Arizona Philharmonic

Music is the Gift that Nourishes the Soul

November 30, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“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.

As the holidays arrive with their preparations and gatherings, a way to gift yourself and your loved ones a joyful holiday memory is through music, and this season the Arizona Philharmonic brings an especially beautiful and heartwarming program: We Wish You Christmas, taking place in the intimate and acoustically exquisite Ruth Street Theater on the Prescott High School grounds at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17.

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.

Arizona Philharmonic’s Woodwind Quintet Sonoran Winds to Perform at Ruth Street Theater

October 24, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“We have so much fun rehearsing what ultimately shows up on stage.”

Sonoran Winds, comprised of Arizona Philharmonic’s principal woodwind players on flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet and French horn, are scheduled to present an intimate, up-close experience showcasing the skill, artistry and dedication of five musicians highlighted on one stage, 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 19.

“While many people favor the expanse of sound and diversity of instrumentation in our full orchestra concerts, there is something about the agile nature and intimate experience of watching a woodwind quintet performance,” said AZ Phil Co-Executive Director Abby Coffey. “Music enthusiasts who enjoy listening to extremely high levels of performance from each member of the quintet equally will be enraptured by this concert, and it would be a perfect concert for most young band players to attend, since they would have a chance to hear a fine player of their instrument.”

Sonoran Winds will perform in the Ruth Street Theater on Prescott High School’s grounds. Tickets are available at AZPhil.org, starting at $39, with $10 for students and $20 for teachers.

Sonoran Winds is made up of the principal woodwind players of Arizona Philharmonic. Playing in this concert are Jeannette Hirasawa Moore on flute, Tiffany Pan on oboe, Scott Richardson on clarinet, Chip King on bassoon and Karen Teplik on French horn. The program includes four works: an early 19th-century quintet by Anton Reich; a contemporary and colorful Quintet for Winds by Robert Muczyinski; the light, buoyant work Four Bagatelles by Andrey Rubtsov; and, closes with witty arrangements of Early Hungarian Dances by Ferenc Farkas.

“We have so much fun rehearsing what ultimately shows up on stage. Whether we instantly sync on musical phrasing, or we need to take time to try out different ideas, the net effect is always greater than what we individually bring,” said Teplik, the quintet leader.

“Due to the intimate and exquisite acoustics of Ruth Street Theater, it is a perfect venue for the Sonoran Winds. Without amplification of the ensemble, you will be able to hear each instrument as clearly as if they were seated right next to you. The beauty of a woodwind quintet is that each instrument offers a very different tone quality, allowing for a diverse set of colors unusual for such a small ensemble,” said AZ Phil Executive Director Henry Flurry. QCBN

Photo courtesy of Don Baltzer Photography: Arizona Philharmonic’s Sonoran Winds is scheduled to perform at Ruth Street Theater, Sunday, Nov. 19, with Jeannette Hirasawa Moore on flute, Scott Richardson on clarinet, Chip King on bassoon, Tiffany Pan on oboe (not pictured) and Karen Teplik on French horn.

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

September 5, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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.

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.

Serenades and Symphonies to Open Arizona Philharmonic’s Sixth Season

July 31, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

You will enjoy the precision and elegance of the combined forces of these two esteemed ensembles.

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) welcomes world-renowned conductor Maestro Peter Bay back to the stage to begin its sixth season, which features six compelling performances. Bay will be leading the full orchestra in Serenades and Symphonies on Sept. 10 at the intimate Ruth Street Theater, featuring Beethoven, Dvořák and Martinů.

Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony showcases Beethoven’s mastery of classical form, while hinting at the more daring and innovative Romantic expression that would come to define his later works. Dvořák’s Serenade for Winds, Cello and Bass showcases much of Arizona Philharmonic’s wind section in a colorful work of lyricism and Czech rhythms. Martinů’s lively Sinfonietta La Jolla evokes the spirit of the sun-drenched Californian shores. 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. Season tickets are on sale through Sept. 10, offering 20% savings for the full season and 10% savings with Pick 3. Visit AZPhil.org for tickets and information.

The Nov. 19 concert welcomes back the Sonoran Winds Quintet, composed of Arizona Philharmonic’s five principal woodwind players, returning to the stage for another captivating performance. Featuring rich, melodic and lively classical works of Reicha, Muczynski, Rubtsov and Farkas, this concert offers a beautiful variety of colors and rich harmonies presented with both virtuosity and lyricism.

On Dec. 17, experience the wonder and hope of the holidays as Arizona Philharmonic presents We Wish You Christmas, featuring the beautiful vocal stylings of three esteemed Arizona sopranos, accompanied by Arizona Philharmonic chamber musicians. This unique ensemble brings back some favorites of the sold-out 2021 performances and celebrates other Christmas tunes in new settings. No holiday season is complete without the music that excites the senses and warms the heart.

The Jan. 7 concert introduces Pianist Anton Nel, an internationally renowned, major-label musician, who joins Maestro Peter Bay and Arizona Philharmonic on stage for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271. The concerto is considered to be one of the first masterpieces of the classical style. Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Divertimento for String Orchestra is a beautiful work reflective of the same Finnish tradition of his predecessor, Sibelius. Gershwin’s gentle Lullaby was a favorite of Gershwin’s social circle. It was only performed at private parties during Gershwin’s lifetime, and it was first publicly performed well after Gershwin’s death. Closing out the performance is Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp Minor, best known as the “Farewell” Symphony.

The Feb. 18 concert showcases an annual audience favorite, local pianist and Steinway Artist James D’León, who joins a trio of Arizona Philharmonic principal string players for another stunning performance. D’León’s curated concert includes Gabriel Fauré’s penultimate work, the Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120, Arvo Pärt’s deeply contemplative Spiegel im Spiegel for cello and piano, Rebecca Clarke’s expressive and innovative Piano Trio, and Robert Schumann’s charming and romantic Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47.

To close out the season on March 24, Dr. Joshua Harper and his professional chorus Quartz Ensemble return to Prescott to perform with Arizona Philharmonic. The concert features beautiful and emotional works by a variety of composers spanning well over 300 years: Bach, Mendelssohn, Whitacre, Buxtehude, Rheinberger, Vasks, and Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw. You will enjoy the precision and elegance of the combined forces of these two esteemed ensembles. QCBN

By Henry Flurry

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.

Henry Flurry is the Arizona Philharmonic executive director.

Courtesy Photo: Maestro Peter Bay returns to conduct Arizona Philharmonic’s Serenades and Symphonies, Sept. 10, at the Ruth Street Theater.

Arizona Philharmonic Contracts with PUSD to Perform at Ruth Street Theater

June 30, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“This has been a multi-year intentional effort involving a number of performing arts organizations,” added Flurry.

Arizona Philharmonic has signed an agreement with the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) to stage performances at the Ruth Street Theater (RST) for the next three seasons.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to perform in this outstanding community theater,” said AZ Phil Executive Director Henry Flurry. “We find the acoustics the best of any large venue in town. The intimate feel and upgraded facilities will enhance audience and musician experiences and support the mission of AZ Phil as we grow ‘Prescott’s Philharmonic,’” Flurry added.

AZ Phil last performed at Ruth Street Theater in 2021, after AZ Phil and other local performing arts organizations participated in the discussion of upgrading the RST facilities in order to broaden the stage options within Prescott. “This has been a multi-year intentional effort involving a number of performing arts organizations,” added Flurry.

Since then, PUSD has made multiple improvements, repainted and re-carpeted. They will have a completely new sound system installed, as well as a new lighting system before the following season. “There is not a bad seat in the house, and the multiple accessibility options make seating choices optimal for those with ambulatory issues,” added PUSD Community Theater Events Manager Amy Van Winkle. There have been many improvements made to enhance the visitor experience, including both upper and lower parking lot entrances with no steps.

“The Ruth Street Theater was built with the vision to be a gathering place of the community, for the community. The Arizona Philharmonic is a world-class organization that brings this vision to fruition, showing our students the musical bar for excellence, and modeling for the entire region how the fine arts round out a strong community. This is the beginning of a great era,” commented PUSD Superintendent Joe Howard. QCBN

By Cynthia Jones

About 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 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.

About Ruth Street Theater

Born from the dreams, talents and hard work of Prescott High School Fine Arts students and staff from the 1940s to the 1990s, the 45,000-square-foot Ruth Street Theater and Fine Arts Complex opened its doors in the Fall of 1993. The large stage with fly space, intimate seating for nearly 700 people, and exceptional acoustics was an instant “jewel” of the Prescott Unified School District and surrounding community. The vision for a state-of-the-art educational facility where students could learn their craft and have a hand in running the venue, from front-of-house to technical sound and lighting design, has always been the goal. Upgrades, both aesthetic and technical, in 2022 and 2023 are further evidence of PUSD’s commitment to the artistic future of our children and our community. More information on upcoming events, concerts, and rental opportunities for the Ruth Street Theater can be found at prescottschools.com/RST.

Cynthia Jones is the marketing manager for Arizona Philharmonic.

Arizona Philharmonic Names Abby Coffey Co-Executive Director

May 24, 2023 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“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

November 30, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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

October 29, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

“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

Arizona Philharmonic Brings Back the Sonoran Winds Quintet

August 26, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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

July 28, 2022 By quadcities Leave a Comment

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.

Arizona Philharmonic

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