Press Release

May 12, 2017

Single tickets on sale for members on May 15 and general public on May 22

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts announces its new 2017–18 season, featuring a star-studded lineup of music, dance, theater, comedy and more.

Among the artists making their Center debuts are Broadway stars Kelli O’Hara and Megan Hilty, and pop musician Steven Page, former lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies.

The Center continues its long tradition of welcoming international performers, including Ireland’s The Chieftains, South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Argentina’s The Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires and Australia’s The TEN Tenors.

Other highlights include the acclaimed Parsons Dance ensemble and renowned classical musicians Yo-Yo MaEmanuel AxYefim Bronfman and Murray Perahia, along with the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra and Zurich Chamber Orchestra with Daniel Hope.

Most performances will take place at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ 853-seat Virginia G. Piper Theater. As part of the Scottsdale Arts Presents initiative, the Center will offer performances at three other venues, including the Celebrity Theatre, Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) and Orpheum Theatre.

“With its intimate theaters and world-class performers, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers a truly unique experience for arts patrons,” remarked Scottsdale Arts President and CEO Neale Perl. “Our 2017–18 season is an exhilarating combination of legendary artists and emerging talents, spanning virtually every genre of the performing arts. We invite everyone to join us.”

Scottsdale Arts members may purchase single tickets starting Monday, May 15, at 10 a.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Monday, May 22, at 10 a.m. Information and tickets are available through www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org or 480-499-TKTS (8587).

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
One of the world’s greatest classical musicians, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, along with pianist Kathryn Stott, will give a rare and special concert on Nov. 10 at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix. The annual Scottsdale Arts Galaon Dec. 2 will showcase the creative work of two iconic artists in Ansel Adams: America, featuring more than 100 breathtaking images by legendary photographer Ansel Adams paired with a commissioned symphonic work by the late jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and his son, musician and composer Chris Brubeck.

BROADWAY STARS
Mixing classic show tunes and candid showbiz stories, the new Mark Cortale Presents Broadway @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts series will welcome two of Broadway’s great leading ladies, Kelli O’Hara on Jan. 27, and Megan Hilty on Feb. 24, with both concerts featuring the charismatic Seth Rudetsky as pianist and host. Rudetsky will return for concerts on March 17 and April 7, with additional guest stars to be announced.

LEGENDARY VOICES
One of the most innovative vocal groups in the history of popular music, The Manhattan Transfer, will perform at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Jan. 31. The former lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies, Steven Page, and theArt of Time Ensemble will present SONGBOOK, an unforgettable evening of seminal pop songs, on Feb. 9. Known as the “Vocal Wonder from Down Under,” The TEN Tenors will share high-octane hits and timeless classics in Wish You Were Here on Feb. 28 and March 1.

AMERICAN ORIGINALS
Danny Zelisko Presents will bring two iconic musicians to Scottsdale: the “Godfather of Americana,” David Bromberg, performing music from his new blues album on Sept. 7, and legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter Tom Rush, with special guest Danny O’Keefe, on Oct. 8.

JAZZ
A centennial tribute to famed jazz composer-pianist Thelonious Monk, his son, drummer and bandleader T.S. Monk, will perform the acclaimed Monk on Monk tribute concert on Oct. 14. The legendary Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Orchestra will return with Eddie at 80, a night of red-hot salsa music on Nov. 9. Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band will bring their jazz, soul, and Latin and South American rhythms to Scottsdale on March 31.

DANCE
The Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires will present an exhilarating and sultry night of authentic Argentine dance on Jan. 6. Known for its artistry and athleticism, the dynamic Parsons Dance company will grace the stage on March 9.

WORLD
Ugandan instrumentalist Samite will share his message of peace and hope in concert on Oct. 6. Ladysmith Black Mambazo will offer its joyous and uplifting South African vocal harmonies on Feb. 2. Canadian rumba-flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook will perform songs from his new album, Beyond Borders, on Feb. 25. The best-known Irish band in the world, The Chieftains, will return for a toe-tapping concert on Feb. 27. The 2017–18 Discovery Japan Serieswill explore the art and culture of that island nation through a series of live performances, special events and educational programs, including a thundering showcase of Japanese taiko drumming by Yamato on March 3.

SPOKEN WORD
Best-selling author and humorist David Sedaris will return to the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix on Nov. 18 to read some of his latest works and answers questions from the audience, followed by a book signing. Ira Glass, the host and creator of the hit public radio show This American Life, will share stories and life lessons in Seven Things I’ve Learned: An Evening With Ira Glass on Jan. 20, also at the Orpheum Theatre.

THEATER AND COMEDY
Direct from D.C., the irreverent singing comedians of The Capitol Steps will return for their annual Thanksgiving weekend performances on Nov. 24–25. Actress Patti Hannon will star as Sister in the sinfully funny comedies Late Nite Catechism and Late Nite Catechism III: ’Til Death Do Us Part, performed weekly January through March.

HOLIDAY
Also starring Patti HannonSister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold will return by popular demand for a special holiday engagement, Dec. 8–17. The maestro of mariachi, Jose Hernandez, and his Mariachi Sol de Mexico will share A Merri-Achi Christmas, a spirited, south-of-the-border musical fiesta, on Dec. 16. Windham Hill recording artists Will Ackerman, Barbara Higbie, Alex DeGrassi and Todd Boston will perform Winter Solstice, a heart-warming, acoustic celebration of the season, on Dec. 21. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild Swingin’ Holiday Party on Dec. 22 will feature one-of-a-kind originals and reworked Yuletide classics by this popular swing band.

FAMILY TIME
A dazzling combination of art, theater and electroluminescent technology, Lightwire Theater will present Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey, a family-friendly cosmic adventure about celebrating differences, on Oct. 21. The Okee Dokee Brothers will share their Grammy Award-winning folk songs that inspire kids and families to explore nature on Nov. 5.

FESTIVALS AND FILMS
An exciting afternoon of Brazilian music, dance and martial arts, the annual Brazilian Day Festival will take place on Sept. 23. One of the country’s top arts fairs, the 48th Scottsdale Arts Festival will showcase 175 artists from coast to coast, live music, gourmet food trucks and family fun on March 9–11. Additional events will be announced, including Harlan Jacobson’s Talk Cinema sneak-preview film series and the San Francisco Opera’s Grand Opera Cinema Series.

VIRGINIA G. PIPER CONCERT SERIES
The Center’s Virginia G. Piper Concert Series will open on Nov. 4 with a concert by the distinguished Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pavel Kogan. The orchestra’s program will feature Dmitry Masleev, the gold medalist of the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition, performing Tchaikovsky’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 1.

Known for his lyrical temperament, unsurpassed virtuosity and the exceptional breadth of his performing activity, pianist Emanuel Ax will feature works by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt and Mozart on Jan. 7. Recognized for his commanding technique, power and exceptional lyrical gifts, pianist Yefim Bronfman will take the spotlight on Feb. 16 with a virtuoso program that includes Stravinsky’s Petrushka. The First Prize winner of the 2015 International Chopin Piano Competition, Seong-Jin Cho, will return for a solo concert on March 2.

A musician of profound artistry and charismatic stage presence, cellist Amit Peled will be joined by pianist Noreen Polera on March 16 for a program of lyrical masterpieces by Brahms, Popper and Schubert. On March 24, one of Europe’s finest ensembles, the Zurich Chamber Orchestra with violinist and conductor Daniel Hope, will perform Vivaldi’s beloved The Four Seasons. The Virginia G. Piper Concert Series will conclude the season on April 19 with a solo concert by Murray Perahia, one of the world’s most sought-after and cherished pianists, who is at the zenith of his artistry.

ROB KAPILOW’S WHAT MAKES IT GREAT
Through his entertaining concert presentations, commentaries on NPR’s Performance Today and PBS NewsHour, books and CDs, Rob Kapilow brings the joy and wonder of classical music – and unravels some of its mysteries – to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Returning after three sold-out concerts last season at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Kapilow will present two lively classical-themed discussions with performance at MIM as part of his What Makes It Great?® series: Dvoraks American Quartet on Jan. 16, illuminating one of the most popular and joyful works of chamber music; and Beethovens Waldstein Sonata with pianist Hye-Jin Kim on Feb. 20, featuring the composer’s iconic masterpiece.

Kapilow also will explore the music of the American Songbook in three special What Makes It Great? presentations at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: You’re the Top: The Songs of Cole Porter on Jan. 18; From “On the Town” to “West Side Story”: The Theater Music of Leonard Bernstein on Feb. 22; and Finishing the Hat: The Songs of Stephen Sondheim on March 15.

KEYBOARD CONVERSATIONS® WITH JEFFREY SIEGEL
Combining captivating remarks with world-class performances of masterpieces of the piano repertoire, Keyboard Conversations With Jeffrey Siegel will return for its 39th Scottsdale season for four concerts with commentary: Keys to the Classics on Dec. 5, featuring Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; Virtuoso Variations on Jan. 23, offering spellbinding variations on famous melodies by Chopin, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Liszt; Bach and Chopin: A Musical Kinship on Feb. 20, showcasing dramatic preludes and vivacious dances for the ears by these two popular composers; and Leonard Bernstein at 100: A Musical Celebration on April 3, highlighting stunning pianistic arrangements of songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story, and more.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH MUSIC
An enriching concert experience that brings together sublime chamber music, distinguished performers and insightful commentary, Close Encounters With Music will return for two concerts. Each one will feature an onstage introduction from cellist and Artistic Director Yehuda Hanani, who places the composers’ works and their times in perspective. Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman on Jan. 17, will showcase music to celebrate the approaching centennial in 2020 of women’s suffrage, performed with pianist Renana Gutman, violinist Peter Zazofsky and soprano Danielle TalamantesThe Passion of Camille Saint-Saëns and César Franck: LAmour Toujours! on Feb. 7 will feature the brilliantly virtuosic Saint-Saëns Violin Sonata No. 1 and the smoldering Franck Piano Quintet, performed with pianist Roman Rabinovich, violinists Hagai Shaham and Diana Cohen, and violist Pierre Henri Xuereb.

SCOTTSDALE ARTS
Through its partnership with the City of Scottsdale, the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts (formerly known as Scottsdale Cultural Council) creates diverse, inspired arts experiences and educational opportunities that foster active, lifelong community engagement with the arts. Since its founding in 1987, Scottsdale Arts has grown into a regionally and nationally significant, multi-disciplinary arts organization offering an exceptional variety of programs through three acclaimed divisions – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) and Scottsdale Public Art – serving more than 400,000 participants annually.

SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Since 1975, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts has provided a stage for a wide range of artists and genres, creating shared, inspiring experiences for the community that celebrate artistic excellence and cultural awareness. Today one of the premier performing-arts halls in the western United States, the Center presents a diverse season of music, dance, theater, comedy and film from around the world.

LOCATION AND PARKING
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts is located at 7380 E. Second St. in downtown Scottsdale. Free parking is available in the public parking garage located to the west of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on Wells Fargo Avenue. Additional free parking is available at the Old Town Parking Corral at East Second Street and Brown Avenue and at the Civic Center Library parking garage located on Drinkwater Boulevard at East Second Street.

ACCESSIBILITY
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers performance accommodations to enhance audience members’ experience, including: American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation or live audio description with two weeks advance notice. Assistive-listening devices and wheelchair seating are also available. Visit www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/visit/accessibility/ or contact the Patron Services Box Office at 480-499-TKTS (8587) [TDD: 480-874-4694] for further details. Please inquire about services when ordering tickets.

TICKET DISCOUNTS
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts offers a variety of ticket discounts for Scottsdale Arts members at the Friends level and above, groups of 10 or more and those purchasing packages to four or more events in one order. The Center provides free tickets to selected events for eligible students, teachers and active-duty military and veterans, and 50-percent off tickets to selected events for patrons 29 and under. Visit www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org/visit/tickets-discounts/ or call 480-499-TKTS (8587) for more information.

THE STORE
The award-winning Store at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts supports the mission and diverse programs of the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts. The Store’s unique selection of merchandise includes artist-made jewelry, stylish furnishings for home and office, unique creations by Arizona artists, fair-trade and upcycled/recycled global crafts, music, books, greeting cards and imaginative toys. Purchases are tax-free, and members receive a 10-percent discount. Gift-wrapping and shipping are also available. The Store is open seven days a week: Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon – 5 p.m.; and throughout most evening events. Phone: 480-874-4644.

HOW TO REACH US
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts7380 E. Second St.Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.ScottsdalePerformingArts.org
480-499-TKTS (8587)