Scottsdale’s New Symphonic Sensation
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by James Ritter
As the desert air cools and the saguaros cast longer shadows, a new sound is rising in Scottsdale — one that promises to transform the city’s cultural landscape. The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra, barely a year old, is already making waves in the Valley’s classical music scene, offering a fresh approach to orchestral performance that resonates with both musicians and audiences alike.
“We exist for the joy of our musician members as much as we exist for the joy of our audience,” says Denise Wilson, executive director of the SSO. This dual focus sets the orchestra apart, creating a symbiotic relationship between performers and listeners that elevates each concert into a shared experience of discovery and emotion.
The SSO’s rapid ascent is a testament to the hunger for high-quality, accessible classical music in Scottsdale. Within a month of its founding, the orchestra had assembled a full ensemble and planned an entire season. Now, as the SSO enters its second year, it’s poised to become a cultural cornerstone of the community.
At the helm of this musical renaissance is newly appointed Music Director Desmond Siu, a Hong Kong-American conductor whose vision aligns perfectly with the orchestra’s mission.
“We’re tackling hidden gems that other community orchestras have been unwilling or unable to explore,” Siu explains.
His inaugural season programming promises a mix of beloved masterworks and lesser-known pieces that will challenge and delight audiences in equal measure.
The SSO’s fall lineup is a perfect complement to the season, offering rich, evocative performances that mirror the changing landscape. The season opener, “Fate’s Return” on Oct. 20, features Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F minor, a piece that explores themes of fate and struggle — fitting for a young orchestra carving its path. The program also includes Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Ballade in A Minor,” showcasing the SSO’s commitment to diverse voices in classical music.
November brings “An American Celebration,” a concert that coincides with Veterans Day and features works by Aaron Copland and John Williams. This thoughtful programming demonstrates the SSO’s dedication to connecting with the community through music that resonates with local experiences and values.
But the SSO’s impact extends beyond the concert hall. Wilson shares a touching anecdote: “One of our musicians, who has been playing the violin for over 40 years, was inspired to start taking private music lessons again and was practicing daily. She had fallen in love with making music all over again.”
This rejuvenation of passion is at the heart of the SSO’s mission. Through initiatives like the free Scottsdale Chamber Music Series and the new “Behind the Baton” pre-concert talks, the orchestra is breaking down barriers and inviting newcomers to discover the transformative power of live orchestral music.
As autumn leaves begin to turn, the SSO stands ready to color Scottsdale’s cultural palette with rich, vibrant tones. For residents of Scottsdale, this new orchestra offers more than just world-class performances — it provides a chance to be part of a growing cultural movement, one that celebrates both musical excellence and community connection.
In the words of Desmond Siu, “This season is about getting to know everyone and calibrating what it means to be a premier orchestra in Arizona.”
As the nights grow longer and the desert air crisper, there’s no better time to cozy up to the warm, enveloping sounds of Scottsdale’s newest cultural gem.
scottsdalesymphonicorchestra.org
Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra Presents ‘Fate’s Return’
Sunday, Oct. 20 // 4 p.m. // Virginia G. Piper Theater at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts // 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale // $10+ // 480-499-8587 // scottsdalearts.org
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