Arizona Musicfest announces the lineup for its 25th Anniversary year, with superstar violinist Joshua Bell to headline the 6 week-long music event.
The Festival opens January 29th and runs through March 11, 2016 with concerts held in North Scottsdale and Phoenix venues. For the 2016 Festival, Arizona Musicfest has added performances at La Casa de Cristo Church, due to its excellent acoustics and larger capacity to accommodate public demand.
The Festival, which began in 1991 with just a small series of concerts, has grown into a significant annual event featuring 18 concerts. Arizona Musicfest features artists from a broad range of music genres, including Broadway, Rock & Roll, and Pop as well as Jazz, Classical and Bluegrass.
Ticket "bundles" as well as individual tickets for Arizona Musicfest concerts go on sale August 4 at www.azmusicfest.org or by calling 480-840-0457. $16 tickets for college students with ID are available for all concerts, excluding Joshua Bell, the MIM and Troon Country Club concerts.
BRASS TRANSIT:
THE MUSIC OF CHICAGO
Friday, January 29 at 7:30pm
Saturday in the Park, Hard Habit to Break, You're the Inspiration. Chicago's hits defined a generation. Arizona Musicfest kicks off its 25th Anniversary with a powerhouse concert recreating the unforgettable sound from Chicago's golden age. With a world-class horn section, rocking rhythms and vocals stacked sky-high, Brass Transit transports the audience back to the freewheeling days of the '70s and '80s.
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale 85255
Tickets: $24, $34, $51, $67
Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
VIRTUOSITY FROM THE START:
YOUNG MUSICIANS CONCERT
Sunday, January 31 at 2 PM
Young musicians will astound audiences with their virtuosity as Arizona Musicfest showcases today's leading classical talent. The performers include past Musicfest Competition and scholarship winners, including pianist Anna Han, 2014 winner currently studying at the Juilliard School. Enjoy a delightful afternoon as these rising stars perform thrilling selections with spellbinding technique, artistry, and brilliance.
Venue: Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $20
Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
SINATRA & MORE Featuring Tony DeSareMonday, February 1 at 7:30PM
With his smoldering good looks and golden-toned voice, Tony DeSare has become a smash sensation across the nation - "a lean baby Sinatra with burning brown eyes and flashing teeth." (The New York Times) From the greatest swing numbers, featuring an outstanding big band, to soft tender ballads, Sinatra & More is sure to be an incredible night at Arizona Musicfest!
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tickets: $24, $34, $51, $67Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
FEATURED ARTIST
Friday, February 5 at 7:30 PM
Called "the greatest jazz singer alive" by Time magazine, seven-time Grammy-award winner Al Jarreau makes his Arizona Musicfest debut in this exhilarating concert. An artist of stunning range, known for popular hits including We're In This Love Together, the Theme from "Moonlighting," Take Five and Mornin', Jarreau will perform memorable favorites along with selections from his newest release.
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $34, $44, $59, $75 Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
RUN BOY RUN IN CONCERT
Monday, February 8 at 7:30 PM
Favorites of A Prairie Home Companion, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and one of the most talked about bands on the circuit, Run Boy Run comes to Arizona Musicfest for a feel-good-toe-tappin' night of bluegrass. Weaving stunning vocals and rapid fire fiddling with captivating banjo and mandolin, "Run Boy Run packs one major country-Celtic-bluegrass-Appalachian punch!" (Portland Times)
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tickets: $49 Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND:
THE MUSIC OF Carole King & James Taylor
Friday, February 12 at 7:30 PM
The incredible talents of Carole King and James Taylor made them the most celebrated singer-songwriters of their generation. Fire & Rain, Natural Woman, Sweet Baby James... the duo's endless stream of unforgettable hits will wow audiences as acclaimed Nashville stars Kristi Manna and Jonathan Birchfield perform this special tribute.
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $24, $34, $51, $67 Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
KRUGER BROTHERS IN CONCERT
Saturday February 13 at 7:30 PM
One of the most innovative bands in American music, the versatile Kruger Brothers infuse classical, country, bluegrass and folk to create their highly progressive sound. Featuring Jens Kruger's jaw dropping banjo playing (2013 winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo), the Kruger Brothers will thrill audiences as they make their first appearance at Arizona Musicfest. "The Krugers are nothing short of magnificent!" (Bluegrass Journal)
Presented in collaboration with the Musical Instrument Museum.
Venue: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050 Tickets: $40, $50 Call (480) 478-6000 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
BOB MOODY & FRIENDS
Tuesday, February 16 at 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
Bob Moody is joined by his long-time friend and Metropolitan Opera star Elizabeth Bishop for a delightful night of song. With her impressive range and power, Ms. Bishop has become a mainstay at top opera houses around the world. Always a Festival favorite, this cabaret performance is sure to sell out.
Venue: Troon Country Club, 25000 N. Windy Walk, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $52
Cocktails: A cash bar is available
Call: (480)840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
CALIDORE STRING QUARTET
Thursday, February 18 at 7:30 PM
Winners of some of the world's most prestigious chamber music competitions, the young and energetic Calidore String Quartet makes its first appearance at Arizona Musicfest. In what promises to be a rich chamber music experience, the Calidore's program will feature the lustrous works of French composers including Jadin and Debussy.
Presented in collaboration with the Musical Instrument Museum.
Venue: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85050 Tickets: $49, $59 Call (480) 478-6000 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
ARIZONA MUSICFEST
ORCHESTRA WEEK
MOZART'S 25th & MAHLER'S "TITAN" SYMPHONY
ARIZONA MUSICFEST ORCHESTRA
Conducted By Robert Moody
Tuesday, February 23 at 7:30 PM
Few composers create a masterpiece with their first symphony, but Gustav Mahler broke the mold with his Symphony No. 1, appropriately titled, "Titan." Evoking the sounds of nature and ingeniously using a familiar French nursery rhyme, Mahler's epic symphony features a wide range of emotions from the sublime to utter jubilation. By including Mozart's delightful Symphony No. 25, the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Robert Moody, salutes the 25th Anniversary of Arizona Musicfest.
Venue: Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N Pima Road., Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $54, $70 Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
FESTIVAL HEADLINER
WITH THE ARIZONA MUSICFEST ORCHESTRA
Conducted by Robert Moody
Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 PM
Hailed as "the greatest American violinist today," by The Boston Herald, superstar Joshua Bell astounds audiences in concert halls around the globe with his gorgeous sound and flawless technique. Bell makes his Arizona Musicfest debut and headlines this year's festival with Bruch's immensely popular Violin Concerto, known for its glittering finale filled with technical fireworks. The program also includes Dvo?ák's beloved Symphony No. 7, a work the composer described as "capable of stirring the world." This concert is not to be missed!
Venue: La Casa de Cristo Church, 6300 E Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Tickets: $45, $60, $75, $100
Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
ESTEBAN
WITH THE ARIZONA MUSICFEST ORCHESTRA
RAVEL'S BOLERO & RIMSKY-KORSAKOV'S CAPRICCIO ESPAGNOL
Conducted by Robert Moody
Friday, February 26 at 7:30 PM
Celebrity guitarist and Arizona treasure Esteban joins the Festival Orchestra for a special night of musical collaboration. Hear this Billboard chart-topping artist perform signature works like never before: accompanied by full orchestra. Add to that, the Festival Orchestra performing symphonic favorites with a Spanish flair - Ravel's Bolero and Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio Espagnol. The concert is then topped-off when Esteban and his band take over the stage for a second half filled with fiery and seductive flamenco interpretations of beloved concert showpieces.
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $24, $34, $54, $70 Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
CARMINA BURANA
ARIZONA MUSICFEST ORCHESTRA, CHORUS & SOLOISTS
Conducted by Robert Moody
Sunday, February 28 at 3 PM
Venue: La Casa de Cristo Church, 6300 E Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Tickets: $24, $34, $54, $70
Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
DUKES OF DIXIELAND: DANCING WITH THE DUKES
Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 PM
Saints will be marching in when Arizona Musicfest presents the Dukes of Dixieland in a rousing night of traditional New Orleans jazz. As the oldest continuing Dixieland band, the Dukes' spirited sound will lead audiences on a trip to the Big|Brave Easy with such classics as Basin Street Blues and Down By The Riverside.
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Tickets: $24, $34, $51, $67Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
BROADWAY STAR Faith Prince:
"HAVE A LITTLE FAITH"
Sunday March 6 at 7:30 PM
Faith Prince has been dazzling Broadway audiences since winning the Tony Award as "Ms. Adelaide" in Guys and Dolls with Nathan Lane. Today, she remains one of Broadway's best-loved leading ladies. Prince performs a powerhouse evening of Broadway showstoppers and gems from her latest triumphs, all peppered with her quirky trademark humor. This is a show not to be missed!
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tickets: $24, $34, $54, $70Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
ARIZONA MUSICFEST FINALE
THE AUSTRALIAN BEE GEES
Friday March 11 at 7:30 PM
Musicfest 2016 concludes with a phenomenal concert celebrating the music of The Bee Gees! An uncanny "reincarnation of the pop group that made disco forever cool" (Democrat Gazette), the look and sound of the Australian Bee Gees has confirmed their reputation as the world's leading Bee Gees tribute show. From Stayin' Alive to You Should Be Dancin', this will be a high energy disco extravaganza to bring to a close Musicfest's 25th anniversary Festival!
Venue: Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Tickets: $24, $34, $51, $67Call (480) 840-0457 or visit www.azmusicfest.org
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