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 […]
Free Field Trips for Arizona Students
The mission of the Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. With our mission in mind, we strive to share the music of the Phoenix Symphony with all Arizona students. Thanks to the support of generous donors like […]
5 Arts Circle Reception Recap
The Phoenix Symphony was honored to host the 5 Arts Circle at the 100th anniversary of Rhapsody in Blue on November 22nd, 2024. Founded in 1999, 5 Arts Circle is a 501(c)(3) social group that supports five premier visual and performing arts organizations vital to the cultural and economic life of our community.
Field Trip Opportunities Featuring Student Compositions
This season, the Phoenix Symphony had the opportunity to spotlight the talents of Arizona’s young artists during performances designed specifically for kids. We’ve had students from Ballet Etudes Academy, Rosie’s House and Mesa Youth Creative Agency showcase their skills at our family concerts, inspiring audiences with their creativity — and that’s just the beginning. We […]
Education Assembly Concert on Oct. 30th at Las Sendas Elementary
A string ensemble from the Phoenix Symphony had the pleasure of playing for 1st – 6th grade at Las Sendas Elementary School in Mesa, Arizona this week. Small ensembles from the Phoenix Symphony visit schools around the Valley to play engaging and interactive educational concerts for Arizona students. These interactive performances allow musicians, students and […]
Salt River Project Sponsors Preludes Series for 2024/25 Season
Salt River Project (SRP) will sponsor The Phoenix Symphony’s Preludes series for the 2024-25 season. Preludes are pre-concert events designed to enrich the concert experience by engaging audiences in musical activities and background information relevant to the concert they are attending. SRP has been the Preludes sponsor since its inception at the beginning of the […]
Be the Artist: Help Create a Piece of Art as we Progress Through the Phoenix Symphony’s 2024/25 Season
The Phoenix Symphony is excited to announce a partnership with Mesa Youth Creative Agency and Madison Center for the Arts. This collaboration uses the creative energy of the Phoenix Symphony, Mesa Youth Creative Agency (MYCA) and Madison Center for the Arts to explore the powerful relationship between visual and auditory art. At each performance, we […]
Hospice Memories
October 7, 2024 By Laurie Stearns Selby, Phoenix Symphony Cello I have had the privilege of playing my cello at hospice care facilities with my friend and colleague, Fred Chao, for many years. To be in the presence of these patients who have anywhere from days to months left to live is challenging. I say, […]
Fall Update from President and CEO Peter Kjome
September 25, 2024 Dear Friends, We look forward with anticipation to the 2024-25 Season of the Phoenix Symphony. The upcoming season is one of astonishing breadth and variety, and the programs reflect our dynamic and vibrant community. Filled with classical, popular, film, holiday, and family performances, a thrilling season lies ahead. Subscribe to enrich […]
Celebrating a New Collaboration: The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps & the Phoenix Symphony
September 10, 2024 This spring marked the beginning of an exciting new collaboration between the Phoenix Symphony and The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. Although it may seem surprising at first, this partnership highlights the mutual respect and admiration that music professionals have for one another. We all love good music and nurture its performance […]
Phoenix Symphony Education Events Recap
August 26, 2024 Recently the Phoenix Symphony had the opportunity to share our education programs at two educator events in the valley: Educator Appreciation Night at Mesa Arts Center and Educators Arts Day at Phoenix Art Museum. These events allow teachers an opportunity to learn about the Phoenix Symphony, our Mission and the varied education […]
Symphony for the Schools Field Trips: Collaboration Inspired by Differences
August 8, 2024 For generations, composers have been inspired by culture, history and background. Join the Phoenix Symphony during our Symphony for the Schools Field Trips where we explore composers from throughout the world and how their stories shaped their music. Discover how these composers used music to tell their own unique history and […]
Open Rehearsal Field Trip – The Resurrection Mixtape
July 15, 2024 During preparations for our final performance of the 2023/24 Season, The Resurrection Mixtape, one of the rehearsals was opened up to allow students from Skyline High School in Mesa and guests from The Opportunity Tree to attend and experience the music at no cost. The Opportunity Tree is an organization that […]
