Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome some of the world’s most renowned classical musicians to its 2017–18 season, including the celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott for a rare and special concert on Nov. 10 at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. Most other concerts will take place at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ intimate Virginia G. Piper Theater, with two at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix.
All tickets for the new classical season are on sale to the public on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. through www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org or 480-499-TKTS (8587). A variety of discounts are available for Scottsdale Arts members, subscribers, groups of 10 or more and those purchasing tickets to four or more concerts in one order.
“Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has a long tradition of presenting the finest artists from around the globe,” remarked Scottsdale Arts President and CEO Neale Perl. “This incredible series of artists and programs features today’s most internationally acclaimed and admired musicians, from legendary pianists like Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman and Murray Perahia, to the exceptional Moscow State Symphony Orchestra and Zürich Chamber Orchestra. We invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable season.”
The Center’s Virginia G. Piper Concert Series will open on Nov. 4 with a concert by the distinguished Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pavel Kogan. The orchestra’s program will feature Dmitry Masleev, the gold medalist of the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, performing Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 1.
Known for his lyrical temperament, unsurpassed virtuosity and the exceptional breadth of his performing activity, pianist Emanuel Ax will perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt and Mozart on Jan. 7. Recognized for his commanding technique, power and exceptional lyrical gifts, pianist Yefim Bronfman will perform on Feb. 16. The First Prize winner of the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition, Seong-Jin Cho, will return for a solo concert on March 2.
A musician of profound artistry and charismatic stage presence, cellist Amit Peled will be joined by acclaimed pianist Noreen Polera on March 16 for a program of lyrical masterpieces by Brahms, Popper and Schubert. On March 24, one of Europe’s finest ensembles, the Zürich Chamber Orchestra with violinist and conductor Daniel Hope, will perform Vivaldi’s beloved The Four Seasons. The Virginia G. Piper Concert Series will conclude the season on April 19 with a solo concert by Murray Perahia, one of the world’s most sought-after and cherished pianists, who is at the zenith of his artistry.
Combining captivating remarks with world-class performances of masterpieces of the piano repertoire, Keyboard Conversations® With Jeffrey Siegel will return for its 39th Scottsdale season for four concerts with commentary: Keys to the Classics on Dec. 5, featuring Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; Virtuoso Variations on Jan. 23, offering spellbinding variations on famous melodies by Chopin, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Liszt; Bach and Chopin: A Musical Kinship on Feb. 20, showcasing dramatic preludes and vivacious dances for the ears by these two popular composers; and Leonard Bernstein at 100: A Musical Celebration on April 3, highlighting stunning pianistic arrangements of songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story, and more.
Through his entertaining concert presentations, commentaries on NPR’s Performance Today and PBS NewsHour, books and CDs, Rob Kapilow brings the joy and wonder of classical music – and unravels some of its mysteries – to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Returning after three sold-out concerts last season at the Musical Instrument Museum, Kapilow will present two lively classical-themed discussions with performance at MIM as part of his What Makes It Great?® series: Dvorak’s American Quartet on Jan. 16, illuminating one of the most popular and joyful works of chamber music; and Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata with pianist Hye-Jin Kim on Feb. 20, featuring the composer’s iconic masterpiece.
Close Encounters With Music is an enriching concert experience that brings together sublime chamber music, distinguished performers and insightful commentary. Cellist and Artistic Director Yehuda Hanani introduces each program from the stage, placing the composers’ works and their times in perspective. Hanani will return for two concerts: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman on Jan. 17, showcasing music to celebrate the approaching centennial in 2020 of women’s suffrage, performed with pianist Renana Gutman, violinist Peter Zazofsky and soprano Danielle Talamantes; and The Passion of Camille Saint-Saëns and César Franck: L’Amour Toujours! on Feb. 7, with pianist Roman Rabinovich, violinists Hagai Shaham and Diana Cohen, and violist Pierre Henri Xuereb.
