Arizona Philharmonic History
Arizona Philharmonic’s history as an orchestra is unique in that, unlike most recent orchestra startups, we are not backed by Angel-Funding. Through hard work of our volunteers, creative approaches to the modern classical music market, and the generosity of many individual donors, we are crafting a strong organization that is grounded in a few key principles: professional musician wages, transformative music, collaborative spirit, and generous hospitality
A few highlights of our history:
- March 2016 – Yavapai College proposes a concert of the orchestral music of Prescott composer Henry Flurry
- December 2016 – Arizona Commission on the Arts awards a prestigious seed-grant to start a new orchestra
- June 2017 through May 2018 – Meetings with Prescott area arts leaders to craft a design and business plan of an orchestra to serve local professional musicians and ensembles.
- December 2017 – Auditions open for Arizona Philharmonic
- May 5, 2018 – First public event: House Concert with Toni Tennille and friends
- August 18, 2018 – Public Preview of our opening concert with James D’León on piano
- August 26, 2018 – First orchestra concert opens our first season, with Peter Bay of the Austin Symphony conducting. The season also includes two concerts (Messiah and Carmina Burana) with Yavapai College Master Chorale, and one concert (Bach Festival) with Prescott Chorale.
- August 25, 2019 – Our second season opens scheduled with two full orchestra concerts, four chamber concerts, concerts at the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium, and an collaboration with Prescott Unified School District and the planetarium.
- March 2020 – COVID-19 cuts our season short, cancelling a total of four concerts.
- September and October 2020 – Arizona Philharmonic holds three chamber concerts outside at the Highlands Center for Natural History.
- April through June 2021 – Arizona Philharmonic holds four outdoor concerts and three indoor concerts. The professional chorus Quartz Ensemble debuts at our May 2, 2021 concert. An Arizona Philharmonic concert was the only COVID-19 concert for almost every musician who performed during 2020-2021 with us.
- October 31, 2021 – our fourth season begins, after roof and HVAC repairs at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center are completed.
Arizona Philharmonic is a Landmark Event
Building upon a vibrant and growing arts scene in Prescott, Arizona Philharmonic’s formation represents a landmark event in Prescott’s cultural growth. This past decade has seen significant growth in both audience and performers in multiple venues, an investment in arts infrastructure, and a surge in tourism. Our population has grown to a point capable of supporting a professional orchestra, and our civic leadership is excited about this new opportunity to draw business and tourism to our area.
Arizona Philharmonic is Local and Statewide Talent
Our core performing members are auditioned. The orchestra is filled with leading musicians from across the state. In our ranks are musicians representing Prescott and the Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, and Arizona Opera orchestras. Arizona Philharmonic collaborates with multiple organizations to present an exciting year of artistry. Our 2018-2019 season included one full orchestra concert co-sponsored by Yavapai College and Chaparral Arts, and three collaborations: Bach Festival with Prescott Chorale, Messiah with Yavapai College, and Carmina Burana with Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. Establishing a standard of showcasing local talent, our inaugural concert on August 26, 2018 featured music of award-winning composer Henry Flurry and solo performances by Steinway Artist James D’León and marimbaist Maria Flurry.
Arizona Philharmonic is Community Pride
Arizona Philharmonic is the result of this community’s pride in our arts. Representatives of Yavapai College, Prescott Chorale, Prescott Pops, Prescott Chamber Orchestra, Prescott Camerata Singers, and Chaparral Arts met for a year to establish the orchestra’s management and financial models. Prominent community leaders with experience in orchestra management, professional entertainment, business, non-profit law, marketing, philanthropy, fundraising, and event organization form the orchestra’s Launch Team that has brought Arizona Philharmonic to life.
Arizona Philharmonic is Cooperation
Our goal is to support and grow Prescott’s already vibrant music community.
- We work to coordinate our concert schedule with that of our sister ensembles in order to avoid audience competition.
- We collaborate with local performing arts organizations, schools, and artists to create new opportunities, experiences, and outreach.
- We support our local performing ensembles by introducing new talent to our area and helping other groups find musicians they need.
Arizona Philharmonic is More than Just Music
We aim to strengthen our local arts scene by engaging new audiences, showcasing local talent, supporting our sister performing arts organizations, collaborating on large events, and drawing new talent to our stages. An estimated 200 attendees of our inaugural concert had never attended an orchestra concert before.
We aim to strengthen our community by creating new jobs, attracting new businesses, drawing tourists, connecting people, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Nearly 75% of our inaugural year donated dollars came from sources who had never contributed to the Prescott music scene before.
We aim to support our community by offering education, enabling concert attendance, and making art come alive for all. Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys to Men, and Prescott Unified School District attendees of AZ Phil’s “Compose an Action Movie Theme” workshops had never composed a work of music before.
Arizona Philharmonic enjoys full 501c3 status.
