By TPS Operations
April 17, 2023
The Phoenix Symphony by tradition features world-class artists at the top of their field. Guest soloist, Jay Campbell, was no exception. The Phoenix Symphony welcomed Jay Campbell to Symphony Hall stage for his riveting performance of Henri Dutilleaux’s, “Tout un monde lointain…” for solo cello during the weekend of French Connection, March 24 through 26.
While in Phoenix, Campbell was also seen in the community off stage, coaching high level students at Arizona State University, greeting patrons and donors and encouraging Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra concerto winners, Abraham Kim and Seungchan (Aiden) Min, backstage during intermission.
On occasion, The Phoenix Symphony partners with Arizona State University by providing an opportunity for ASU to invite TPS Guest Artists to be featured in Masterclasses and lectures. To the right is a photo, taken of Jay Campbell working with ASU cello students under the direction of Professor Thomas Landschoot.
Campbell also made an impression with Symphony donors. Says Nicole Peña, Vice President of Philanthropy, “Jay was warm and authentic. He spoke with a few lifelong champions of The Phoenix Symphony and shared many details about his journey as a cellist and the pieces that inspired him to play on stages around the world. Our supporters appreciated the time he spent, which deepened their relationship with The Phoenix Symphony.”
After a thrilling final performance, Jay Campbell took the time to meet and interact with Abraham Kim, high school aged cello performer and Grand Prize Winner of Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Young Musicians Concerto Competition. Says Kim, “I had an amazing time at the concert! Jay Campbell was an incredible soloist and he is also an amazing person, too! I asked… if I could meet him and during intermission, they were willing to let me do that. When I met Jay, he was so kind and welcoming which I assume isn’t the easiest thing to do right after an intense performance. I will be playing with the Phoenix Symphony soon and he gave me lots of insightful comments about playing with an orchestra, being a soloist, and strategies to be a part of the music. He inspired me to work harder and be an amazing cellist like him. Thank you so much!”
Patrons can expect to see more of The Phoenix Symphony guest artists on and off stage.