PRESCOTT, AZ—March 27, 2023—Sunday, April 2, Arizona Philharmonic (AZPhil.org) will be performing Elijah, featuring the Quartz Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Joshua Harper, Yavapai College’s Director of Choral Activities, and featuring Cailin Manson, singing the leading role of Elijah. Harper’s connection to the New York music scene is what brings this level of musical talent to Prescott.

On March 11, Dr. Harper, the Yavapai Master Chorale and others performed Verdi’s Messa da Requiem, with Cailin Manson making his Carnegie Hall conducting debut. It was Manson’s 20th anniversary of conducting, and he is the second only black man to conduct at Carnegie Hall (the first was 50 years ago). Manson was directing the New England Symphonic Ensemble, four professional soloists, and a 152-voice choir, including Harper and the Yavapai Master Chorale.

Produced by MidAmerica Productions, which is in its 40th year of bringing performances to Carnegie Hall, the concert was the culmination of a four-day residency in New York for Manson and the Clark University Choir students; the Yavapai College Master Chorale from Prescott, Arizona; the Germantown Concert Chorus from Philadelphia; the Keene Chorale from Keene, New Hampshire; and the Auburn [Mass.] High School Chamber Singers. Manson founded the Germantown chorus and currently directs the Keene Chorale.

“We are so thrilled with these collaborations, and love to live our musical lives this way, partnering with each other as both singer and conductor. Last month we sang at Carnegie Hall as he conducted, and next week he will come to Prescott to sing, and I will conduct,” commented Harper. “This is a professional music association Prescott is very fortunate to have, and we are delighted to welcome Manson again and feature the Quartz Ensemble,” added Henry Flurry, AZ Phil’s Executive Director. The performance is Sunday, April 2 at 3pm at the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College, tickets at AZ Phil.org.