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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 fall 2022 season! This year’s calendar features a variety of classical and pops programs with concerts such as America the Beautiful and Best of Broadway.

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.

Exterior of Phoenix Symphony Hall — Phoenix Symphony Hall (Image created by Beyond My Ken)

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 for the Fall 2022 Season

Opening Night! A Romantic Evening – October 14th, 15th, 16th

Phoenix Symphony Hall

“Our 2022-23 season opens with a collection of landmark works that showcase the spectacular sounds of the full orchestra with Virginia G. Piper Music Director Tito Muñoz and virtuosa violinist Sarah Chang…”

Hocus Pocus in Concert Live to Film – October 28th, 29th, 30th

Phoenix Symphony Hall

“Accidentally brought back to life in Salem on Halloween night, three witches, known as the Sanderson sisters, attempt to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life – it’s Hocus Pocus! Join The Phoenix Symphony for this magical Halloween romp through Salem… The Phoenix Symphony plays the score as the film is shown on the screen above the stage.”

Music of the Americas – November 4th, 5th, 6th

Phoenix Symphony Hall

“Music of the Americas celebrates the rich and varied orchestral traditions of North and South America. The centerpiece of the program is Aaron Copland’s timeless Suite from Appalachian Spring, a work of such enduring and widespread popularity that it is one of the most recognized American classics…”

America the Beautiful – November 5th

Phoenix Symphony Hall

“Take a magical ride through the world of orchestral music with this engaging concert sure to spark the imagination. Create musical memories with your children or grandchildren by bringing them to America the Beautiful. Explore the music inspired by the different people, cultures, and places from ALL of the Americas. This one-hour concert is suitable for all ages.”

Best of Broadway – November 11th, 12th, 13th

Phoenix Symphony Hall

“The founding music director of the Tony-honored New York City Center Encores! Series—which revived the musical Chicago—conductor Rob Fisher is Broadway through and through. Audiences are in for a treat with this specially curated program of great Broadway music led by Maestro Fisher with guest vocalists Mikaela Bennett and Ross Lekites. Program includes solos and duet selections from West Side Story, Oklahoma, The Music Man, The Phantom of the Opera, and many more!”

Visit https://tickets.phoenixsymphony.org/events for the full calendar and ticket purchasing options.

General Information

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. This does not include special events such as Handel’s Messiah at the Mesa Arts Center in December.

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, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

ROADHAVEN FEATURED ARTICLE

The Phoenix Symphony: A Night of Music and Culture​

The Phoenix Symphony: A Night of Music and Culture