Arizona Philharmonic
406 Arena Drive
Prescott, AZ 86301
What Makes the Highest Artist? by Maria Flurry
The artists who move me to my core are the ones who prepare by graciously connecting the whole of their lives to their chosen art form. They lift us all to the next level by inviting the world into a shared field of discovery. Living lives of deep humility, they value what the audience brings to the experience as much and more than their own monumental contributions.
Chris and Lena Jácome are artists on this rare level.
Getting to know and work with Chris and Lena over the past 15 years has humbled and enriched me as a person and artist. In 2007, I telephoned Chris to ask him, as a composer, to perform on the first New Music Arizona concert in Prescott. From the moment I heard the clarity of his thought, kindness in his voice, and enthusiasm for collaboration, I hoped he would be in our lives for a long time.
He electrified that concert. My own father, who was there, continued to cheer, “¡Olé!” from that day forward whenever he needed to express supreme delight!
As part of that first engagement in Prescott, Chris performed a solo gig at the newly established Raven Café. I discovered that this supremely gentle and enchanting person held a secret weapon: Towards the end of his set, he invited his wife, Lena, to dance. As she rose and started to move, I felt what the faces around me expressed: we were being transported to a rare realm of color, beauty, and community. My gratitude to them was born.
After that day, I gathered the gumption to ask Chris if he would join Henry and me making a dream come true through writing a concerto with marimba that married the world of the orchestra with the world of Flamenco. Chris's brilliance in using all he already knew as he dove into mastering complex notation software for orchestra scores was matched only by his supreme patience and investment as he immersed Henry and me into the Flamenco language. Our mutual gratitude grew.
Over the years the concerto came to life, and our friendship with Chris and Lena flourished. We travelled up and down the mountains to each other’s homes to share meals and collaborate on the piece. Lena’s footwork was written into the score, and fluency between the roles of the guitar and marimba emerged. Premiers in Arizona and St. Louis were scheduled. The highs and lows of life for four people over that many years wove in and out of the deeply shared creative process, rehearsals, tour logistics, travel, and performances.
The pressures were sometimes intense and revealed a beautiful thing: no matter the stressors, Chris and Lena blended compassion and trust in their communication with each other. Moreover, their way was contagious to everyone around them. To this day, Henry and I grow through practicing the gifts they have always modeled.
It is my deep hope you can share in some the the riches Lena and Chris offer this weekend in Surprise and as they return full circle to the same Elks stage Chris lit up so many years ago! Merry Christmas and bright holidays to you and yours.
- Maria Flurry, Arizona Philharmonic
Arizona Philharmonic
Excellence in Arts and Culture Award 2021
Art 4 All™
Art 4 All is a fundamental component of Arizona Philharmonic’s efforts to bring professional orchestra music to all interested members of the community.
In our Art 4 All program, AZ Phil offers free, or pay-what-you-can, audience opportunities to anybody in the community who otherwise could not afford a ticket.
If purchasing tickets for a concert does not fit into your or a friend’s budget, you may sign up for Art 4 All coupons at AZPhil.org/art4all for our Prescott concerts.
Currently we are offering coupons for the Prescott performance of PAZ - A Flamenco Christmas Celebration, performing on December 4.
Host a Musician! We just need a few more to help!
Would you like two free tickets to The Nutcracker Christmas Celebration at Yavapai College on December 17 or 18?
Arizona Philharmonic is looking for hosts who could offer a bedroom and a bath Dec. 14-18 (sometimes fewer days) to a musician who will be traveling from out of town to perform in this holiday concert.
This is the most difficult season to find available hosts. We ask you to consider opening your home to one of our kind and appreciative musicians.
Previous hosts have enjoyed getting to know these wonderful musicians. Musicians are responsible for their own meals and transportation. To thank you for providing accommodations two comped tickets to the show will be offered to you.
If you are available to host a musician please contact Jan Manolis at jmanolis@msn.com by Monday, December 5 with the following information: Your Name, Email, Phone, Any Pets, and Any Other Restrictions.
Thank you!
Arizona Philharmonic is grounded in a culture of kindness. From our board meetings to our rehearsals, we practice hospitality and gratitude.
We could use your help realizing our vision of professional music, community arts building, and authentic youth outreach. Let us know if you'd like to volunteer, apply for our board, or host a musician during their visit.
We invite you to join our team.
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.
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Chris and Lena Jácome are 
He electrified that concert. My own father, who was there, continued to cheer,
After that day, I 
Over the years the concerto came to life, and 
The pressures were sometimes intense and 
Arizona Philharmonic is looking for hosts who could offer 
