Musical Compositions by Children to be Showcased at Arizona Philharmonic Season Opener

Arizona Philharmonic’s classroom compositions based on local student field trips are a focal point of the organization’s outreach program. Last year, two Lincoln Elementary second grade classes led by Maria and Henry Flurry visited the Highlands Center for Natural History and absorbed the essence of the forest, which they were then guided to translate into music in the classroom.

“Hands shot up all over the room when students were asked to describe their experiences, and we fine-tuned their observations with them to produce the final two pieces of music, Moving Mountains, by Mrs. Dillon’s second grade class and Solitary Storm on the Mountain, by Mrs. Engish’s second grade class,” said AZ Phil Outreach Coordinator Maria Flurry, who is also Arizona Philharmonic’s principal timpanist.

These two student compositions will be showcased at the season opener at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 10, at the Ruth Street Theater, 1050 Ruth Street in Prescott.

“We are delighted to welcome the student composers and their families to the performance free of charge to enjoy their work performed by a full orchestra,” Maria Flurry said.

“Many thanks to Sarah Vincent, associate director at the Highlands Center for Natural History and Amy Van Winkle, events manager of PUSD Community Theater for helping facilitate this outreach,” added AZ Phil Executive Director Henry Flurry.

Serenades and Symphonies

Following the student compositions, Maestro Peter Bay returns to conduct the full orchestra for the season opener, beginning with Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds, Cello and Bass, highlighting much of Arizona Philharmonic’s wind section in a colorful work of lyricism and Czech rhythms. Wholly Czech in character, it looks back to the tradition of music-making in Czech castles and palaces.

Next is Martinů’s lively Sinfonietta La Jolla, a piece commissioned in 1950 by the Musical Arts Society of La Jolla, which evokes the spirit of the sun-drenched Californian shores.

Wrapping up the season opener is Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony. Described as being as contrasting in character as possible from his Third and Fifth, it is a beguiling work of comedy and enchantment, with a good dose of musical mischief.

“We are excited to present these diverse and exciting works in the exquisite acoustic environment of the Ruth Street Theater, located on the Prescott High School grounds,” said Henry Flurry.

Season tickets are on sale through Sept. 10, offering a 20% discount. In addition, Pick 3 offers a 10% discount. Individual tickets begin at $39, $20 for teachers and $10 for Students at AZPhil.org. QCBN

By Cynthia Jones

Cynthia Jones is the marketing manager for Arizona Philharmonic.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is beginning its sixth season in 2023-2024 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization performing at Prescott High School’s Ruth Street Theater. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org and on Facebook.

Courtesy Photo: Maria and Henry Flurry of Arizona Philharmonic worked with the Lincoln Elementary second grade class in composing music based on a field trip to the Highlands Center.