Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
The Phoenix Symphony welcomed a sold-out audience to Symphony Hall earlier this year for its annual Savor the Symphony luncheon, themed Disco Divas, raising $240,000 in support of the orchestra’s community engagement and education programs.
More than 225 guests attended the daytime fundraiser, which combined an open rehearsal with a chef-curated luncheon, according to a press release.
Proceeds support Phoenix Symphony Community Engagement and Education initiatives, including school field trips, school and community performances, music-integrated learning programs, and outreach serving hospitals, care facilities, and underserved populations across Arizona.
The rehearsal featured Disco Divas, a program highlighting music from the disco era. Guest vocalists Tamika Lawrence, Shayna Steele and Kelly Levesque performed alongside the orchestra. Attendees observed musicians and artistic leadership at work while receiving commentary on the rehearsal process.
Following the rehearsal, guests attended a luncheon prepared by Chef Stephani O’Connor, who leads culinary development for Zinburger and Blanco with Fox Restaurant Concepts and previously served as director of culinary at Torchy’s Tacos.
The 2026 luncheon was chaired by community leaders Cathy Stein and Meghan Cox.
“A thriving symphony is a hallmark of any great metropolitan city, and we are proud that Phoenix has one of the finest in the country. Savor the Symphony is a celebration of that excellence — bringing our community together to support world-class performances while expanding The Phoenix Symphony’s education and outreach programs that enrich thousands of students and families across the Valley,” Ms. Stein and Ms. Cox said.
Sponsors included Navi Nurses, Goodmans Interior Structures, National Bank of Arizona, Mac and Russell Perlich, Butler Family Foundation and iHeartRadio.
