“We hope our presentation provides our listeners with an eclectic sonic tapestry that not only delights the ear but also warms the heart,” said soprano Emily Spencer.
The Three Sopranos
This carefully curated holiday concert will deliver the highest quality of performance and the most engaging experience for music lovers of all backgrounds. Three esteemed sopranos, Emily Spencer (program designer and Prescott resident), Sarah Smith and Claire Penneau are accompanied by Arizona Philharmonic principal musicians on flute, violin, cello, French horn, trumpet and timpani, and beloved Steinway artist and Prescott local James D’León.
Custom arranged by Prescott-born composer Mathew Lanning, the program celebrates a variety of Christmas melodies in new settings. “In making our selections, we strove for beloved and familiar classics, as well as lesser known but beautiful works we knew our audience would love. We hope our presentation provides our listeners with an eclectic sonic tapestry that not only delights the ear but also warms the heart,” said soprano Emily Spencer.
World-Renowned Pianist Anton Nel
A special treat at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7 will be a performance by world-renowned pianist Anton Nel. Nel, a major-label musician, will join Maestro Peter Bay and Arizona Philharmonic in concert at the Ruth Street Theater.
Following an auspicious debut at the age of 12 with Beethoven’s C Major Concerto after only two years of study, the Johannesburg native captured first prizes in all the major South African competitions while still in his teens and became a well-known radio and television personality. He has performed and won major awards worldwide ever since.
The performance includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271, which is considered to be one of the first masterpieces of the classical style. AZ Phil also presents Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Divertimento for String Orchestra, and Gershwin’s gentle Lullaby, which was a favorite of Gershwin’s social circle and was only performed at private parties during Gershwin’s lifetime. Closing out the performance is Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp Minor, best known as the “Farewell” Symphony. This will be Anton Nel’s first appearance in Prescott joining Arizona Philharmonic.
Your Gift to Your Community
If you value the quality and diversity of musical programming brought to the community of Prescott by Arizona Philharmonic, please make an end of year contribution. Your support gives the youth of our community their first exposure to the joy a professional orchestra can inspire, often taking them places they never dreamed of – such as the recent musical compositions by Lincoln Elementary second graders, or the experience of professional stage management undertaken by The Launch Pad and PUSD teens. Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 non-profit, rated GuideStar Platinum. Visit AZPhil.org/donate to make your contribution to the musical future of the Prescott community today. QCBN
By Cynthia Jones
Cynthia Jones is the marketing manager for Arizona Philharmonic. She can be reached at 928-273-0513. For more information, visit azphil.org.
Photo courtesy of Lasting Images Photography: Soprano Emily Spencer curated and performs in We Wish You Christmas, presented by Arizona Philharmonic, Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Ruth Street Theater.
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