Sedona Symphony

== Sedona Symphony == The Sedona Symphony, formerly known as the Verde Valley Sinfonietta, is a prominent orchestral organization based in Sedona, Arizona. With a rich history that dates back to its informal beginnings in 2002, the Symphony has evolved into a cultural beacon for the Northern Arizona community. The organization is committed to enriching the quality of life through the power of live orchestral music that educates, entertains, and inspires. === History === The roots of the Sedona Symphony can be traced back to the Verde Valley Chamber Orchestra, which was informally initiated by Lelia Schoenberg, a violinist and former arts administrator, and Dr. Tom Leenhouts, a cellist and retired ophthalmologist, in September 2002. Dr. Leenhouts, who was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Sedona Community Foundation, contributed his award to the founding of the ensemble. The duo recruited Clarence Shaw, a well-known conductor and violinist from northern Arizona, as the first Music Director. In November 2005, the organization, then known as the Verde Valley Chamber Orchestra, achieved nonprofit tax-exempt corporation status and was reborn as the Verde Valley Sinfonietta. Its mission was to contribute to the artistic and cultural life of the Sedona-Verde Valley community through high-quality live performances of music literature for small orchestra. The Sinfonietta focused on cultivating new audiences for classical music among young families and retirees of limited means, emphasizing community building and educational enrichment. The inaugural concert of the Sinfonietta took place in January 2006 at the Church of the Red Rocks in Sedona, featuring Cindy Gould, a trumpet soloist from the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. The first season consisted of two programs of Mozart and Haydn. Following the death of Dr. Leenhouts, Schoenberg and Marion Maby, the concertmaster and retired arts administrator, continued to lead the organization. === Development and Mission Evolution === Over the years, the Sinfonietta expanded its programming and educational outreach through fundraising efforts and support from grantors and individual contributors. The organization underwent several changes in leadership and venue, eventually settling at the Sedona Performing Arts Center to accommodate its growing audience. Notable milestones include the hiring of Kevin Kozacek as Music Director in 2017 and the establishment of a successful pledge program aimed at building a financial reserve. The Symphony's mission statement was revised in 2019 to reflect its professional quality and stature. The updated mission emphasizes the organization's dedication to delivering live orchestral music that is educational, entertaining, and inspirational to the Northern Arizona community. In 2023, the organization rebranded itself as the Sedona Symphony to better represent its home and enhance name recognition. The Symphony continues to thrive under the leadership of Janna Hymes, who was appointed as the new artistic director/conductor after a global search and audience input. The Sedona Symphony remains grateful for the support it has received over its nineteen years of music-making. This support has been instrumental in allowing the Symphony to continue presenting the treasures of live orchestral music to the greater Sedona area. === Contact Information === For those interested in learning more about the Sedona Symphony, attending concerts, or supporting the organization, contact information is provided below: Sedona Symphony PO Box 4672 Sedona, AZ 86340 Voicemail Phone: 928-282-3066 Email: infosedonasymphony.org Support for the Symphony can be made through various channels, with details available on the organization's website under the Support Us page. Donations by check can be mailed to the Symphony's post office box. == External Links == * [http://www.sedonasymphony.org Official website of Sedona Symphony] * [http://www.sedonasymphony.org/support-us Support Sedona Symphony]