Expanded leadership team and exceptional Campaign Cabinet
advance historic $60 million initiative to secure the Symphony’s future
Contact:
Rachel Dahl
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
PHOENIX (March 25, 2026) – The Phoenix Symphony today announced expanded leadership for CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony, a bold $60 million comprehensive fundraising initiative designed to ensure a thriving future for symphonic music in Arizona. As the Phoenix Symphony approaches its 80th season, CRESCENDO stands as the Symphony’s most ambitious philanthropic initiative yet, focused on advancing artistic excellence, expanding community engagement, and ensuring lasting sustainability.
Pace and Selden bring decades of commitment to the Symphony and to the broader Phoenix community. Pace, a proud fourth-generation Arizonan, attorney, and civic leader, has been actively involved with the Symphony for more than three decades, most recently serving as Co-Chair of the highly successful 2025 Symphony Gala featuring Danny Elfman. Selden, the Symphony’s longest-serving Board member, has provided leadership and stewardship since joining the Board in 1992, helping guide the organization through multiple periods of growth and transformation.
In conjunction with their roles as Co-Chairs, Pace and Selden will make a significant leadership commitment to the campaign. Their investment reflects confidence in the Symphony’s future at a vital moment for the organization and the community it serves.
“CRESCENDO embodies our shared vision for the Phoenix Symphony as we move together toward a bright future for our great orchestra, enriching our community today and for generations to come,” said Peter Kjome, President and CEO of The Phoenix Symphony. “We are deeply grateful to Julie and Dave for stepping forward. Our exceptional leadership team and Campaign Cabinet reflect both the momentum of this campaign and the opportunity ahead.”
“CRESCENDO is an opportunity to build an endowment to strengthen this remarkable organization and to ensure its future for our musicians and the community,” said Pace. “The Symphony plays a vital role in contributing to the economic development, educational and cultural enrichment of the Valley of the Sun. We are honored to help lead this effort at such an important time.”
“In my 30+ years on the Board, the Symphony’s present has never been better and its future has never been brighter,” said Selden. “The challenges are real, but the opportunities are unprecedented. The professional excellence of the orchestra, the work of the staff, and the engagement of the Board are the strongest ever and in harmonious alignment.”
Of the $60 million campaign goal, $40 million is designated to grow the Symphony’s endowment through Building a Lasting Legacy, which provides essential, permanent support for the orchestra’s artistic and educational mission. The remaining $20 million, under Strengthening and Expanding Our Programs, will provide vital support to sustain and grow the Symphony’s programming, education and community engagement efforts.
To learn more about CRESCENDO: The Campaign for The Phoenix Symphony, visit phoenixsymphony.org/crescendo.
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About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is 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 100,000 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 2024 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.
