The Prescott-based Arizona Philharmonic, drawing its musicians locally and statewide, is returning in force this year following two pandemic-shortened seasons, with seven concerts scheduled in its hometown plus five in the northwest Valley.
“Our second season was cut short, and our third season was compressed into two months,” says Henry Flurry, “AZ Phil’s” executive director. “We’re going to call this our fourth season, and we’re really excited about it.”
Concertgoers will experience both large and intimate ensembles. All concerts begin at 3 p.m. and will be held at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center except the Christmas event.
- Brandenburg and Beyond, Oct. 31 — This will incorporate Bach’s Brandenburg No. 3 with an oboe concerto and pieces by Mozart, Stravinsky and others.
- Sonoran Winds Quintet, Nov. 14 — Stars AZ Phil’s five principal woodwinds players in a program highlighting both classical and jazz-inspired pieces.
- We Wish You Christmas, Dec. 19, — Flurry describes this as a “warm and glamorous experience.” Three sopranos are accompanied by violin, cello, flute, French horn, timpani, bells, and a Steinway-artist pianist in an elegant performance of Christmas music from both the Classical and traditional genres.
- ¡Andalusia! Jan. 9, 2022 — Flurry co-wrote the centerpiece Impulso with Chris Burton-Jácome, a tribute to the music of southern Spain featuring Maria Flurry on marimba and flamenco dancer Lena Jácome. “Every audience that has heard this piece has jumped to their feet, partly because of the enthusiasm of Lena and the energy of the music,” Flurry says. The concert will open with short pieces composed by groups of Prescott Unified School District students earlier last year.
- Brahms Requiem, Jan. 19, 2022 — “We’re presenting the Quartz Ensemble again in a new version of the Brahms Requiem, I think people will be amazed at what they hear. It’s an angelic choir with a smaller, tighter orchestra; it will be a different experience, quite sharp,” he says.
- Arizona Philharmonic Brass, Feb. 27, 2022 — The debut of the orchestra’s Brass Ensemble will have bright and bold pieces by everyone from Brahms to P.D.Q. Bach.
- Janes D’León Piano Quintet, March 27, 2022 — An international Steinway artist will perform some of his favorite pieces for piano and strings with AZ Phil’s principal strings players.
For tickets and more information, including for performances at the Vista Center for the Arts in Surprise, visit azphil.org or call 855-321-6724.
