Daily Independent: Phoenix Symphony to host ‘Wicked Weekend Gala’

Former Phoenix Symphony Board member Bruce Covill and partner Lucia Renshaw will be honored during the Symphony’s Wicked Gala weekend in October.

The Gala is returning after a five-year hiatus with “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends,” on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13. The couple have previously chaired successful Gala events for the Symphony.

Schwartz, the American musical theater lyricist and composer, will make a guest appearance at both Gala events.

“Lucia and I have loved chairing past Phoenix Symphony Galas and being involved with Arizona’s largest performing arts organization that inspires, enriches, and educates our community,” Covill shared in a press release.

The Wicked Night at the Symphony Gala starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Symphony Hall. It will feature a cocktail reception and dinner as well as the Symphony’s concert that night, “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends.” The Gala also includes a post-concert event, “Oz Afterglow.”

“A Beautiful Day at the Symphony” follows at noon on Sunday, Oct. 13, also at Symphony Hall. Tickets include mimosas, a luncheon, the Symphony’s matinee concert, “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends,” and a post-concert high tea with Symphony musicians.

“A Wicked Weekend at The Symphony” will provide support for the Phoenix Symphony’s Mind Over Music education program in which Symphony musicians partner with teachers to lead STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons in classrooms across the Valley. The Symphony’s Mind Over Music program is the first of its kind in the country.

In a career spanning over five decades, Schwartz has written hit musicals “Godspell,” “Pippen” and “Wicked.” He has won four Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and has been nominated for six Tony Awards.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $7,500 to $50,000. Visit www.phoenixsymphony.org/events for more information.