Scottsdale Arts delivers must-see lineup for classical series
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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has announced five performances set to define all others that will come after the 2023–24 Virginia G. Piper Classical Series.
From Grammy-winning violinists to the first Young Yamaha Artist, the series will showcase a vast array of classical subgenres by some of the most esteemed and respected virtuosos across the globe.
The concert series dawns on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, with a performance by pianist prodigy Alexander Malofeev. Described as “the latest phenomenon of the Russian piano school” by Corriere della Sera, Malofeev manifests the piano mastery of the new millennium itself.
He came to international prominence when he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians at just 13 years old. Now, the first Young Yamaha Artist is returning to the Valley with performances of works by Handel, Purcell, Muffat, Bach, Weinberg and Wagner.
Approaching the holiday season, on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, the center will feature the interactive and engaging performance group Canadian Brass for a celebratory night of Christmas classics.
The group’s holiday program often includes beloved tunes like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Carol of the Bells,” bringing entertainment and delight to audiences of all ages.
“Nothing proclaims celebration and festivity like the sound of brass instruments,” wrote the Toronto Star. “And if those instruments are played by Canadian Brass, there is even greater cause for celebration.”
Scottsdale Arts delivers must-see lineup for classical series
As the Classical Series moves into 2024, world-renowned musician Jonathan Biss is set to take the stage on Friday, March 1.
Described by San Francisco Classical Voice as “a pianist whose probing, incisive, and deeply considered performances are consistently challenging and rewarding,” Biss is eminent for channeling his deep musical curiosity into performances and projects in the concert hall and beyond.
Biss’ performance will feature works by Schubert alongside a newly commissioned piece by Alvin Singleton. Executing one of the last three sonatas of Schubert, this work addresses the mysteries of life and death, doing so unflinchingly and with astonishing beauty.
Later that month, on March 22, Hungary’s Takács Quartet will celebrate its 49th season with an evening performance of “The Natural World,” a new work by Phoenix composer Nokuthula Ngwenyama, alongside compositions from Haydn and Beethoven.
A co-commission from nine major U.S. concert series, Ngwenyama created “The Natural World” for the Takács Quartet.
The new work shares themes with the chosen Haydn and Beethoven pieces, which include Haydn’s String Quartet in B Flat, op. 76 no. 4, “Sunrise” and Beethoven’s String Quartet no. 8 in E Minor, op. 59, no. 2 — a glorious slow movement composed while Beethoven contemplated the starry night sky.
The center’s Classical Series will close on May 11 with a joint performance by Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell and vocalist Larisa Martínez. The pair will perform “Voice and the Violin,” exploring repertoire from classical art song and opera to musical theater and selections by Puerto Rican and Spanish composers.
Bell has performed with nearly every major orchestra in the world as a soloist, recitalist, chamber musician, conductor and music director for the internationally famed Academy of St Martin in the Fields, while Martínez has graced many of the world’s top opera and concert stages, most recently as a soloist at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
Event Details
All performances will take place in the Virginia G. Piper Theater at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale, Arizona. To view the Virginia G. Piper Concert Series lineup visit HERE or call the box office at 480-499-8587 for more information.
