Music Director Announcement
Announcing Paolo Bortolameolli The Phoenix Symphony’s Next Virginia G. Piper Music Director In a defining moment for one of Arizona’s leading cultural institutions, The Phoenix Symphony announced the appointment of internationally acclaimed conductor Paolo Bortolameolli as the Symphony’s next Virginia G. Piper Music Director. Bortolameolli will become the 12th Music Director in the orchestra’s nearly […]
Community Art is Back at Our Family Concerts
This season, in continued partnership with the Mesa Youth Creative Agency (MYCA), we’re bringing back our community art project with an exciting new format. Across four Family Concerts, audiences are invited to help create four original works of art, guided by MYCA’s talented student artists. Each concert features a canvas inspired by the music and […]
Beyond the Concert Hall: Phoenix Symphony Musicians Support Arizona’s Aspiring Orchestra Students
Phoenix Symphony Violinist Tessa Gotman Bock has established a connection with the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) to provide support for students preparing for Regional and All-State orchestra auditions. Tessa, along with Phoenix Symphony Musicians Isabel Tannenbaum, Sarah Wager and Bridget Pasker, partnered with ABODA to create professional-quality excerpt recordings that students across […]
Local Student Composer Spotlight: Karna by Nevin Atodaria, Student at Brophy College Preparatory
This season, the Phoenix Symphony is proud to feature Karna, an original orchestral work by Arizona student composer Nevin Atodaria, as part of our Symphony for the Schools Field Trip Program. Through the free field trip experience, thousands of Arizona students will hear Nevin’s music performed live by Phoenix Symphony musicians on the Symphony Hall […]
Winter Update from President & CEO Peter Kjome
Dear Friends, As we enter the New Year, The Phoenix Symphony stands at a pivotal moment, moving forward in partnership with our community. This is a significant period for the Symphony, shaped by artistic achievement and a shared commitment to a bright and enduring future. Our community has fostered an orchestra that stands among Arizona’s […]
From New York to Phoenix: A Symphony Love Story
John and Gail Allan’s Musical & Community Legacy In 1996, native New Yorkers John and Gail Allan left the Big Apple for the Valley of the Sun to begin their next chapter. For anyone who’s lived in or visited New York City, live music and theater are simply a way of life—as is hopping […]
Fall Update from the President and CEO Peter Kjome
September 24, 2025 Dear Friends, This is a time of progress and promise for The Phoenix Symphony, and we look forward with anticipation to our 2025-26 Season. The breadth and variety reflect our dynamic and vibrant community. Filled with classical, popular, film, holiday, and family performances, a thrilling season lies ahead. The season opens with […]
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Andrea Tyler Evans
Dear Friends, All of us at The Phoenix Symphony are deeply saddened by the passing of Andrea Tyler Evans. Andrea was someone who brought people together, lifted others up, and quietly made our community better in countless ways. She had a meaningful connection to the Symphony. Early in her career, Andrea served as our volunteer […]
Harmony in Memory: A Tribute to Musician Mike Brown
This summer, Phoenix Symphony cellists Laurie Selby and Fred Chao have been leading a heartfelt series of hospice performances in memory of their friend and colleague, Mike Brown. A beloved trombonist with the Symphony for 37 years, Mike passed away in September 2024. Coordinated by Laurie—well-known for her work in our Health & Wellness and Education programs—the […]
Behind the Scenes: Touring the Steinway Factory
July 28, 2025 By Shawn King, Phoenix Symphony Director of Production One of the unique perks of working at The Phoenix Symphony has been developing our relationship with Steinway & Sons, the renowned concert piano manufacturer. Over the last two seasons, the Phoenix Symphony has rented their pianos for our guest soloists, and […]
“Seasons of Change” Album Highlights Voices from our Health & Wellness Programs
July 14, 2025 The Phoenix Symphony is proud to share news from its Health and Wellness programs, highlighting a collaboration with Circle the City during the REVERB Contemporary Music Festival in April 2024. This partnership, fostering connections since 2016 through regular musician visits to Circle the City sites, reached a new peak. GRAMMY-nominated violinist […]
Summer Update from the President and CEO Peter Kjome
June 5, 2025 Dear Friends, As we conclude the 2024/25 Season, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. This is a pivotal time for The Phoenix Symphony, rich with opportunity and challenge. With deep appreciation, I reflect on the progress we have made and the shared dedication propelling us toward a bright and promising future. […]
Musical Connections: Musicians & Students Honor Jazz Trombonist Russell Moore at Casa Blanca Community School
March 25, 2025 The Phoenix Symphony’s commitment to music education and community engagement was clearly evident on March 18th and 19th, as our talented musician ensembles visited nine school campuses across the Valley. Among the many highlights of these outreach days, the brass ensemble’s visit to Casa Blanca Community School in Bapchule stands out as […]
Spring Update from President and CEO Peter Kjome
March 12, 2025 Dear Friends, As spring arrives, I am inspired by the extraordinary music and energy that fill our concert hall and community. We are making important progress, thanks to the dedication of our board members, musicians, staff, and the remarkable support of our community. Your attendance, advocacy, and support have fostered a superb […]
A Backstage Perspective of the Symphony
Each morning at Symphony Hall, security guard Ken Boehling welcomes musicians, crew, and staff through the backstage door with a smile and genuine curiosity. As the backstage security guard, he’s had a front-row seat to countless moments that happen behind the scenes at Symphony Hall. Ken’s love for classical music goes back to his childhood […]
Donor Spotlight: Ken Council, CPA/PFS, President
The Phoenix Symphony is fortunate to have a dedicated patron in Ken Council, CPA/PFS, President of CPA Advisory Services, P.C. A supporter of the Symphony since 2010 and a subscriber since 2015, Ken’s passion for music is deeply rooted in his life. As a talented musician who plays piano, organ, and guitar—and once served as […]
Phoenix Symphony Musicians Introduce the “Velcro Cello”
For years, Phoenix Symphony musicians have used a unique educational tool – the “Velcro Cello,” a take-apart instrument that reveals the intricate engineering behind the beautiful sound of string instruments. Created by a Phoenix Symphony musician, the Velcro Cello is a tool that musicians and teachers can use to teach the principles of design and […]
Friday Night Classic Casual Conversations: Enhance Your Concert Experience
After experiencing an enchanting performance by the Phoenix Symphony, patrons are invited to join Associate Conductor Alex Amsel and a few musicians for a post-concert conversation in the main lobby. This is not a lecture or a class; it is an open discussion where audience members and musicians alike share their thoughts on the performance […]
Continuing A True Collaboration: Symphony for the Schools
The Phoenix Symphony is excited to continue our creative partnership with Michael Kary, Professor of Theatre at Grand Canyon University (GCU) for our Symphony for the Schools Field Trip theme: Collaboration: Inspired by Differences. The 2024/25 season’s Symphony For The Schools Field Trips would not have been possible without the excellent resource of Kary’s acting […]
Winter Update from President and CEO Peter Kjome
December 19, 2024 Dear Friends, As we look ahead to the New Year, it is with a spirit of gratitude that we reflect on what has been accomplished and all that will be achieved in the months ahead. With your steadfast support, our Symphony serves Phoenix and Arizona both on and off the stage. Our […]
