Five of Arizona’s Philharmonic’s wind players are featured in our Sunday, September 25, 3 pm concert at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center (YCPAC). The Sonoran Winds Quintet, the stage name for this ensemble, includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn.

Sometimes when I’m gearing up for an upcoming concert at Arizona Philharmonic, I think, “Wow, this is a beautiful and unique mix of music that should be recorded as a CD.” This is one of those concerts.

Principal clarinetist Scott Richardson designed this concert and is proud of the repertoire he selected. “This year’s Sonoran Winds concert is a synthesis of exquisite French chamber music and quintessential American popular music, with a touch of Latin flavor.”

Six composers, some familiar and some not, are represented on the concert: Henry Mancini, Jean Françaix, Zequinha de Abreu, Maurice Ravel, Georges Auric, and George Gershwin. Rich, melodic, and lively works were chosen to offer a variety of colors and harmonies, with lyricism and virtuosity. The concert features both the full quintet and various trio and quartet subsets.

Unfortunately, since planning this concert, Scott learned that an upcoming surgery will prevent his participation. (We all wish him well!) AZ Phil’s second clarinetist, Mary Jackson, will be taking his place. Mary has developed a local following through the AZ Phil chamber concerts she has organized and performed at the Highlands Center.

Joining Mary on stage are principal flutist Jeannette Moore, principal oboist Laura Arganbright, guest bassoonist Chip King, and principal French hornist, Karen Teplik.

This will be a beautiful and fun concert featuring fine musicians from Arizona Philharmonic’s ranks. We hope you are able to come. Program notes can be found here. Other concert details and ticket information are here.

– Henry Flurry, Executive Director