Prescott News – Arizona Philharmonic’s April 27 performance of Echoes and Riffs is much more than their final concert of the season—it’s a celebration of Prescott’s artistic spirit, featuring a masterful third-grade recorder composition, an intimate discussion with world-class musicians, a juried exhibit of local artwork, and a musical journey from quiet transcendence to jazz excitement.
PUSD Third-Grade Students Perform their Composition
Over the past several weeks, third-grade students at three local schools explored how music can express emotion. With guidance from their music teacher and teaching artists Maria and Henry Flurry, students studied musical elements like tempo, dynamics, and texture. Each class selected one emotion (such as silly, calm or angry) and composed a short melody using their recorder skills. “With each note played and every melody created, Prescott’s young musicians are not just learning music, they are shaping the future of their community’s artistic landscape,” commented Abby Brill in a recent 5enses article on the collaboration.
There will be two student recorder performances at Ruth Street Theater. The first on April 25, 9:30am with an Arizona Philharmonic string quintet is for students and school guests only. The second, fully orchestrated version, The Recorder of Many Moods, will be performed as part of Arizona Philharmonic’s final public concert of the season, Sunday, April 27 at 3:00pm. Families have been sent special ticket options.
Final Season Talk with the Performers
On Saturday, April 26, at 11:00 am, AZ Phil’s final Community Lecture Series of the season will present two highly-professional musicians, Maestro Peter Bay, conductor, and James D’León, internationally-acclaimed, and local resident Steinway artist, discussing varied piano concerti throughout different periods of music history.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children and are available at AZPhil.org.
** Please note ** the Community Lecture Series is a separate event from Sunday’s pre-concert talk and will feature distinct content.
Prescott Arts Supporting Each Other—Music as Art
Prescott’s Mountain Artists Guild is the first organization to participate as an AZ Phil Concert Partner. As part of this partnership, the Guild held a special art show, focusing on the theme of Echoes and Riffs. The four winners of the juried art exhibition will be showcased at the April 27th concert. “We value this opportunity to collaborate with AZ Phil and the arts in Prescott supporting each other,” commented Dawn Zintel, Guild Treasurer.
Echoes and Riffs, Bringing it all Together
In this last concert of the season, Maestro Peter Bay returns to conduct Internationally-acclaimed Steinway Artist, James D’León and Arizona Philharmonic musicians in Echoes and Riffs—a thrilling and virtuosic ride, blending classical precision with the spontaneous excitement of jazz. The concert spans diverse musical eras, weaving traditional harmonies with the richness of modern expression.
Information and tickets are available at AZPhil.org, or by calling 855-321-6724. The performance is 3pm Sunday, April 27, at the Ruth Street Theater, with a pre-concert talk at 2pm. Tickets start at $25, including ticketing fee. Art 4 All™ tickets are also available, providing an opportunity for community members with financial needs an affordable ticket price.
About Arizona Philharmonic
Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. In its seventh season in 2024-25, 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.