Arizona Philharmonic presents the Manos Percussion Ensemble’s Wood, Water, and Wolfgang, music from 1779 to 2022, at 3 p.m. February 5 at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center
By Maria Flurry, Timpanist, Arizona Philharmonic
Maria Flurry said she’s been addicted to the infinite variety of sounds and experiences percussion instruments provide since she played her first note on the marimba in middle school.
“When I was asked to perform Tan Dun’s Concerto for Water Percussion,” said the timpanist for Arizona Philharmonic, “an even larger sound world opened up for me.”
Manos Percussion Ensemble features a stage full of percussion instruments and musicians who love to play them, including Maria Flurry, timpanist, Arizona Philharmonic; Eddie Solomon, principal percussion, Arizona Philharmonic; Homero Cerón, former principal percussion, Tucson Symphony; and Fred Morgan, second percussion, Tucson Symphony. Together they will play timpani (kettle drums), water, snare drums, bass drum, clapping, chimes, marimba, drum set, vibraphone, xylophone, glockenspiel, handbells, rain stick, voice, gong, snapping, tam-tam, duck call, cymbals, bows, triangle, visual art, metal, glass, and bamboo wind chimes, stomping, and more.
“I hope all ages, whole families, come to share this experience. There really is something for everyone: melody, rhythm, color, peace, excitement,” Maria added.
Tickets and information at AZPhil.org.
From the charming lilt of Chick Corea’s jazzy Children’s Songs to Mozart’s sublime Agnus Dei from his Coronation Mass, this concert features stunning variety, including The Sky Fell, a collaborative composition within a framework composed by Maria Flurry, which immerses the listener and the performers in the mercy and majesty of an Arizona monsoon storm with water percussion, tam-tams, rain sticks and more, melded with Homero Cerón’s skillful vibraphone improvisation.
“We are excited to use the entire stage and resources at YCPAC to produce for everyone an afternoon full of everything from a gong to a strainer full of water, plus surprise sights and sounds like none this area of Arizona has ever seen or heard. Manos and the fabulous audiences who come to Arizona Philharmonic concerts will create a shared memory people will think of fondly and want to build on over the years to come,” Maria said.
About Arizona Philharmonic
Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Find ticket information and sponsorship and volunteer opportunities at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.