Guest Conductor Alex Amsel, leads us on a musical journey to discover what 21st Century Argentinian composer Benzecry’s Obertura Tanguera has in common with Brahms’ 19th Century Symphony No. 1 and Strauss’ 20th Century Der Rosekavalier.  Explore how nostalgia in music pays homage to the past and propels us forward into a better future.

Nostalgia: Connecting With Our Past and Future

The Vista Center for the Arts

Guest Conductor Michael  Stanley illustrates ways in which folk music has influenced classical composers, the basis for some of their most popular works. Inspired by American folk music, Copland wrote Appalachian Spring; Márquez drew from the dance music of  Mexico in  Danzon No. 2.  Dvořák took inspiration from spirituals and Native American music for his New World Symphony.

Folk Music of the Americas

Guest Conductor Daniel Wiley delves into the minds of composers expressing their humanity and leading us through tales of love gone awry with Coleridge-Taylor's Petite Suite de Concert and Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet.  Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, expresses the political adversity of a composer deemed a “barbarian artist” by the Soviet regime and at risk of political exile.

The Barbarian Artist

Guest Conductor Kayoko Dan takes us on a compelling musical journey with Coleman's Umoja: Anthem of Unity, a vibrant celebration of togetherness. Theofanidis's Rainbow Body transports listeners through ethereal textures and spiritual motifs, leading to a finale of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5, a monumental work of intense emotional landscapes.

Unity: A Musical Journey

Guest star, Aubrey Logan will be featured in several songs with Desert Brass Band. In addition, she will be performing her own arrangements along with local talent Dan Reed, Nicole Pesce, Sheila Earley , and Dwight Kilian.

Desert Brass Band An Evening in December with Aubrey Logan

Associate Conductor Nicholas Ross gets us into the spirit of the season with a side-by-side with the West Valley Youth Orchestra, Claire Gordon, Conductor. Enjoy  traditional favorites such as Tyzik's arrangement of Behold the Lights and selections by  Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, and Vaughn-Williams among others.  Get your tickets early for this always sold-out concert!

Sounds of the Season

Guest Conductor, Janna Hymes opens the season showcasing the masterful musicians of the WVS and guarantees you will be carried away by Enescu's folk music-based Romanian Rhapsody, Debussy's lush and melodic Petite Suite in the French style, followed by  Schumann's Symphony No. 2, one of the greatest German symphonies ever composed!

Lyrical Transformations

The Arizona Winds celebrates a significant milestone during its upcoming 2024-2025 concert season. This October will mark 50 years of music-making throughout Arizona and the Southwest for this popular West Valley-based community concert band. During its Golden Anniversary season, the band will reprise favorite selections performed over the decades, provide pre-concert music in the lobby to welcome its audience, and offer a host of “surprises and treats” to recognize this very special year.

The Vista Center for the Arts

Apr 6, 2025

Nostalgia: Connecting With Our Past and Future

Mar 2, 2025

Folk Music of the Americas

The Vista Center for the Arts