PRESCOTT, AZ—December 27, 2023— On Sunday, January 7, at 3:00pm, internationally-acclaimed 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.

“Anton Nel’s extraordinary career is one I have admired for close to three decades,” commented Maestro Peter Bay. “He brings such heart, humor, color, compassion, and blazing technique to every work he performs, and I know our Arizona Philharmonic audiences will be thrilled with his interpretation of Mozart’s early E-flat Concerto,” Bay added.

About Anton Nel

Highlights of Mr. Nel’s four decades of concertizing include performances with the Cleveland Orchestra, the symphonies of Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Detroit, and London, among many others. (He has an active repertoire of more than 100 works for piano and orchestra.) Eager to pursue dual careers in teaching and performing he was appointed to the faculty of The University of Texas at Austin in his early twenties, followed by professorships at the Eastman School of Music, and the University of Michigan, where he was chairman of the piano department.

 “We are delighted to have the honor of presenting a musician of Anton Nel’s caliber to the community of Prescott,” commented Henry Flurry, AZ Phil’s Executive Director. The program was envisioned as a pairing of two 20th century string works with two 18th century masterworks, a contrast in sounds, styles and moods. The performance includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, K. 271, which is 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 only performed 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 Arizona Philharmonic.

About Arizona Philharmonic

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is in its sixth season in 2023-2024 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, 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 performing at Prescott High School’s Ruth Street Theater, as well as Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert and ASU Kerr Cultural Center in Scottsdale. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org and on Facebook.