Grand Overtures: NVSO unveils 2021-22 concert series

By North Valley Symphony Orchestra

North Valley Symphony Orchestra will present its 10th anniversary season, bringing an affordable concert experience to the North Valley after a season of virtual, smaller performances.

The 2021-22 season includes four musical performances throughout the year, beginning with “Re-Opening Overtures,” 7 p.m. Saturday, October 16, at North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive.

Ten years ago, NVSO’s first concert was titled “Opening Overtures,” so it is only fitting that the name “Re-Opening Overtures” be used to return to live performances. The concert will feature performances by full orchestra, brass, winds and strings. The music will include Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Rossini’s Overture to “The Barber of Seville,” Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” Holst’s “St. Paul Suite,” Strauss’s Overture to “Die Fledermaus,” and Raff’s “Sinfonietta for Winds.”

The season also includes:

7 p.m. Saturday, December 18: “Musical Gifts for Christmas”

NVSO is bringing its gift of music to the North Valley for the holiday season. This family-friendly event will include a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as a medley of some Christmas favorites, and a singalong. Music will include arrangements from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and Balamage’s Festive Fanfare. This concert is sponsored by Dr. Howard Robinson of I-Med.

7 p.m. Saturday, March 12: “Women in Music”

After having to cancel this concert two years ago due to the pandemic, NVSO is proud to recognize the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage by performing music composed by women, including award-winning composer Joan Tower’s “Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman.” This concert is sponsored by CASCO Financial.

7 p.m. Saturday, May 21: “Across America”

NVSO closes out the 10th anniversary season with a celebration of America’s places and people. Enjoy music inspired by America, including Daugherty’s “Route 66,” music by American Indian composer Jerod Tate, and Dvořák’s beloved “New World Symphony.” This performance will also include the world premiere of a commissioned work by James DeMars, professor emeritus of composition at ASU, to celebrate the 10th anniversary season.

NVSO is committed to making concert tickets affordable for all. Tickets are $5 each concert, or $15 for a full season pass for the four concerts. Purchase tickets at the NVSO website, northvalleysymphony.org, or by calling 623-980-4628. Concert and season sponsorships are available for businesses or individuals who would like to support NVSO’s return to live performances.

“The effects of the pandemic have been devastating for the performing arts around the globe, but I am so proud of our NVSO student and adult musicians for what they accomplished in the past year,” says Liz Galpin, NVSO board president and cellist.

“We are very excited to be offering the opportunity for live, in-person performances during our 10th concert season. Our musicians have missed performing for our community, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to hear some exceptional orchestral music.”

NVSO is partially funded by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.