PRESCOTT, AZ—January 17, 2023—Arizona Philharmonic presents manos percussion’s Wood, Water, and Wolfgang, an impressive collection of percussion instruments and music from all over the world, including pairings with local singers, soprano soloist Emily Spencer, and local visual artist Carlos Duran. Performed February 5, 3pm at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, manos percussion is sure to be a unique experience. “We are excited to bring percussion to the front of the stage to produce an afternoon full of sound experiences, plus surprise sights and sounds like none Prescott has ever seen or heard. Manos (Spanish for hands) and the fabulous audiences who come to Arizona Philharmonic concerts will create a fond shared memory to build on over the years to come,” Maria Flurry, AZ Phil principal timpanist assured.

manos percussion features a stage full of percussion instruments, and musicians who love to play them, including: Maria Flurry, Timpanist, Arizona Philharmonic; Eddie Solomon, Principal Percussion, Arizona Philharmonic; Homero Cerón, Former Principal Percussion, Tucson Symphony, and Fred Morgan, Second Percussion, Tucson Symphony. Together they will play timpani (kettle drums), water, snare drums, bass drum, clapping, chimes, marimba, drum set, vibraphone, xylophone, glockenspiel, hand bells, rain stick, voice, gong, snapping, tam-tam, duck call, cymbals, bows, triangle, visual art, metal, glass and bamboo wind chimes, stomping, and more…”I hope all ages, whole families, come to share this experience. There really is something for everyone,” Flurry added. Tickets and information at AZPhil.org.

From the charming lilt of Chick Corea’s jazzy Children’s Songs to Mozart’s sublime Agnus Dei from his Coronation Mass there is stunning variety of percussion variations the audience is likely to not know existed. Including The Sky Fell, an immersion in the mercy and majesty of an Arizona monsoon storm with water percussion, tam-tams, rain sticks and more, melded with Homero Cerón’s skillful vibraphone improvisation. Area vocal leaders and soprano soloist Emily Spencer are conducted by Dr. Joshua Harper, and Prescott artist Carlos Duran (artistduran.com) will create a canvas during Elliott Cole’s Postludes #8.

“I have been playing percussion since middle school. From the moment I played my first note on marimba, I have been addicted to the infinite variety of sounds and experiences percussion instruments have given me. When I was asked to perform Tan Dun’s Concerto for Water Percussion, an even larger sound world opened up for me,” commented Flurry. Audience members loved manos percussion in their debut performance with AZ Phil in June, 2021.  “Performance was EXCELLENT! Loved it!!” wrote one attendee to manos percussion’s 2021 concert. “Outstanding original arrangements and performance!” replied another. “I now have a new appreciation for the percussion section!”

About Arizona Philharmonic

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is celebrating its fifth season in Prescott in 2022-2023 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. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.