Instead of the great hits of the 70’s, Maestro Krajewski will bring us “Beatles & Friends: Sounds of the 60’s” with hits including Eleanor Rigby and All You Need is Love as well as favorites from such 60’s icons as The Mamas and the Papas and The Beach Boys.

Tickets for “The Beatles and Friends” range from $26 to $76 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 or by visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org. Season tickets are still on sale with Choose your Own packages starting at just $80!

Other highlights of The Phoenix Symphony’s 2009/10 Pops Season, sponsored by APS, include “Salute to the Tonys” (February 26, 28), “Symphonic Star Wars” (March 26 - 28), and “Patriotic Pops” (May 28 – 29).

About The Phoenix Symphony: The Phoenix Symphony has been proudly serving the citizens of the Phoenix metropolitan area and Arizona since 1947. What began as an occasional group of musicians performing a handful of concerts each year (in a city of fewer than 100,000 people) today serves more than 300,000 people annually, with almost 200 concerts and presentations throughout the greater Phoenix area and beyond.

The Phoenix Symphony Welcomes Internationally-Acclaimed Cellist

The Phoenix Symphony — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:32:40 GMT

The Phoenix Symphony Welcomes Internationally-Acclaimed Cellist

Daniel Mueller-Schott performs work of

Spotlight Composer Prokofiev

PHOENIX – Continuing its profiling of Spotlight Composers, The Phoenix Symphony and Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie will illuminate Prokofiev and his Sinfonia Concertante, joined by special guest Daniel Mueller-Schott. Rounding out this program will be Tchaikovsky’s Suite No. 3 in G Major with its flowing first movement and majestic polonaise. Concerts will be held March 4 – 6 at Symphony Hall.

The melodious and distinctly Russian Prokofiev will be performed by the internationally-renowned Daniel Mueller-Schott making his Phoenix debut. A much sought-after soloist, Mueller-Schott performs frequently throughout Europe and USA—gracing the concert stage with his agility and musicality. The New York Times hailed the cellist for his “gorgeous, plush tone and meticulous attention to expression.”

Concerts are March 4 at 7:30 pm, sponsored by Snell & Wilmer, and March 6 at 8 pm, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. A shortened Coffee Concert will be held March 5 at 11 am.

Tickets for “Tchaikovsky: Suite No. 3” range from $22 to $72 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 or by visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org. Season tickets are still available with packages of Choose Your Own 4 concerts for as low as $80!

Other highlights of The Phoenix Symphony’s 2009/10 Classics Season, sponsored by US Airways, include “Mozart’s Requiem” (March 18 – 20,) “Beethoven Festival” (April 1 – 10) and “American Masters: Copland, Barber & Adams” (April 29 – May 1.)

The Phoenix Symphony Salutes the Tonys

The Phoenix Symphony — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:32:51 GMT

The Phoenix Symphony Salutes the Tonys

Program includes hits from The Producers, Cabaret

and Sweeney Todd

PHOENIX – Resident Conductor Lawrence Golan will lead The Phoenix Symphony in “Salute to the Tonys” – a concert packed with Tony-award winning music and dazzling vocal artists performing show-stopping moments from the bright lights of Broadway. Concerts will be held at Symphony Hall on February 26 and February 28.

From The Producers to Fiddler on the Roof and Annie, the February concerts will cover some of the most cherished musicals and composers to date, including Marvin Hamlisch and Stephen Sondheim.

Baritone Sean Carter Campbell and mezzo-soprano Kristen Drathman will add the treasured lyrics to the unforgettable tunes. While Ms. Drathman will be making her Phoenix Symphony debut, Mr. Campbell last performed with The Phoenix Symphony in front of sold out houses during the 2008/09 Season in “A Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein.”

“Salute to the Tonys,” sponsored by Boeing, will be performed February 26 at 8 pm and February 28 at 2 pm at Symphony Hall in Downtown Phoenix.

Tickets for “Salute to the Tonys” range from $26 to $76 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 or by visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org. Season tickets are still on sale with Choose your Own packages starting at just $80!

Other highlights of The Phoenix Symphony’s 2009/10 Pops Season, sponsored by APS, include “Symphonic Star Wars” (March 26 – 28,) “The Beatles and Friends” (May 7 - 9) and “Patriotic Pops” (May 28 - 29.)

The Phoenix Symphony to Announce its 2010/11 Season

The Phoenix Symphony — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:30:38 GMT

The Phoenix Symphony to Announce

its 2010/11 Season

Unique event to incorporate musical stations, vignette displays and a special solo performance

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony will formally announce its 2010/11 Season during the annual Season Launch event at Symphony Hall on February 16, 2010. Invited guests include current season contributors of $100 or more and 2009/10 full and half season subscribers.

The event will begin with Check-In at 11:30 am followed by an on-stage introductory presentation by Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie, Board Chairman C.A. Howlett and President and CEO Maryellen Gleason. Concertmaster Steven Moeckel will give a special solo performance of Ysaye’s 2^nd Solo Sonata, “The Furies.”

Following the introductions and performance by Mr. Moeckel, all will be welcomed into the lobby of Symphony Hall where seven musical stations and vignettes will guide attendees through the Symphony’s 2010/11 Season. Each station will include facts and information about the Symphony’s Classics, Pops and Specials concerts as well as the Spotlight Composer Narratives & Artistic and Community Collaborations to be highlighted during the season and Education & Community Engagement programs. Phoenix Symphony musicians & staff will be present at each of the stations to discuss the concerts and interact with attendees. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

A “Passport to the 2010/11 Season” will be distributed as a guide through the stations. Attendees will have the opportunity to win season subscriptions and other prizes by correctly answering Symphonic Music Trivia and having this passport stamped at each station.

At 2 pm, the Symphony Hall doors will once again be opened to allow attendees to experience an Open Rehearsal of the Symphony’s upcoming concert “Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf.” This Open Rehearsal will be concluded at 4:30 pm.

Invitations to The Phoenix Symphony’s 2010/11 Season Launch will be mailed and emailed Monday, January 25, 2010.

Prokofiev’s Classic Peter and the Wolf Performed with Academy Award Winning Film

The Phoenix Symphony — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:27:20 GMT

Prokofiev’s Classic Peter and the Wolf

Performed with Academy Award

Winning Film

Concert brings fascinating version of the tale to large screen

PHOENIX – As spotlight composers for the 2009/10 Season, The Phoenix Symphony will feature the music of Sergei Prokofiev and John Adams February 18 - 20 at Symphony Hall. Highlighting these concerts is Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf set to the 2008 Oscar Award Winning short film.

The classic masterpiece tells the tale of a young boy and his animal friends as they face a dangerous and hungry wolf. Throughout the beloved score, the orchestra highlights various instruments and sections, depicting the colorful characters of the fabled story. The 2008 Oscar winner for Best Animated Short Film will be projected onto a large screen onstage above the orchestra with accompaniment provided by the full Phoenix Symphony and Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie.

The concert is paired with John Adam’s innovative Shaker Loops, a mesmerizing composition with complex patterns and melodies.

The February 18 concert, sponsored by Terry and Bill Wilhoit, begins at 7:30 pm. Tim and Casey Bolinger have sponsored the 11 am coffee concert on February 19 as well as the February 20 concert at 8 pm.

Tickets for “Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf” range from $22 to $72 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office at 602-495-1999 or by visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org. Season tickets are still available with packages of Choose Your Own 4 concerts for as low as $80!

Other highlights of The Phoenix Symphony’s 2009/10 Classics Season, sponsored by US Airways, include “Tchaikovsky: Suite No. 3” (March 4 – 6,) “Mozart’s Requiem” (March 18 – 20) and “Beethoven Festival” (April 1 – 10.)

Peter and the Wolf - The Film
Directed by Susie Templeton
Produced by Alan Dewhurst and Hugh Welchman, BreakThru Films, London
Simon Oslwang, Executive Producer
By arrangement with G. Schirmer, INC. publisher and copyright owner