The Phoenix Symphony is set to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary with a series of concerts highlighting American music and Arizona’s role in the nation’s history. The performances, led by conductor Mélisse Brunet, will feature works by Aaron Copland, Charles Ives, Mason Bates, and George Gershwin. Pianist Stewart Goodyear will perform as soloist in Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F.
Concerts are scheduled for February 27 through March 1 at Symphony Hall. In addition to evening and matinee performances, there will be a Coffee Classics event on February 27 that offers attendees complimentary coffee and commentary from musicians and the conductor.
Before each concert, attendees can visit Preludes for America 250: Arizona in America’s Story, an exhibit in the lobby that connects Arizona’s culture and civic life to the music performed. Exhibits include contributions from Salt River Project (SRP), Museum of the Arizona Artist, S’edav Va’aki Museum, Daughters of the American Revolution, Preserve Phoenix, Arizona Secretary of State’s Office with voter registration information, and Arizona America250.
“These experiences transform Symphony Hall into a living celebration of America at 250, honoring the people, places, and ideas that have shaped Arizona’s role in the nation’s ongoing story,” according to organizers. The Preludes experience is sponsored by SRP.
Tickets are available through The Phoenix Symphony website at https://www.phoenixsymphony.org/. The performance series is held in partnership with the Arizona America250 commission.
The Phoenix Symphony describes itself as one of Arizona’s leading cultural organizations. It provides musical experiences both in concert halls and throughout local communities. Its musicians engage more than 100,000 students annually through educational programs and participate in outreach efforts across the state. In 2024 alone, orchestra members traveled over 14,000 miles within Arizona for community engagement activities.
Supporters are encouraged to contribute before December 31 to help reach a $250,000 fundraising goal aimed at sustaining performances and education initiatives. Donations are tax-deductible.
The organization also announced that its ticketing system will be temporarily unavailable from May 1 at 9:00 p.m. until May 2 at 6:00 a.m., apologizing for any inconvenience this may cause.
