Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends

Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends

Mélisse Brunet, Conductor 
Stephen Schwartz, Host and Piano
Shaleah Adkisson, Vocalist
Kelli Rabke, Vocalist
Scott Coulter, Vocalist
Michael McCorry Rose, Vocalist
John Boswell, Pianist

Defying Gravity: The Music of Stephen Schwartz and Friends” has enthralled audiences around the world for over two decades — and received a standing ovation at every stop along the way. The beloved songs of the Grammy and Oscar-winning songwriter are given breathtaking performances by world-class vocalists. This uplifting, soul-stirring concert features hits from classic shows like Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked including “Magic to Do,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Corner of the Sky,” “Day by Day,” “When You Believe,” “Defying Gravity” and more. It’s an unforgettable evening of magical musical theatre. 

About Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist

Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit WICKED, and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING (which he also adapted and directed), RAGS, and CHILDREN OF EDEN. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s MASS and wrote the title song for the play and movie BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, CAPTAIN LOUIE and MY SON PINOCCHIO. He has also worked in film, collaborating with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s ENCHANTED as well as the animated features POCAHONTAS and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and writing the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature THE PRINCE OF EGYPT. His first opera, SEANCE ON A WET AFTERNOON, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and New York City Opera. A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies.

The Phoenix Symphony’s SRP Preludes series returns for the 2024/25 season! Preludes will take place one hour prior to select performances with activities that will be sure to delight the whole family! Prepare to hear live musical performances, discover new artworks, explore the dances and traditions of new cultures, and much, much more!

Friday, October 11, 6:30 PM

Saturday, October 12, 7:00 PM 

Sunday, October 13, 1:00 PM

“You’re gonna be POPULAR!” Join us for our Gala weekend Preludes by taking your photo on the Green Carpet with our fabulous photo-op and get the opportunity to meet Elphaba, Glinda and their Wicked friends in the Symphony Hall lobby!

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