Tito Muñoz, conductor
Paul Jacobs, organ
The Phoenix Symphony Chorus

Julia Perry: Short Piece for Orchestra
Barber: Toccata Festiva
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, Op. 125

Beethoven’s big, bold, and joyous Ninth Symphony looms large over nearly two hundred and fifty years of composing. Be there as Tito Muñoz kicks off his fifth season as The Phoenix Symphony’s Virginia G. Piper Music Director by performing the Ninth with its triumphant “Ode to Joy” alongside the Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and world-class vocalists.

The program also includes the return of Grammy winning organist Paul Jacobs in Barber's dazzling Toccata Festiva.

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The iconic tunes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and a swingin’ big band kick off the 2018/19 APS Pops Series. Be whisked back in time to the Sands Hotel Copa Room and get set for all your favorite standards including Rat Pack mega-hits like “Come Fly With Me”, “Luck be a Lady”, “Mr. Bojangles” and a dozen more favorites from this timeless era performed live with The Phoenix Symphony!

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David Danzmayr, conductor
Drew Petersen, piano

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1, Op. 23
Mozart: Symphony No. 36 “Linz" K. 425
Johann Strauss Jr: Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz), Op. 437

Mozart’s legendary compositional facility was never more apparent than in his Thirty-Sixth Symphony, “Linz,” titled after the city in which he composed it hastily for an unplanned concert. Despite his haste, Mozart proved his mastery with rich, large-scale movements and a dazzling finale written to be performed as fast as possible. Contrasting the delicate elegance of Mozart is Tchaikovsky’s deeply romantic First Piano Concerto performed by Drew Peterson, praised for his commanding and poetic interpretations. This program opens with waltz-king Johann Strauss’ Emperor Waltz.

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Ryan McAdams, conductor

Experience powerful and inspiring film scores live as The Phoenix Symphony presents a moving tribute to one of Hollywood’s most legendary composers, the late James Horner. Horner wrote some of the best-known film scores in cinema history and was the worthy winner of two Academy Awards, six Grammys and an IFMCA Award. The Phoenix Symphony will highlight the epic scores of Braveheart, Cocoon, Aliens, The Mask of Zorro, Apollo 13, Titanic and more.

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Rachel Barton Pine, violin

Gabriel Kahane: Nocturama
Paganini: Violin Concerto No. 1
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4, Op. 36

Highlighted by Rachel Barton Pine’s commanding performance of Paganini's first Violin Concerto, experience this powerhouse program presented by The Phoenix Symphony led by Maestro Muñoz. This program continues our dedication to young American composers by opening with Gabriel Kahane’s Nocturama, and concludes with Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony; an urgent and supercharged reflection on his internal struggles.

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Stuart Chafetz, conductor

What’s this, what’s this?! It’s the wildly inventive world of Disney Tim Burton’s macabre classic The Nightmare Before Christmas™ shown in its entirety on a huge screen at Symphony Hall. Danny Elfman’s rambunctious, colorful score will roar to life in the hands of the The Phoenix Symphony as you follow Jack the Pumpkin King’s quest to seize Christmas on a large screen above the orchestra.

Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts © All Rights Reserved

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Case Scaglione, conductor
Steven Moeckel, violin

Christopher Rouse: Prospero’s Rooms
Britten: Violin Concerto, Op. 15
Elgar: Enigma Variations, Op. 36

Edward Elgar and Benjamin Britten stand tall as luminaries of English artistry. Elgar’s Enigma Variations, with its fourteen movements dedicated to his friends, has thrilled audiences since its composition. Performed alongside Britten’s edgy, yet lyrical Violin Concerto, played masterfully by concertmaster Steven Moeckel, this show will be sure to please!

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Nicholas Hersh, conductor

The Second City Guide to the Symphony is a light-hearted blend of hilarious sketch comedy and beautiful music — including works by great masters such as Mozart and Mahler alongside hilarious original orchestral songs. Don’t miss out as Chicago’s legendary comedy troupe Second City joins The Phoenix Symphony for a celebration of shared love of the symphony orchestra, taking a satirical but loving look at the players, the composers, the personalities, and even the audience.

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Jeremy Denk, piano

Timo Andres: Everything Happens So Much
Mozart: Piano Concerto No.12, K. 414
Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” Op. 95

Antonin Dvorák came to the United States with a “simple” directive: Develop a distinctly American style of composition. Through his travels, attempts, and those he met along the way, Dvorák eventually developed his Ninth Symphony, “From the New World.” The well-known theme of the second movement, now titled “Goin’ Home,” creates an intimate portrait of place and home unrivaled in orchestral repertoire. The program begins with Timo Andres’ thought-provoking Everything Happens So Much and features Mozart’s Twelfth Piano Concerto, full of lyricism and serenity, performed by acclaimed pianist Jeremy Denk.

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Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. Based on the third installment of J.K. Rowling’s classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale accompanied by live music from the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra as Harry soars across the big screen.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)

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Joshua Gersen, conductor
Scarlett Strallen, vocalist
Gary Mauer, vocalist

It’s the most wonderful time of year as the Valley’s most beloved holiday tradition, Holiday Pops, returns to Symphony Hall. Join The Phoenix Symphony and The Phoenix Symphony Chorus to experience this festive concert of seasonal favorites and the ever-popular Holiday Sing-Along, guaranteed to put you and your family in the holiday spirit.

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Back by popular demand, Troupe Vertigo returns to The Phoenix Symphony with an all new holiday show. This year, the LA cirque troupe brings their gravity-defying acts to the Valley with a special dose of holiday cheer. Hear holiday favorites like “White Christmas” and “Deck the Halls” and beloved movements from masterpieces like Swan Lake while hula hoops, strong men, contortionists, aerialists and jugglers perform on stage… and 40 feet above it!

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
The Phoenix Symphony Chorus

Wednesday, December 12, 2018: Scottsdale Center for the Arts
Thursday, December 13, 2018: Mesa Arts Center
Friday, December 14, 2018: Camelback Bible Church
Saturday, December 15, 2018: American Lutheran Church
Sunday, December 16, 2018: Pinnacle Presbyterian Church

An annual holiday favorite, Handel’s Messiah returns to The Phoenix Symphony. The acclaimed “Hallelujah” chorus highlights these performances featuring some of the most glorious sacred music ever written. Join The Phoenix Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and world-class soloists in Handel’s masterpiece in churches and venues throughout the Valley.

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Stuart Chafetz, conductor

Get off the couch and experience the music from your favorite television shows in a completely new way. Hear the thrilling scores from hit shows and films like Lost, Downton Abbey, Batman, Superman, The Adventures of Robin Hood, X-Men: The Last Stand and many more of your favorites performed live by The Phoenix Symphony.

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End the year on a high note with The Phoenix Symphony for the most popular New Year’s Eve Celebration in Arizona. Enjoy famous Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics and Broadway and contemporary favorites all with a complimentary glass of Champagne to celebrate the New Year. Don’t miss this joyous and popular musical event that is sure to sell out.

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It’s back by popular demand! The cherished Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Eve Gala returned last year in spectacular fashion, dazzling guests with festivities and music during the best event of the season. This year, Honorary Chairs Sharon and Dr. Oliver Harper invite you to ring in your New Year with The Phoenix Symphony once again. This magical evening will include music and dancing, a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dance into the New Year with the full Phoenix Symphony orchestra. A champagne toast and many other surprises will delight guests.

Purchase options include individual tickets for $500 each and table sponsorships begin at $10,000. Individual tickets go on sale August 1, 2018.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to support The Phoenix Symphony, please consider joining our NYE Gala Club. This fully tax deductible $1,000 donation will be earmarked to support our education and wellness programs. As a special thank you for your donation, your name will be highlighted in the Gala program as well as our concert program books throughout the 18/19Season.

For more information, to make a sponsorship commitment or to get information on room rates for the Arizona Biltmore on December 31, please contact Louann Phillips at 602-452-0423 or events@phoenixsymphony.org.

Tito Muñoz, conductor
Alexander Laing, clarinet

Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni, K. 527
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, K. 622
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” K. 551

Phoenix Symphony Principal Clarinetist Alex Laing commands the stage in this all-Mozart concert featuring the composer’s luminary Clarinet Concerto. The concerto is bookended with Mozart’s masterful Overture to Don Giovanni and the exuberant “Jupiter,” his forty-first and final Symphony.

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Matthew Kasper, conductor
Westwater Arts

Barber: Second Essay for Orchestra, Op. 17
Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite (with projection)
Ives: Symphony No.2

Grofe’s picturesque Grand Canyon Suite wowed sold-out audiences during the Symphony’s 2012 performance, and the National Park’s 100-year anniversary performance will feature Westwater Arts high-definition images of the Grand Canyon projected above the orchestra in Symphony Hall. Assistant Conductor Matthew Kasper continues this patriotic program with Barber's Second Essay for Orchestra and the unique compositional style of Chalres Ives with his Second Symphony.

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Schubert: Entr’acte No. 3 from Rosamunde, D. 797
Schubert: Romanze “Der Vollmund strahlt” from Rosamunde, D. 797
Mozart: Symphony No. 6, K. 43
Schubert: Erlkönig, D. 328
Schubert: Schwanengesang, D.957, orch. Offenbach
Mozart: Symphony No. 38 “Prague” K. 504

The Phoenix Symphony’s popular Chamber Series continues at the intimate and acoustically superb Musical Instrument Museum Theatre. This season the music continues its focus on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and introduces a more in-depth look at the works of Franz Schubert. These performances will set out, so get your tickets early.

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Jennifer Koh, violin

Haydn: Symphony No. 69 “Laudon” Hob. 1/69
Esa-Pekka Salonen: Violin Concerto
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral” Op. 68

Maestro Tito Muñoz celebrates the return of Jennifer Koh with Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Violin Concerto: a virtuosic and flashy, aggressive and brutal, meditative and static masterwork. This program opens with Haydn’s “Loudon” Symphony, his lush and finely crafted departure from his earlier works, and concludes with Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony, which stands as one of the most vivid depictions of nature and rustic life.

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Stuart Chafetz, conductor
Matthew Morrison, vocalist

Glee’s Matthew Morrison took no time off after appearing in the hit Broadway musical Finding Neverland. This modern day song and dance man joins your Phoenix Symphony for a dazzling musical tour of his 20 year Broadway career, including songs from Finding Neverland, South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza, Hairspray and Footloose.

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Stephen Hough, piano

Beethoven: Piano Concerto No.1, Op. 15
Richard Strauss: Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), Op. 40

World-renowned pianist Stephen Hough makes his Phoenix Symphony debut performing Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto, with its energetic and charming themes. Muñoz opens the program with Richard Strauss’ self-portrait, Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life); an egotistical but moving musical journey of life, love, and contentment.

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Nicholas Hersh, conductor

Coming to The Phoenix Symphony from a galaxy far, far away…the most epic space adventure of all time! Experience John Williams’ iconic Oscar-winning score in a whole new way—from its triumphant opening fanfare to the ethereal Princess Leia theme—performed live by the The Phoenix Symphony while the full feature film is projected above the orchestra.
Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts in association with 20th Century Fox, Lucasfilm and Warner/Chappell Music.
(c) 2018 & TM LUCASFILM LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Disney

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Amy Dickson, saxophone

Anna Clyne: Within Her Arms
Glass: Violin Concerto No. 1, arr. Dickson
Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements
Gershwin: American in Paris

George Gershwin’s American in Paris is a perfect distillation of the American experience abroad. Maestro Tito Muñoz leads the Symphony in this masterwork alongside Stravinsky’s Symphony in Three Movements, a Russian expat’s symphonic contemplation of the American experience. The program continues our dedication to young American composers with Anna Clyne’s Within Her Arms, a touching tribute to her mother. Acclaimed saxophonist Amy Dickson returns to join the symphony to perform Philip Glass’ mesmerizing and hypnotic Violin Concerto.

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The Phoenix Symphony celebrates the life, success and the legendary music of Tom Petty - in a one-night-only live concert experience under the stars at Mesa Amphitheatre. From his role as lead singer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers to his memorable solo career, the beloved rock star has created timeless hits including “American Girl,” “Free Fallin’” and “Learning to Fly.” Experience a talented vocalist, perform decades of music in a moving tribute to one of rocks greatest legends, live with The Phoenix Symphony.

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Mozart: Serenade No. 6 in D Major, K. 239
Schubert: Sonata in A minor "Arpeggione", arr. Woolf
Mozart: Adagio and Fugue in C Minor, K. 546
Mozart: Divertimento No. 10 in F Major, K. 247

The Phoenix Symphony’s popular Chamber Series continues at the intimate and acoustically superb Musical Instrument Museum Theatre. This season the music continues its focus on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and introduces a more in-depth look at the works of Franz Schubert. These performances will set out, so get your tickets early.

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Giora Schmidt, violin

Piazzolla: Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)
Florence Price: Symphony No.1

Composers the world over have been driven to create orchestral music out of their familiar folk tunes. In his Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, Astor Piazzolla paints an adventurous impression of the Argentinian Capital through a four-tango composition. Florence Price, the first female African American composer to have a composition performed by a major orchestra, crafted her First Symphony with inspiration from spiritual melodies, folk song and church music. The Phoenix Symphony, featuring Valley favorite Giora Schmidt on violin, is honored to present these unique contributions of Piazzolla and Price.

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Carl St. Clair, conductor
Kevin Deas, vocalist
Angela Brown, vocalist
Pilgrim Rest Choir

Prokofiev: Selections from Romeo & Juliet Suites 1 and 2
Gershwin: Porgy & Bess: A Symphonic Picture arr. Bennet

The orchestra is an integral piece of both the operatic and balletic art forms, and The Phoenix Symphony offers unique insight into that brilliance through the juxtaposition of suites from George Gershwin and Sergei Prokofiev. Prokofiev’s popular and intriguing suite to Romeo & Juliet fuse with Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess Suite to create an evening of sweeping emotion and dramatic elegance showcasing the towering Montagues and Capulets and the beloved classic “Summertime,” featuring the acclaimed Pilgrim Rest Choir alongside the orchestra.

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Get ready to fight a dragon, swim with merpeople, and find out just who put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire™! For the first time ever, audiences can rediscover the magic of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ while your Phoenix Symphony performs Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s18)

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Mozart: Overture to Così fan tutte, K. 588
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216
Mozart: Concert Arias TBD
Schubert: Symphony No. 5, D. 485

The Phoenix Symphony’s popular Chamber Series continues at the intimate and acoustically superb Musical Instrument Museum Theatre. This season the music continues its focus on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and introduces a more in-depth look at the works of Franz Schubert. These performances will set out, so get your tickets early.

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Bridging the gulf between rock ’n’ roll and classical music, The Phoenix Symphony will blow you away with the return of the popular tribute, the Music of Led Zeppelin. Amplified by a full rock band, creator Brent Havens conducts vocalist Randy Jackson and your Phoenix Symphony as they capture Led Zeppelin’s sheer blast and power, riff for riff, while churning out new musical colors. The two-plus-hour concert features classic Zeppelin tunes, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Heartbreaker,” “Black Dog,” “Immigrant Song” and more.

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Michael Francis, conductor
The Phoenix Symphony Chorus

Mozart: Mass in C Major "Trinity", K. 167
Brahms: Symphony No.3, Op. 90

Mozart's strikingly instrumental "Trinity" Mass brings the orchestra into the foreground with a lively and colorful work featuring The Phoenix Symphony Chorus. The piece is paired with Brahms’ Third Symphony, a dramatic struggle between major and minor. Compared to Brahms’ previous symphonies, his Third Symphony is considered the most artistically perfect.

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Back by popular demand and hot off their latest PBS Special RISE, America’s Got Talent Emmy Award-winners The Texas Tenors return to their home away from home to perform with The Phoenix Symphony. Don’t miss The Texas Tenors and The Phoenix Symphony for a night of classic rock, pop and country hits and Broadway favorites all with a healthy dose of Texas charm.

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Tito Muñoz, conductor
Planets HD Odyssey

Elgar: Elegy, Op. 58
Michael Hersch: end stages
Holst: The Planets – An HD Odyssey


As our 2018/19 Classics series ends, embark on an expansive voyage through the Solar System with The Planets: An HD Odyssey. Propelled by Holst’s masterwork The Planets, this bracing multimedia experience explores the astrological and emotional influences of our sister planets through this large-scale orchestral suite as stunning NASA and Hubble image are projected above the orchestra. Sir Edward Elgar’s serene and dreamlike Elegy for Strings opens the program, while Michael Hersch’s tragic, personal, and deeply compelling end stages, accompanied by the artwork that inspired the composer, presents an interdisciplinary exploration of mortality to close the program.

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Tip your hat to Broadway and join The Phoenix Symphony and acclaimed soloists for a night of Broadway hits. Experience your favorite Broadway tunes from The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables Momma Mia, Wicked and Hamilton and many more!

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