August 3, 2023—Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) welcomes world-renown 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, September 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,” commented Henry Flurry, AZ Phil’s Executive Director. “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,” added Flurry. Season tickets are on sale through September 10, offering a 20% discount. Additionally, Pick 3 offers a 10% discount, and individual tickets begin at $39, $10 for Students and $20 for teachers at AZPhil.org.

November 19’s 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 December 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 January 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 February 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. James’ 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.

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 performing at Prescott High School’s Ruth Street Theater. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org and on Facebook.