PRESCOTT, AZ—

November 15, 2024— For the first time in Prescott, enjoy a new take on the music of the holidays with A Renaissance Christmas, Sunday December 8, 3:00pm at the acoustically exquisite Ruth Street Theater on the Prescott High School grounds. Featuring Arizona Philharmonic musicians on violin, cello, oboe, recorder, chamber organ, harpsichord and percussion and a quartet of singers, you will be transported through the festive landscapes of Europe. This unique and intimate concert evokes the timeless splendor of the season, from the beautiful carols and motets of the British Isles to the lively Spanish villancicos and elegant French noëls.

“I love how Renaissance music surprises you with harmonies that move in unexpected ways and rhythms that are often lively and joyful, creating a rich sound that is invitingly different from what most of us know as classical music,” commented Henry Flurry, AZ Phil Artistic Director. “This is the kind of music that modern composers study to transport viewers back in time, as heard in scores for films such as Shakespeare in Love or series like The Tudors,” Flurry added.

Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for children and include a pre-concert talk at 2:00pm.

 This concert presents Renaissance holiday music rarely heard live, performed with both period-inspired and modern instruments to bring out the authentic sound and spirit of a 16th-century Christmas. The performance will include works such as the lively Spanish rhythms of Riu, Riu, Chiu, the festive charm of the French Noel Nouvelet, Thomas Campion’s reflective Now Winter Nights Enlarge, and the beloved German carol Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen, bringing together a joyful and heartfelt blend of Renaissance music to make your holidays memorable.

 Learn About Renaissance Music, Saturday, December 7

Prior to the Sunday performance, there will be an interactive Community Lecture Series on Saturday, December 7 at Ruth Street Theater, on the stage with the artists from 11-12:00pm, featuring Barbara Metz on the viola da gamba and Jodi Buckles on the recorder. They will share and demonstrate what makes Renaissance music sound so unique, from the harmonic blending to the rhythms that give the music its lively feel. You will be able to recognize these stylistic characteristics during our A Renaissance Christmas concert.

About Arizona Philharmonic

Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. In its seventh season in 2024-25, 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.