About us
About the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra
The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra consists of 70-90 professionally trained musicians bringing high-quality symphonic music to the City of Scottsdale. Each season consists of six performances of beloved masterworks, new favorites written by diverse composers, and challenging staples of the orchestral repertoire.
Performances are held on select Sundays at 4 pm at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater.
In addition, the organization presents the Scottsdale Chamber Music Series, a set of three free chamber music concerts each season.
The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra was founded in 2023 by musicians who were looking for an alternative experience based on the values of musical excellence, kindness and respect.
Our mission
The mission of the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra is to transform lives by providing musicians and classical music audiences in Scottsdale and the surrounding communities equal access to a reimagined orchestral music experience, contributing to a full, vibrant, creative life.
Our VALUES
Grounded in the values of musical excellence, respect and kindness, our mission extends beyond the stage to cultivate a culture of accessibility, inclusivity, and exploration in classical music.
OUR VISION
To foster a love for symphonic music while supporting the growth of the next generation of musicians and classical music audiences in Scottsdale and the surrounding communities.
OUR Commitment
The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra has adopted a “Make Music Accessible to Everyone” policy to ensure access to live orchestral music to everyone in our community. As an organization, we commit to improve upon the orchestra’s ability to deliver on its core value of musical excellence by ensuring the best musicians can become members of the organization, no matter their race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status, or religion.
We are committed to providing access to orchestral music that will contribute to a full and vibrant creative life for all, no matter their socioeconomic status, with special emphasis on the elderly, students, veterans and those communities that traditionally have lesser exposure to the musical arts.
To learn more, download our complete commitment below.
OUR IMPACT
The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra strives to make an impact on every one of its musicians and audiences.
Those that participate in the orchestra as a performer are rewarded in transformative ways, such as making lasting friendships, awakening passions from days past, uniting for a common purpose in a kind and caring environment, and expressing emotions in a meaningful way.
Audiences experience a variety of benefits related to music as a catalyst for overall wellness, boosting moods and improving memory. Of course, there is also the community pride in having our own local orchestra and the experience of bringing people together, regardless of their background or cultural heritage, through a shared appreciation and love for orchestral music.
Our Annual Impact Report
Whether you’re a musician, audience member, volunteer, partner, or first-time visitor — you are part of our story. We invite you to read the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra’s 2024–2025 Annual Impact Report and discover how your presence, enthusiasm, and support help bring live orchestral music to more people in our community. Together, we’re building connections, creating moments of joy, and making music accessible to all.
Click on the cover to read the report.
Our Current programs
- Our season series of six performances of beloved masterworks, new favorites written by diverse composers, and challenging staples of the orchestral repertoire
- The Scottsdale Chamber Music Series, a series of three free chamber music concerts each season
- “Behind the Baton”, our pre-concert series for those that are classical music-curious
- Free concert tickets for Veterans
- Discounted student tickets ($10)
- Free concert tickets for those who can’t afford our $15 tickets
Our planned programs
- A commission of an orchestral work by composer William C. White written specifically for the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra and America’s 250th Anniversary
- Expand from 6 to 7 concerts a year by adding a summer concert opportunity
- Organize a summer repertory orchestra to encourage continued musician involvement
- Host a summer two-day chamber music play-in/festival
- Seek potential collaborators for a Pops-oriented concert
- Continue exploration of music that features orchestra members as soloists
- Purchase percussion instruments needed for upcoming performances
- Create a “Talent Development” scholarship program for local instrumentalists, composers and conductors
- Host a conducting workshop
- Further our reach in the musician community by offering increased opportunities to more musicians by programming music with auxiliary instruments and larger string sections
Please consider supporting our efforts
Learn more about how you can help support our efforts.
