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Arizona Philharmonic Names Abby Coffey Co-Executive Director

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“I am thrilled to join the executive team for the Arizona Philharmonic as the co-executive director for the 2023-2024 season,” Coffey said.

Prescott’s Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) has announced that, after an extensive search, they have chosen Abby Coffey as co-executive director. Coffey starts the position this month to help usher in the 2023-24 season, which begins Sept. 10.

“We are delighted to have someone of Abby’s musical and education background join AZ Phil as co-executive director, and I look forward to working with her as we evolve our organization,” said AZ Phil Executive Director Henry Flurry.

A versatile flutist, piccoloist and music educator and administrator in the Phoenix metro area, Coffey currently holds the Flute 2/Piccolo position in the Symphony of the Southwest and performs frequently as a substitute musician with The Phoenix Symphony. A supporter and advocate of music education, Coffey is the Professor of Flute and Music Education Studies at Arizona Christian University, where she also teaches music history courses.

Coffey graduated summa cum laude from Belmont University in Nashville with a Bachelor of Music in music education degree. Relocating to Phoenix to further her education, she obtained a Master of Music in flute performance from Arizona State University and is currently completing a Core Certification Program in Arts Management through the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

“I am thrilled to join the executive team for the Arizona Philharmonic as the co-executive director for the 2023-2024 season,” Coffey said. QCBN

Courtesy of Bailey Wilson Photography: Arizona Philharmonic announces new Co-Executive Director Abby Coffey. 

Arizona Philharmonic Presents: A Nutcracker Christmas Celebration

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The Nutcracker Suite is at the heart of the Christmas season in America. It is exciting to bring this to Prescott.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil), Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet (MFAB), Voci Sorella of Yavapai Youth Choirs, Una Voce Women’s Choir and British conductor Alexander Walker team up to present an unforgettable afternoon of festive holiday dance and music in “A Nutcracker Christmas Celebration.”

In this premier Prescott holiday event, international alumni of the academy dance to Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Nutcracker Suite” and Frederick Ashton’s “Les Patineurs,” a winter ballet set to the music of Giacomo Meyerbeer, performed by Arizona Philharmonic, Prescott’s professional orchestra. Act II of the Nutcracker will be performed and the entire show runs two hours, including intermission. The outstanding youth Voci Sorella and women›s Una Voce choirs complement these performances with their angelic voices, accompanying the orchestra in the ballet and in Christmas music.

On Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18, there will be a pre-concert discussion at 2 p.m., followed by the performance at 3 p.m. Tickets and information are at AZPhil.org. “Arizona Philharmonic is inspired to collaborate with artists from around the world: critically acclaimed conductor Alexander Walker, Artistic Director Ken Ludden of the world-renowned Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet, and international dancers from as far away as Tokyo. Before each half of the concert, accomplished members of the Yavapai Youth Choirs and Una Voce Women’s Choir will set the mood with Christmas carols beautifully arranged for voice and orchestra, an unforgettable Christmas treat for the whole family,” said AZPhil Executive Director Henry Flurry.

“The Nutcracker Suite is at the heart of the Christmas season in America. It is exciting to bring this to Prescott. Working with live music from AZPhil and youth and women’s choirs, our students, top international guest artists and members of the local arts community make it a celebration to mark the season each year with warmth and love,” added MFAB Artistic Director Ken Ludden.

Both public performances, and Friday’s, Dec. 16 performances for Prescott’s PUSD and other area students are presented by the James Family Trust. “To be able to be a part of bringing together some of the best artists, musicians and dancers to share in something beloved the world over to our community was an opportunity that could not be missed. Not only does it allow everyone to attend the performance in our little corner of the world, but introduces a new generation of PUSD students to one of the most treasured traditions of the holiday season,” said Jenna James of the James Family Trust.

“Una Voce Women’s Choir is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with so many amazing artists. Sharing the stage with Alexander Walker, Arizona Philharmonic and Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet is an incredible performance experience within our inaugural season,” said Artistic Director Arlene Hardy.

“Yavapai Youth Choir is thrilled to be invited to perform alongside Arizona Philharmonic and the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet and we look forward to many more collaborations in the future. Yavapai Youth Choir is a community youth choir organization consisting of five choirs ages 5 through 18,” said Prescott Unified School District Community Theater Events Manager Amy Van Winkle. QCBN

By Sandra Farrell

Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 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 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.

Exploring Arizona Philharmonic’s Community-Centric Vision

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“Coming to a concert is like going to a church; you set aside that time not to be disturbed and you create something almost sacred.”

To understand Arizona Philharmonic’s vision for the Prescott fine arts community, it is helpful to hear executive director Henry Flurry speak of the orchestra’s culture of kindness. During AZ Phil’s founding, this culture began with respect and hospitality for the musicians. It quickly grew to include the audience, volunteers, staff, board members and the community.

Community-Centric Vision

Behind the orchestra’s goals of creating beautiful and transformative music is a multi-layered, community-centric vision. First is attracting professional musicians to North-Central Arizona with professional performing opportunities at professional wages. AZ Phil, into its fifth season, has hired nearly 200 musicians and introduced 170 musicians to Prescott who hadn’t played here before. Many of those now play in other local ensembles.

AZ Phil also seeks to enhance Prescott’s existing arts-vibrancy by developing local stages for classical music’s specific needs. “We have been applying for grants to place a professional piano at the Elks Theatre,” said Flurry. “Imagine parking downtown, enjoying a meal, and then walking to a classical music concert.” AZ Phil also is working with the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet and local philanthropists to develop a shared campus with a multi-stage fine arts venue. “We’re imagining not just ballet and orchestra concerts, but also opera and drama and summer festivals,” said Flurry.

Arizona Philharmonic works to increase accessibility to the arts. The organization’s outreach has included offering OLLI classes, composing with after school programs, performing on school playgrounds during COVID, and collaborating to create authentic learning experiences. In January, Arizona Philharmonic performed five orchestral pieces that were composed by third and sixth graders who were inspired by visits to the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium.

Putting Beautiful Music within Everyone’s Reach

And then there is Art 4 All, a program offering free or pay-what-you-can tickets to anybody who otherwise could not afford such. To reach these communities, AZ Phil partners with schools, churches and other local non-profits, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Boys to Men Mentoring, Prescott Area Women’s Shelter and ComMUSIKey.

Music professor Dr. Joshua Harper of Yavapai College is a big fan. “By allowing community members the opportunity to pay what they can, financial barriers are broken down and all are given access to professional music. This program shows AZ Phil’s priority: our community.”

Adriana Arizmendi, a Prescott mother, says that Art 4 All allows her family to enjoy beautiful concerts. She added, “The concerts deepen my children’s appreciation for music and develop curiosity about other music and other composers.”

What began as an interview about AZ Phil’s Art 4 All program had segued into a thoughtful conversation about people functioning at their best when they feel valued; discussing what kind of community we want; and exploring what hospitality and kindness looks like for the community.

Timpanist Maria Flurry chimed in. “Art is an important part of the human experience that all should access. Coming to a concert is like going to a church; you set aside that time not to be disturbed and you create something almost sacred.” QCBN

 By Sandy Farrell

Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott. For tickets and information go to AZPhil.org.

Arizona Philharmonic Brings Back the Sonoran Winds Quintet

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Sound vibrations are created by splitting the air stream on the edge of the hole.

The Sonoran Winds Quintet, the stage name for Arizona Philharmonic’s five principal woodwind players, is an ensemble including flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn. They return this season to perform at 3 p.m., Sept. 25, at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC).

The beauty of a woodwind quintet is that each instrument offers a very different resonance, as each instrument’s design employs different physics for sound production. “This allows for a diverse set of colors unusual for such a small ensemble,” said Executive Director Henry Flurry. Tickets are available at AZPhil.org or the YCPAC box office.

The Woodwinds
The flute is a metal, tubular instrument with a hole over which air is directed. Sound vibrations are created by splitting the air stream on the edge of the hole. A clarinet is made of ebony wood shaped nearly cylindrical with a flared bell. It has a single reed (a flexible piece of wood) that vibrates against a rigid mouthpiece when blown.

Both the oboe and the bassoon use a double reed – two reeds that are strapped together and vibrate against each other. Both instruments are made of wood and are gently conical. “The French horn is roughly 17 feet of brass coiled into the familiar horn shape. Lip vibrations make its sound. When compared to a string or brass quintet, the diversity of design within a woodwind quintet is striking. This is one of my favorite chamber ensembles,” Flurry said.

The Repertoire
Principal clarinetist Scott Richardson organized this concert and is proud of the repertoire he selected. “This year’s Sonoran Winds concert is a synthesis of exquisite French chamber music and quintessential American popular music, with a touch of Latin flavor.” Six composers, some familiar and some not, are represented on the concert: Henry Mancini, Jean Francaix, Zequinha de Abreu, Maurice Ravel, Georges Auric and George Gershwin. Rich, melodic and lively works were chosen to offer a variety of colors and harmonies, with lyricism and virtuosity.

Unfortunately, since planning this concert, Richardson learned that an upcoming surgery will prevent his participation. AZ Phil’s second clarinetist, Mary Jackson, will be taking his place. Jackson has developed a local following through AZ Phil chamber concerts she has organized for the Highlands Center.

Joining Jackson on stage are principal flutist Jeannette Moore, principal oboist Laura Arganbright, guest bassoonist Chip King and principal French hornist Karen Teplik.

“I had a good chuckle when a fan pointed out that the traditional fifth-anniversary gift is of wood,” said Flurry, “and thus a woodwind quintet is highly appropriate for Arizona Philharmonic’s fifth season.” QCBN

By Cynthia Jones

About Arizona Philharmonic

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.

Cynthia Jones is the marketing manager for Arizona Philharmonic.

Arizona Philharmonic Presents Dancing from Tonga to Vienna

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This is a program to uplift your spirits and get your ‘inner dance’ on!

Arizona Philharmonic (AZPhil.org) welcomes back Maestro Peter Bay at 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC) to usher in the beginning of the 5th season of bringing outstanding professional music to Prescott.

Season openers are always fun for both Arizona Philharmonic musicians and audiences alike. We are seeing old and new friends after a summer break, and the excitement of new opportunity and continued growth is palpable.

Featuring a full orchestra and international Steinway Artist Thomas Pandolfi, the concert opens with Argento’s Royal Invitation, a tongue-in-cheek ballet score on the famous appearance of a Tongan queen at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Thomas Pandolfi then performs a brilliant piano concerto by a 21-year-old Mendelssohn, Piano Concerto No. 1. The concert closes with Beethoven’s joyful Symphony No. 7, a work that Richard Wagner famously called the “apotheosis of the dance.” Tickets and more details about this and the rest of the concert season are available at AZPhil.org.

“When the Queen of Tonga was invited to attend the coronation of Elizabeth II, it not only made a spectacular headline in the newspapers, but it inspired American composer Domenick Argento to write a musical ‘report’ filled with fox-trots, marches, polonaises and lots of humor,” said Peter Bay. “From those dances to a work described as the apotheosis of the dance, Arizona Philharmonic gives its first performance of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony on this program. Brilliant keyboard artist Thomas Pandolfi is featured in the virtuoso First Piano Concerto of Felix Mendelssohn. This is a program to uplift your spirits and get your ‘inner dance’ on!”

The musicians love working with Maestro Peter Bay. The Argento is both humorous and charming, and I am really excited about the Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No. 1. Mendelssohn is a master of melody and phrase construction; and featured soloist Thomas Pandolfi is a terrific, heartfelt and daring pianist.

“Mendelssohn’s First Piano Concerto is full of pianistic fireworks, scintillating virtuosity, yet also pure and tender beauty – it is a concerto of complete and ecstatic joy,” said Pandolfi. “I am so excited to bring it all to life and make magic with Maestro Bay and the musicians of Arizona Philharmonic.”

Thomas Pandolfi is an international artist selling out some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Lincoln Center Alice Tully Hall, Strathmore, The Kennedy Center, Kiev Opera House, Bucharest’s Romanian Athenaeum and London’s Cadogan Hall.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 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 state 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook. QCBN

By Henry Flurry

Henry Flurry is the executive director of Arizona Philharmonic. He can be reached at henry@azphil.org or 855-321-6724.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.

James Family Trust Sponsors Nutcracker Christmas Celebration 

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“When Ron told me about it, I said, ‘We have to do it!’” exclaimed Laura James.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) announced the upcoming seven-concert 2022-2023 season at an event in May, and were delighted when two of the guests, Ron and Laura James, surprised the gathering with the announcement of their sponsorship of “A Nutcracker Christmas Celebration,” a first-time collaboration with the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet (MFAB) Alumni.

“When Ron told me about it, I said, ‘We have to do it!’” exclaimed Laura James. In addition to the two public performances Dec. 17 and 18 at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, the James Family Trust sponsorship will also fund a performance Dec. 16 for the community’s schoolchildren. Season tickets are now available at AZPhil.org for the best seating and prices.

“We are thrilled to collaborate on this iconic Christmas performance with the MFAB Alumni and the Yavapai Youth Choirs, and plan to expand to the full Nutcracker performance in the future as the academy grows in its new Prescott home,” added AZ Phil Executive Director Henry Flurry.

Concert Season Lineup

The AZ Phil season begins Aug. 21 with Maestro Peter Bay returning to Prescott to open Arizona Philharmonic’s fifth season conducting a full orchestra in a joyful program entitled “Dancing from Tonga to Vienna.” Pianist and Steinway Artist Thomas Pandolphi will join the performance. Sept. 25 will see the return of the Sonoran Winds Quintet, comprised of Arizona Philharmonic’s five principal woodwind players, for another captivating concert.

“Classic Wines in New Bottles” will be presented on Oct. 16, by Maestro Peter Bay, a concert of music inspired by composers and genres from earlier eras. Violinist Katie McLin solos in J.S. Bach’s “Violin Concerto No. 2.” AZ Phil also honors the people of Ukraine with Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk’s “Melody,” a beautiful work embraced as a spiritual anthem for the nation.

New to Prescott: A Nutcracker Christmas Celebration

In collaboration with the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet, AZ Phil is delighted to bring a full orchestra to the stage conducted by British conductor Alexander Walker to present “A Nutcracker Christmas Celebration,” Dec. 17 and 18, for a memorable evening of festive holiday dance and music. International alumni of the Academy dance to Tchaikovsky’s iconic “Nutcracker Suite” and Frederick Ashton’s “Les Patineurs,” a winter ballet set to the music of Giacomo Meyerbeer. Under the direction of Arlene Hardy, The Yavapai Youth Choirs complement these performances with their angelic voices accompanying the orchestra in the ballet and in Christmas music. “We are delighted for the James Family Trust sponsorship to bring this unique artistic collaboration to the stage this year and anticipate expanding it in future years to a full Nutcracker production,” said Flurry.

Jan. 8, 2023, sees the return of Prescott-native and internationally-acclaimed Steinway artist James D’León, as he once again joins the Arizona Philharmonic String Quartet for another stunning piano quintet concert. Violinist Katie McLin, other principal string players of Arizona Philharmonic, and D’León present Haydn’s classical “Piano Trio No. 39 in G major,” Robert Schumann’s luscious “Piano Quintet,” and Paul Schoenfield’s jazzy and sensuous “Cafe Music.”

Feb. 5 brings the percussion quartet, manos, to the stage, featuring AZ Phil’s principal percussionist Eddie Solomon now joining AZ Phil timpanist Maria Flurry and Tucson Symphony Orchestra percussionists Homero Cerón and Fred Morgan. From delicate to bold to unabashedly fun, manos delights the ears and fills the soul with percussion’s wealth of musical possibilities.

The 2022-2023 season concludes April 2, with Dr. Joshua Harper’s elite chorus Quartz Ensemble performing “Elijah.” In their third appearance with Arizona Philharmonic, Quartz Ensemble returns to present a Joachim Linckelmann chamber orchestra arrangement of Felix Mendelssohn’s masterpiece, “Elijah.” Once again, the stunning clarity of a 12-voice professional choir shines with the lighter orchestration that Linckelmann crafts.

Ticket Information

Season tickets can be purchased for all seven events at a 25% discount, as well as discounts on five and three concert packages. Visit AZPhil.org for all ticketing and concert information. QCBN

By Sandy Farrell 

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.

Understanding the Business of Orchestras Like Arizona Philharmonic

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“We aim to increase the vitality of the entire arts community, so when tourists come to Prescott one of the things on their itinerary is an AZ Phil performance,” Flurry said.

Imagine you owned a gourmet restaurant with a loyal following but the patrons only paid $15 for a meal that cost you $45 to produce. Hard to survive on that, right?

That is the case with orchestras. To survive with lower-than-average COVID ticket sales, and fixed costs like venues and musicians, orchestras around the world need the support of their communities more than ever. Cities such as Paris, London, New York, San Francisco may be large enough to weather the various storms, but what about Prescott? A 2017 report by ABC Radio National said, “Orchestras produce a unique product, but no symphony orchestra in the world would be financially viable on its own.”

“Orchestras, like all cultural institutions, do create economic value, but that’s not their primary reason for existence,” said Macquarie University’s Professor Throsby. “Their primary reason for existence, obviously, is to make music. That means it’s a different sort of value they’re creating, which we can call cultural value or artistic value.”

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) began bringing cultural value to Prescott in 2018. It was a toddler when the pandemic shut its doors, and though it is back in operation, producing diverse, stellar performances with growing audiences, it is still looking to expand its community support. That’s where the other $30 comes from for that gourmet meal – donations and sponsors.

 AZ Phil Brings Layers of Cultural Value

A self-proclaimed optimist, AZ Phil’s Executive Director Henry Flurry, a musician and composer, says “We bring a pattern of working with other organizations, such as with Dr. Joshua Harper’s Quartz Ensemble and the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet. That collaboration brings multiple layers of cultural value to Prescott, intriguing and inspiring audiences, and drawing people who haven’t previously experienced orchestras. Even though our audiences are not at pre-pandemic levels, at each concert this season, 30% of them are newcomers.”

Flurry says COVID has been an opportunity for AZ Phil. “The pandemic required us to reexamine our business plan and build in resilience. Because AZ Phil is relatively new, we can tinker with the traditional orchestra model and explore a variety of genre and ensemble combinations. The results are musically brilliant and economically viable.”

 Downtown Venues and Outreach Goals

In addition to diverse musical offerings, AZ Phil plans to increase its venues to include downtown sites. Making use of downtown places such as the Elks Theatre and the old Post Office would open opportunities. “I sense a growing appetite for quality classical music performances with an increased awareness of AZ Phil and our fresh approach to this venerable tradition,” added Flurry. AZ Phil is hopeful this increase in new audience members, diversity in programing and collaboration with multiple musical organizations will encourage those donor and sponsor dollars to fund the other 70% of that gourmet meal.

AZ Phil has far-reaching plans for its adulthood in Prescott and performances in Surprise. Look for year-round programming of incredibly compelling musical experiences that include outreach. “We want to see Prescott as a source of arts that does not rely on importing artists. We aim to increase the vitality of the entire arts community, so when tourists come to Prescott one of the things on their itinerary is an AZ Phil performance,” Flurry said. QCBN

 By Sandy Farrell

Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott. She is a volunteer with Arizona Philharmonic, AZPhil.org.

Arizona Philharmonic Brings Out the Brass

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The brass quintet players illustrate the “Arizona” in Arizona Philharmonic.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) Brass Quintet makes its debut  at 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, at Yavapai College Performance Arts Center, with a full complement of trumpet, horn, trombone and tuba players. The newly formed brass quintet allows the audience to experience the brilliance of brass instruments in their own concert setting.

“This debut performance of the AZ Phil Brass Quintet is a delightful program of bold, beautiful and humorous music that will appeal to wide musical tastes and all ages,” said AZ Phil Executive Director Henry Flurry. Tickets and information are available at AZPhil.org.

The Brass Quintet Players

The brass quintet players illustrate the “Arizona” in Arizona Philharmonic. Founding AZ Phil member and principal trumpet player Cindy Gould lives in Flagstaff and also is principal trumpet with Flagstaff Symphony. She is a member of the Northern Arizona University (NAU) Elden Brass, and she performs with the Flagstaff Symphony Brass Quintet. Karen Teplik from Phoenix plays horn, and playing tuba is Mark Nelson from Tucson. Recent audition winners new to AZ Phil are principal trombone player Michael Martinez from Flagstaff, and Stephen Martin from Phoenix on second trumpet, rounding out the big brass sound.

A Program for the Whole Family

Gould, who played also with brass quintets in Ohio, Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, says the program should delight adults and children because of the music’s beautiful sound and humor. “The sheer variety and diversity of the repertoire makes it appeal to a wide audience, and Peter Schickele’s Horse Opera should bring smiles. Schoolchildren may enjoy associating specific brass instruments with their signature sounds,” Gould added.

Another highlight of this program is that several composers, Peter Schickele, Phil Snedecor and Sir Malcolm Arnold, wrote pieces specifically for this combination of instruments. In fact, Sir Malcom Arnold established the instrumentation of two trumpets, horn, trombone and tuba as the standard for brass quintet. George Gershwin’s name is easily recognizable to all genres of music and his selection, Three Preludes, showcases his focus in jazz, blues and classical music.

 The program includes:

  • Quintet for Brass, Op. 73 (1961), Sir Malcom Arnold
  • Three Preludes, (1926) George Gershwin
  • Polka, from Hornsmoke: A Horse Opera (1975), Peter Schickele (for which Schickele won a Grammy Award in 1999)
  • Suite for Brass (1998), Phil Snedecor
  • S. Bach My Spirit Be Joyful, and Fugue in g minor
  • Giovanni Gabrieli – Canzon prima a5
  • Getting Involved with AZ Phil

We welcome you to join AZ Phil as we share the joy of professional music with our community. Sponsorship, donations, advertising and volunteer and board member opportunities for the upcoming season can be found at AZPhil.org. There are multiple levels of advertising and sponsorship offering many benefits, and volunteer openings for all areas of expertise.

About Arizona Philharmonic

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fourth season in Prescott in 2021-2022 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott and performing also in Surprise, 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org. QCBN

By Sandy Farrell

Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott. She is a volunteer with Arizona Philharmonic, AZPhil.org.

Bringing Together Professional Musicians and Grade-School Composers

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Arizona Philharmonic, a 501(c)3, is celebrating its fourth season as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra.

Arizona Philharmonic’s Jan. 9 performance of ¡Andalusia!, the Music of Southern Spain, has taken on a special Prescott community involvement. Not only is Maestro Peter Bay leading the orchestra with three exceptional soloists (Maria Flurry on marimba, and flamenco artist husband and wife team Chris Burton-Jácome on guitar and Lena Jácome, dancer), but there will be a special Prescott guest conductor and a selection of mini-compositions from Prescott-area school students.

Conductor in Chief

“At a recent luncheon, Police Chief Amy Bonney shared with me that she’d originally enrolled in Northern Arizona University to study music, with a dream of conducting,” said Arizona Philharmonic Executive Director Henry Flurry. “Early on, Chief Bonney redirected her energies to criminal justice, but never forgot her dream. We decided to make her dream a reality, so after some private coaching from Maestro Bay, Chief Bonney will conduct the Star-Spangled Banner at the introduction of AZ Phil’s ¡Andalusia! concert, 3 p.m. Jan. 9, at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. When offered this baton, Chief Bonney exclaimed, ‘Holy cow!’

“We invite everyone to join us to witness Chief Bonney’s debut at the podium. Prescott Mayor Phil Goode will introduce the chief, and AZ Phil will contribute a portion of the concert proceeds to the Prescott Police Youth Role Model Scholarship Program,” added Flurry. Information on that program be found at prescottpolicefoundation.org/. Organizations and individuals are invited to contact Henry Flurry at henry@azphil.org and match AZ Phil’s contribution. Tickets for ¡Andalusia! are available at AZPhil.org.

¡Andalusia! – The Music of Southern Spain

Maestro Peter Bay will conduct a dramatic exploration of the music of Southern Spain in ¡Andalusia! Featured on the concert is Impulso: Symphonic Dances for Marimba, Flamenco Guitar and Dancer by Henry Flurry and Chris Burton-Jácome. Maria Flurry solos on marimba, Burton-Jácome on flamenco guitar, and Lena Jácome as flamenco dancer. Impulso melds the flamenco and classical traditions into an exciting journey of passion, tragedy and joy. This is the first time the entire work will be performed in Prescott.

The concert will also include Manuel de Falla’s The Three-Cornered Hat Suite and Georges Bizet’s Carmen Suite, two suites derived from stage works set in Andalusia, Spain.

Triple Treat

As a special treat, the concert will open with a suite of miniature works for orchestra that were group-composed by area public-school classes. “Prior to the pandemic, AZ Phil collaborated with the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium on this outreach project supported by the City of Prescott Acker Trust Fund,” explained Flurry. “Students attended a special planetarium show to learn about night-sky objects inspired by animals. AZ Phil then visited the classrooms where students composed short orchestral works about these animals.” The pieces were to be premiered in May 2020, but were delayed until this concert.

Arizona Philharmonic, a 501(c)3, is celebrating its fourth season as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra. Visit AZPhil.org for more information. QCBN

 By Sandra Farrell

Sandra Farrell is a former broadcast and print journalist. More recently, she was press secretary for elected officials and she retired from the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank as media manager. She and her husband and two dogs moved to Prescott a year ago and love all things Prescott. She is a volunteer with Arizona Philharmonic, AZPhil.org.