Writer Lara Piu

 
[dropcap]K[/dropcap]nown for his refined, stylish sound, trumpeter Chris Botti will headline the upcoming Arizona Musicfest 2017 Winter Festival for the first time. The instrumentalist, credited for his ability to cross pop, classical and jazz boundaries with grace, will perform recording selections from his hit albums, including his Grammy winner, “Impressions.”

Since the release of his “When I Fall In Love” album in 2004, Botti has grown to become the largest-selling American instrumental artist and has earned Gold, Platinum and Grammy awards. He’s recorded and performed with the likes of Sting, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Bublé, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, John Mayer, Andrea Bocelli, Joshua Bell, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Frank Sinatra. Botti has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Hollywood Bowl, Sydney Opera House, Real Teatro di San Carlo in Italy and many other prestigious venues worldwide.

In his last album, “Impressions,” Botti is joined by Andrea Bocelli, Vince Gill, Herbie Hancock, Mark Knopfler and David Foster. The album won the Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Album in 2013.

Botti’s performance will kick off the 18 acts performing in the 26th annual Arizona Musicfest Winter Festival, which will run January 27 through March 10. The festival will feature classical, jazz, bluegrass, Broadway, pop, folk and rock ‘n’ roll tribute band concerts. The legendary multiple Grammy Award-winning Manhattan Transfer will appear, along with vocal powerhouse Cantus, world-renowned classical violinist Midori, Kennedy Center honoree Mavis Staples, and Grammy Award-winner Patti Austin with The Festival Orchestra celebrating Ella Fitzgerald’s 100th birthday. Decades of Divas, which features the femme fatale likes of Billie and Aretha to Celine and Barbra, will close the season. Under the direction of Maestro Robert Moody, the Arizona Musicfest Festival Orchestra will also feature musicians from prestigious orchestras nationwide, including the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and San Francisco Symphony, among others.

Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Highlands Church
9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale
Tickets: $34-$82

azmusicfest.org