Prescott, AZ—February 17, 2025 — Dr. Joshua Harper returns to Prescott to conduct Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble in J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion. Considered one of the composer’s three greatest works, St. John Passion is an emotive masterpiece, a pivotal work of Baroque sacred music that vividly portrays the Passion of Christ through its intricate interplay of dramatic recitatives, reflective arias, and poignant chorales. “The piece has been at the top of my bucket list since 2018 when I performed the work with John Butt conducting at Indiana University. I’m thrilled to bring this exciting, dramatic, and powerful work to the Prescott region—it’s not to be missed!” commented Dr. Harper, former Director of Choral Activities at Yavapai College, founder and Artistic Director of Quartz Ensemble, and currently Director of Choral Activities at Wilkes University.

St. John Passion will be presented at the Ruth Street Theater, 1050 Ruth Street, Prescott, at 3:00pm, Sunday, March 16, with a pre-concert talk at 2:00pm. Tickets start at $25 with no ticketing fee and are available here.

Along with Arizona Philharmonic’s orchestra and the stunning voices of the 14-member Quartz Ensemble that Prescott has come to know and love, featured in this concert is acclaimed baroque tenor, Blake Beckemeyer, fresh off of his stint as a fellow at the Carmel Bach Festival in California, singing the role of the Evangelist. Blake performs regularly with the Oregon Bach Festival, the Valparaiso Bach Ensemble, Bach Ensemble-Helmuth Rilling, the Weimar Bach Cantata Akademie, and many others.

Dr. Harper’s 2024 Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble concert received two separate standing ovations and was hailed as “breathtaking” and “exceptional,” worthy of the “top cities and venues across the United States.” Experience the profound emotional depth and musical intricacy of the St. John Passion through the elegance and clarity showcased by Arizona Philharmonic and Quartz Ensemble’s unique partnership.

Community Lecture Series 3/15, 11:00 am

On Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 am, AZ Phil’s ongoing Community Lecture Series will present Dr. Joshua Harper, former Director of Choral Activities at Yavapai College.
From Congregation to Chorus: The Chorales of J.S. Bach

Join Dr. Joshua Harper for an engaging community lecture that you won’t want to miss. Did you know Bach sometimes intended the chorale portions of many of works to be sung by the entire congregation? Did you know that Bach typically did not write the melody of most of his chorales, but instead composed the harmonizations, and reharmonizations, as they appear in many of his famous masterworks?

Take a deep dive into music and church history as we study some of the most famous pieces of music, some that are still found in hymnals today. Ever wonder what the big deal about Bach is? Now’s your chance for an easy “beginners” guide to the music of the master.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children and are available here.

** Please note ** the Community Lecture Series is a separate event from Sunday’s pre-concert talk and will feature distinct content.

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.