Click here to hear this 'March of the Metro' theme
The arrival of the Valley Metro light rail system is a historic moment for our community. In commemoration of this event, two long time valley residents and avid Symphony supporters, Clem and Mary Jo Hellmann, wanted to musically celebrate by having a special fanfare composed in honor of the construction of the Metro Light Rail, and to emphasize Symphony Hall's proximity to the route.
"It will now be even easier to attend symphony concerts and eliminate the hassle of parking, save on parking, save on gas and be steps from the Light Rail stop into the symphony." said Clem Hellman. "More importantly," he continued, "Mary Jo and I wanted to have the Symphony create a piece of music for our community's special occasion and so the Symphony called composer Michael Daugherty who was uniquely qualified to compose this fun and whimsical march. We have a fabulous symphony here in Phoenix and it just got easier to come and see them. Just take the Metro to the Convention Center stop which is adjacent to Symphony Hall."
The Phoenix Symphony will perform the World Premiere of March of the Metro by Michael Daugherty, commissioned by Clem and Mary Jo Hellmann in honor of Virginia G. Piper Music Director Michael Christie and The Phoenix Symphony, on Thursday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Symphony Hall.
A recording of the three minute promotional March, which features a distinctive amplified kazoo solo, will broadcast at Light Rail Stations and in Rail Cars on the commemorative opening day of the Metro Light Rail, Saturday, December 26th.
"We are so pleased to put The Phoenix Symphony at the center of the Light Rail launch and we hope you will enjoy March of the Metro as you enter the stations or while you are riding in the Light Rail cars. What a great time to be in Phoenix and be a part of the success of both The Phoenix Symphony and the new Metro Light Rail." said Mr. Hellmann.