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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2011 Media Contact:
Jacquelyn Williams
602-495-1117 ext. 423
publicrelations@phoenixsymphony.org
The Phoenix Symphony Launches its 2011/12 Season
Guest conductors, stellar soloists, and much more!
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Symphony and Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie announce an extraordinary and electrifying 2011/12 Season. The season kicks off in grand style September 15 & 17 at Symphony Hall with one of the greatest musical compositions ever written, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Also featured will be Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man as we observe and pay tribute to those whose lives were forever changed ten years ago on September 11, 2001.
"Arizonans are in for a musical feast of delights this season and I can't think of a better way to start off the season than with the selections we have made," said Michael Christie, "Throughout the season we'll be offering performances from a wide variety of composers and unbelievably talented soloists. No one in our audience will go home unsatisfied."
The season is comprised of Classics, Pops, Family and Scottsdale Series featuring the works of Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin to name a few. Guest soloists include Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Olga Kern, internationally renowned cellist Zuill Bailey, and dazzling Broadway soloists.
"We are proud to be one of the few full time symphonies in the country to be able to offer a season of such musical variety and virtuosity," said Jim Ward, Interim President and CEO of The Phoenix Symphony. "There has never been a greater time to sample the extraordinary talent of The Phoenix Symphony than with this season which has so many great concerts on the program."
US Airways Classics Series
The 2011/12 US Airways Classics Series features fan favorites, festivals, and world-renowned guest soloists performing the greatest classical compositions of all time. Season highlights include the sounds of The Arabian Nights with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, and Mussorgsky’s most famous composition Pictures at an Exhibition. Hailed as the greatest violinist of her generation, 22-year-old Chloe Hanslip will join The Phoenix Symphony to perform one of the defining pieces of the violin repertoire, Korngold’s Violin Concerto. Destined to be an unforgettable component to this season is the two-week Rachmaninoff Festival featuring Van Cliburn Piano Competition winner Olga Kern. The young Russian superstar will amaze the audience as she plays all four piano concertos and Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. The Phoenix Symphony will also celebrate Arizona’s centennial with Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite featuring a photographic multimedia event with a commission from photographer James Westwater.
APS Pops Series
The APS Pops Series begins September 30 & October 1 at Symphony Hall as The Phoenix Symphony participates in the first bi-annual Celebración Artística de las Américas celebrating the vibrant musical offerings of our regional Latino community. The rock and roll side of Broadway comes to The Phoenix Symphony as three Broadway soloists perform hits from award-winning shows like Wicked, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Rent, Dream Girls and Mamma Mia. The legendary sounds of Motown will also be heard this season with hits by the Jackson 5, the Supremes, and more. Back by popular demand will be Cirque de la Symphonie, this time featuring thrilling aerial acts performing alongside The Phoenix Symphony. Pops favorites like Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and the traditional Holiday Pops are also included in this exciting season.
Family Series
The 2011/12 Family Series is sure to delight children and adults alike. Assistant Conductor Joseph Young will lead the orchestra for all five Family Series concerts. “Our rich variety of family offerings this season will entertain and educate all ages,” said Joseph Young. “If you want a memorable experience that is different from a typical family outing, head to Symphony Hall for something original and unique.” The series will begin December 3 with the traditional holiday season favorites. The educational entertainment continues for the young and young at heart with Beethoven Lives Upstairs, the story of a boy with an interesting neighbor, none other than, Ludwig van Beethoven. The tales of Dr. Seuss will come alive through music performed live by The Phoenix Symphony accompanied by engaging narration. Family Series concerts provide learning elements through the fun of music and many familiar childhood fables like Goldilocks and The Three Bears, The Tortoise and The Hare, and The Fox and The Crow.
Scottsdale Series
The Phoenix Symphony will continue its Scottsdale Series with five performances held at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts. The Scottsdale Series concerts and dates will be announced at a later date.
2011/12 Series Tickets
Season tickets to the 2011/12 Season are now on sale, with a variety of packages offered for the Classics, Pops, Family and Favorites Series. Packages provide subscribers with savings of up to 30% off ticket prices to the general public. Only subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits such as flexible ticket exchanges, pre-sales, and special offers. Package prices start at $58 and can be purchased by calling the Phoenix Symphony Box Office Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 5:00pm at 602-495-1999 or visiting www.phoenixsymphony.org.
2011/12 Season Calendar
US Airways Classics Series
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
September 15 & 17 at Symphony Hall
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21
September 22 & 24 at Symphony Hall
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
November 17-19 at Symphony Hall
Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony
November 25 & 26 at Symphony Hall
Dvořák: Cello Concerto
January 12-14 at Symphony Hall
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition
January 19-21 at Symphony Hall
Centennial Celebration! Grofé: Grand Canyon Suite
February 16 & 18 at Symphony Hall
Brian Mulligan Performs Puccini & Mahler
March 1 & 3 at Symphony Hall
Elgar: Enigma Variations
March 22 & 24 at Symphony Hall
Christie Conducts Scheherazade
March 29-31 at Symphony Hall
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
April 19-21 at Symphony Hall
Rachmaninoff Festival Week 1
May 3-5 at Symphony Hall
Rachmaninoff Festival Week 2
May 10-12 at Symphony Hall
Rodrigo: Concierto De Aranjuez
May 17-19 at Symphony Hall
APS Pops Series
The Phoenix Symphony Celebrates the CALA Festival
September 30- October 1 at Symphony Hall
Holiday Pops
December 2- 4 at Symphony Hall
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
January 6-8 at Symphony Hall
Fiddler on the Roof
February 3 & 4 at Symphony Hall
Broadway ROCKS!
February 24-26 at Symphony Hall
Motown’s Greatest Hits
March 16-18 at Symphony Hall
The Rat Pack!
April 27-29 at Symphony Hall
High Flying! Cirque de la Symphonie
May 25-27 at Symphony Hall
Family Series
Holiday Celebration
December 3 at Symphony Hall
Beethoven Lives Upstairs
January 7 at Symphony Hall
Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs & Ham
March 17 at Symphony Hall
Musical Fables
April 28 at Symphony Hall
High Flying! Cirque de la Symphonie
May 26 at Symphony Hall
For more information about The Phoenix Symphony visit www.phoenixsymphony.org.
