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The Phoenix Symphony: A Night of Music and Culture

Looking for a night out that combines live music and culture in the heart of Arizona?

Don’t miss the Phoenix Symphony‘s current season! This year’s calendar features a variety of pop and classical concert programs such as “The Music of Pink Floyd” and “Grand Canyon Suite”.

Founded in 1947, the Phoenix Symphony is a longstanding fixture of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Many of its concerts are performed in Symphony Hall, which is part of the Phoenix Convention Center. The Phoenix Symphony’s season runs from October to June, and the Symphony is heavily involved in youth-centered programs that help introduce children to classical music. The Symphony also holds concerts across central Arizona.

History of the Phoenix Symphony

Established in 1947, the Phoenix Symphony began as an orchestra composed of amateur musicians that performed quarterly with John Barnett leading as its first music director. In its initial years, the Symphony was joined by faculty from Arizona State University.

The symphony obtained full-time status in 1983, and subsequently recorded for KOCH International Classics. Michael Christie was the music director from 2005 to 2013, and under his guidance, the orchestra recorded for Naxos Records. Christie is now the Music Director Laureate, while Tito Muñoz is the current Music Director of the Symphony.

The Symphony often performs in Symphony Hall, which now contains 2,312 seats after the completion of an $18.5 million renovation project in 2004. This stunning hall features excellent acoustics and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, possessing multiple elevators and a new wheelchair seating section. It has also been voted as one of the city’s best landmarks and is one of 33 official Phoenix Points of Pride.

Upcoming Events at Phoenix Symphony Hall

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony (Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2025)

“Watch the Looney Tunes gang in hilarious and unforgettable scenes on the big screen as the Phoenix Symphony performs the reimagined classics of Rossini, Wagner, and more conducted by Emmy Award-winning conductor George Daugherty. Favorites include What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Coyote Falls, Long-Haired Hare, Baton Bunny, and Corny Concerto, plus 5 brand new animated shorts.”

The Music of Pink Floyd – A Rock Symphony (Mar. 8, 2025)

“Celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon with the Phoenix Symphony’s electrifying performance of The Music of Pink Floyd: A Rock Symphony. Experience Pink Floyd’s psychedelic sounds intertwined with lush orchestral arrangements, featuring classics from “The Dark Side of the Moon” to “The Wall,” as well as selections from A Momentary Lapse of Reason and Wish You Were Here. The Phoenix Symphony is joined by a full rock ensemble–don’t miss this mind-blowing sonic journey.“

The Music of Selena (Apr. 5, 2025)

“Join the Phoenix Symphony for a tribute to the music of beloved singer Selena. Hear iconic hits like “Dreaming of You,” “Como la Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” “No Me Queda Más” and “I Could Fall in Love” in this unforgettable and emotional tribute to “The Queen of Tejano Music.””

Grand Canyon Suite (May 16-18, 2025)

“The magnificence of the Southwest landscape is portrayed in the Phoenix Symphony’s final classical concerts of the season. Conductor Thomas Wilkins leads the orchestra in Grofe’s cinematic Grand Canyon Suite, which offers five musical scenes of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Wilkins also conducts Aaron Copland’s popular El Salón México, and Spanish violinist Francisco Fullana joins the orchestra for Fandango Violin Concerto, a mariachi-flavored work by contemporary Mexican composer Arturo Márquez.”

Beethoven X Beyoncé (May 30-31, 2025)

“Experience Steve Hackman’s thrilling new blend of pop/R&B’s queen and classical music’s king as Beyoncé’s iconic repertoire is seamlessly interwoven with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. The symphonic world’s most joyful celebration of dance becomes the backdrop to fifteen of Beyoncé’s chart-topping hits—including “Girls,” “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies,” “Sorry,” “Halo,” “Cuff It,” and “Texas Hold ‘Em”—in this innovative new musical fusion. Prepare to be mesmerized as three powerhouse female soloists—accompanied by a guest drummer, guitarist/keyboardist, and bassist—join forces with The Phoenix Symphony to deliver a night of musical magic.”

Visit the Phoenix Symphony site for full calendar and ticket purchasing options, including the upcoming 2025-2026 season, coming soon!

Does the Phoenix Symphony have any COVID-19 protocols?

As of April 21, 2022, facemasks are encouraged but not required and audience members are not asked to present proof of vaccination. If you are ill the day of a performance, you may call the Box Office at (602) 495-1999 to review your ticketing options.

Does the Phoenix Symphony offer a Senior Discount?

The Symphony offers Senior Rush Tickets for tickets purchased day-of concert. Seniors aged 65 and over may receive a 25% discount. Special event programs may be excluded.

Where is Symphony Hall located?

Symphony Hall’s address is:

75 North Second Street Phoenix, Arizona 85004

How can I contact the Phoenix Symphony?

The Box Office can be reached at (602) 495-1999 or (800) 776-9080 (Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm).

This article was originally published on Oct. 07, 2022 and revised in Feb. 2025.

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ROADHAVEN FEATURED ARTICLE

The Phoenix Symphony: A Night of Music and Culture

Exterior of Phoenix Symphony Hall

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