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PHOENIX (June 17, 2024) – The Phoenix Symphony’s Gala returns after a five-year hiatus with Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13. World renowned American musical theater lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz will be making a guest appearance at both Gala events.
The “Wicked Night at the Symphony” evening gala to be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. at Symphony Hall, will feature a cocktail reception and a three-course dinner as well as the Symphony’s concert that night, “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends.” The gala also includes an enchanting post-concert event, Oz Afterglow.
“A Beautiful Day at the Symphony” luncheon follows on Sunday, Oct. 13 at noon at Symphony Hall. Tickets include mimosas, three-course luncheon, access to the 2 p.m. Symphony’s matinee concert, “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends,” and a post-concert high tea with musicians of The Phoenix Symphony.
The gala chairs are Rick McCartney, Phoenix Symphony Board member and President & CEO at InMedia Company, and Dr. Korwyn Williams, MD, PHD, Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “We are excited to be part of bringing back the Symphony Gala in this exciting manner,” said McCartney. “This is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the power of live music and our outstanding Phoenix Symphony.”
“A Wicked Weekend at The Symphony,” will raise money for the Phoenix Symphony’s Mind Over Music® outreach education program in which Symphony musicians lead STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons in classrooms across the Valley. The Symphony’s Mind Over Music program is the first of its kind in the country.
“After a five-year hiatus, The Phoenix Symphony’s Gala promises to be an unprecedented celebration,” said Peter Kjome, President and CEO of the Phoenix Symphony. “It’s going to be an extraordinary weekend full of festivities and interactions with Phoenix Symphony musicians.”
In a career spanning over five decades, Schwartz has written hit musicals: Godspell, Pippen and Wicked. He has won four Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.
Sponsorship opportunities range from $7,500 to $50,000. Visit www.phoenixsymphony.org for ticket information.
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About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization and one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporation, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists. The core mission of The Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 125,000 students through education and partnerships and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals and in hospice. Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2023 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.
