The AZ Philharmonic to deliver special December and January performances, featuring singers, musicians, and music of the highest and most delightful caliber
Music – the Gift that Nourishes the Soul
As the holidays arrive with their preparations and gatherings, a way to gift yourself and your loved ones a joyful holiday memory is through music, and this season the Arizona Philharmonic brings an especially beautiful and heartwarming program, We Wish You Christmas, taking place in the intimate and acoustically exquisite Ruth Street Theater on the Prescott High School grounds, Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m.
The Three Sopranos
This carefully curated holiday concert will deliver the highest quality of performance, and the most engaging experience for music lovers of all backgrounds. Arizona Philharmonic principal musicians on flute, violin, cello, French horn, trumpet, and timpani, and beloved Steinway artist and Prescott local James D’León will accompany three esteemed sopranos, Emily Spencer (program designer and Prescott resident), Sarah Smith, and alto Claire Penneau. Prescott-born composer Mathew Lanning custom-arranged the program, which celebrates a variety of Christmas melodies in new settings.
“In making our selections, we strove for beloved and familiar classics, as well as lesser known but beautiful works we knew our audience would love,” said soprano Emily Spencer. “We hope our presentation provides our listeners with an eclectic sonic tapestry that not only delights the ear but also warms the heart.”
A Special Treat in January – World-Renowned Pianist Anton Nel
On Sunday, January 7 at 3:00 p.m., pianist Anton Nel, a major-label musician, joins Maestro Peter Bay and Arizona Philharmonic in concert at the Ruth Street Theater. Following an auspicious debut at the age of twelve with Beethoven’s C Major Concerto after only two years of study, the Johannesburg native captured first prizes in all the major South African competitions while still in his teens, and became a well-known radio and television personality. He has performed and won major awards worldwide ever since.
The performance includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271, considered to be one of the first masterpieces of the classical style. AZ Phil also presents Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Divertimento for String Orchestra, and Gershwin’s Gentle Lullaby, which was a favorite of Gershwin’s social circle and was performed only at private parties during Gershwin’s lifetime. Closing out the performance is Haydn’s Symphony No. 45 in F-sharp Minor, best known as the “Farewell” Symphony. This will be Anton Nel’s first appearance in Prescott joining the Arizona Philharmonic.
Your Gift to Your Community
If you value the quality and diversity of musical programming brought to the community of Prescott by the Arizona Philharmonic, please make an end-of-year contribution. Your support gives the youth of our community their first exposure to the joy a professional orchestra can inspire, often taking them places they never dreamed of — such as the recent musical compositions by Lincoln Elementary second graders, or the experience of professional stage management undertaken by The Launch Pad and PUSD teens. Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, rated GuideStar Platinum.
Visit AZPhil.org/donate to make your contribution to the musical future of the Prescott community today.