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Phoenix Symphony Announces Bruce Covill and Lucia Renshaw to be Honored as Part of A Wicked Weekend Gala Oct. 12 & 13
Wicked Gala Weekend Features the Legendary Stephen Schwartz
PHOENIX (August 7, 2024) –Former Phoenix Symphony Board member Bruce Covill and partner Lucia Renshaw will be honored during The Phoenix Symphony’s Wicked Gala weekend on October 12 and 13. The couple have previously chaired successful Gala events for the Symphony.
The Phoenix Symphony Gala is returning after a five-year hiatus with Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends on Oct. 12 and Oct. 13. World-renowned American musical theater lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz 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. We are thrilled to be honored during the return of the Symphony’s Gala,” Covill said.
The “Wicked Night at the Symphony” Gala is to be held Saturday, Oct. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Symphony Hall. It will feature a cocktail reception and exquisite dinner as well as the Symphony’s spectacular concert that night, “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends.” The Gala also includes an enchanting post-concert event, Oz Afterglow.
“A Beautiful Day at the Symphony” follows on Sunday, Oct. 13 at noon at Symphony Hall. Tickets include mimosas, delicious luncheon, the Symphony’s matinee concert, “Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends,” and a post-concert high tea with musicians of The Phoenix Symphony.
“Bruce and Lucia have brought so much creativity and elegance to the Phoenix Symphony Galas, ensuring that they are ‘can’t miss’ events that ignite the community,” said Rick McCartney, Phoenix Symphony Board member. McCartney is a 2024 Gala chair along with Dr. Korwyn Williams, MD, PHD, Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“A Wicked Weekend at The Symphony” will provide vital 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.
Phoenix Symphony President and CEO Peter Kjome spoke about the importance of the event. “On behalf of the Board, musicians, and staff of the Phoenix Symphony, we are delighted to honor such engaged and committed champions as Bruce and Lucia,” said Kjome. “We appreciate their leadership as past Gala Chairs to engage new participants and sponsors and are excited to build on that tradition with this year’s exceptional Symphony Gala.”
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 on how to be part of this extraordinary event.
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About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is Arizona’s largest performing arts organization and one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporation, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists. The core 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. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 125,000 students through education and partnerships and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals and in hospice. Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2023 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.