Cynthia Jones

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. 

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.