Arizona Musicfest Hits High Note
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest
This fall, Arizona Musicfest is set to orchestrate its most ambitious season yet, with Broadway icon Lea Salonga headlining a star-studded lineup that promises to transform North Scottsdale into a cultural oasis. As the concert series prepares to raise the curtain, anticipation builds for a season that will not only captivate audiences but also cement Arizona Musicfest’s status as a premier arts destination in the Southwest.
“We keep breaking records!” exclaims Allan Naplan, executive and producing director of Arizona Musicfest, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “Last year, we saw attendance soar over 40,000, breaking new ground for Arizona Musicfest. It’s incredibly exciting to see how our community is responding to, engaging with and investing in all that we have to offer.”
Star-Studded Season
This year’s concert series, running from November through April, boasts more than 40 shows featuring a diverse array of talent, from Broadway stars to classical virtuosos, jazz ensembles to rock legends. But it’s the holiday performance by Tony Award winner Lea Salonga on Dec. 9 that has the community buzzing with anticipation.
Salonga, known for her iconic roles in “Miss Saigon,” “Les Miserables” and as the singing voice of Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan, brings a touch of Broadway magic to the desert.
“It’s been a minute since I’ve done a holiday performance,” Salonga shares, her excitement palpable even through a phone interview. “Doing a holiday show is always fun because you get to sing songs you’ve loved performing during the holidays with family or at other holiday shows growing up.”
For Salonga, the intimacy of regional concert series such as Arizona Musicfest offers a unique opportunity to connect with audiences.
“If I know it’s an intimate venue, I can afford to be more natural in my execution,” she explains. “I don’t have to project my energy to the back of the room; instead, I can let the audience lean in and connect with the performance more closely.”
This connection is at the heart of Arizona Musicfest’s mission, Naplan says.
“We’re not just meeting expectations — we’re exceeding them, creating an experience that truly resonates with our audience,” he emphasizes.
This commitment to excellence is evident in the caliber of artists the concert series attracts.
“Securing major artists is a top priority for Arizona Musicfest,” Naplan adds. “It’s clear we’re an organization that supports major artists and provides an attractive stage for them.”
Headliners and Highlights
The 2024–25 season reads like a who’s who of the entertainment world. Jazz lovers won’t want to miss “Some Enchanted Evening: A Century of Broadway” on Nov. 8, featuring a trio of rising stars.
“What makes this show special is its trio of leads,” Naplan explains enthusiastically. “We have Benny Benack III, who wowed our audience last year, not just with his terrific trumpet playing and singing, but also with his charming stage presence and banter.”
Joining Benack is Stella Cole, who Naplan describes as “a rising star in the jazz, cabaret and standards world. Stella has this incredible retro voice — it’s like hearing a young Judy Garland.”
Rounding out the trio is tap dancer Jabu Graybeal, whose performances showcase the athleticism and artistry of tap dancing.
“Put all these elements together, and you have a special concert. They’ll be performing Broadway tunes in a jazz style, covering everything from classic Rodgers & Hammerstein to ‘Hamilton,’” Naplan adds.
Broadway sensation Sutton Foster will grace the stage on Jan. 27, fresh off her critically acclaimed performance in “Once Upon a Mattress.”
“Finding someone so relevant today who will continue to be one of Broadway’s brightest stars is truly special,” Naplan enthuses. “As we say in theater, she’s a triple threat — a great singer, actress and dancer.”
For those craving a taste of Las Vegas glamour, the dynamic duo of Frankie Moreno and Tony DeSare promises an electrifying evening on Feb. 22. Moreno, a five-time Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year, and DeSare, a modern-day crooner and fantastic pianist, will engage in a friendly yet challenging duel of pianos, showcasing their extraordinary artistry and showmanship, all backed by a band of leading Las Vegas musicians.
“I love the idea of bringing the extravagance, artistry and showmanship of Las Vegas here to North Scottsdale,” Naplan says. “It’s going to be a very special show featuring these two major artists together.”
Classical music aficionados will be treated to a solo recital by violinist Augustin Hadelich on March 11. Hadelich, who performs with elite orchestras globally and teaches at Yale University, recently released a recording of violin music by American composers, further cementing his status as one of the world’s leading classical violinists.
“Whether you’re a classical music fan, an orchestral fan or simply appreciate seeing a master at work, this will be an extraordinary concert with an incredible virtuoso,” Naplan assures.
Beyond the Stage
But Arizona Musicfest is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a cultural force shaping the identity of North Scottsdale. The nonprofit organization’s impact extends beyond the stage, contributing significantly to the local economy.
“The economic ripple effect of producing an Arizona Musicfest concert is enormous, serving many in our community,” Naplan explains. “When people buy a ticket, they might not realize how much they’re contributing to the local economy.”
The city of Scottsdale has taken notice, recently awarding Arizona Musicfest a significant grant in recognition of its role in attracting tourists.
“Historically, South Scottsdale and Old Town have been the cultural epicenters, with most hotels located there. Now, we’re drawing people to North and Central Scottsdale,” Naplan proudly states. “Our ticket data shows attendees coming from across the country and Canada. We’ve become a major destination in the city’s arts and culture portfolio.”
The nonprofit organization’s commitment to community engagement and education is equally impressive. With more than 300 events in its Music Alive program for lifelong learning and creative aging, Arizona Musicfest reached more than 4,000 attendees last year.
“We often hear from participants who have made new friends through these events,” Naplan shares. “Whether it’s individuals finding companionship, newcomers integrating into the community, or retirees expanding their social circles, Arizona Musicfest is creating meaningful connections through shared interests in music.”
For young musicians, Arizona Musicfest has significantly increased its efforts.
“We’ve invested heavily in programs for young musicians, including new master classes for classical musicians,” Naplan explains. “We’re continuing our competitions and have added a summer music camp scholarship program. For 13 years, we’ve been helping local students pursue college degrees in music. Now, we’re also assisting families who can’t afford to send their children to summer music camps.”
A Cultural Renaissance
For Salonga, Arizona Musicfest’s emphasis on community resonates deeply.
“The arts have to start somewhere. They start in a community,” she reflects. “It’s important to cultivate an art scene in smaller communities because the arts are important at any level. They definitely provide a pathway for our spirits and our souls.”
The Broadway star’s commitment to her craft is evident in her meticulous preparation for each performance.
“Normally in my hotel room, there’s usually one humidifier going, or in the dressing room as well,” Salonga shares, highlighting the unique challenges of performing in Arizona’s dry climate. “But I think the local promoters know this area so well that when I arrived at my hotel, there were like two of them.”
This attention to detail extends to her performance style as well.
“When I’m able to personalize a song and connect it to someone concrete, it informs my interpretation in a way I couldn’t achieve through imagination alone,” Salonga explains. “Everything feels abstract until I can tie it to someone close to me and their life experience.
“Live performance is incredibly challenging. It’s one of those things where some people are just so incredible at it — they know how to truly entertain an audience, pull them in, and create magic with their voices and bodies. It’s truly magical.”
Such magic awaits audiences at each concert produced by Arizona Musicfest, which has struck a chord with the sophisticated residents of North Scottsdale and beyond. With its blend of world-class performances, community engagement and economic impact, the concert series is not just entertaining audiences — it’s transforming a region.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a demographic with such cultural interest and curiosity,” Naplan reflects. “Our patrons, of course, know what they like, but they also respect and rely on Arizona Musicfest enough to say, ‘I’ll try something new.’ Even if they haven’t heard of an artist, they trust that everything we offer will be of high quality. That’s a very special relationship.”
This trust has translated into impressive early ticket sales for the upcoming season.
“We’re already 20% ahead in ticket sales compared to the same time last year,” Naplan reveals. “All indicators point to yet another record-breaking season ahead.”
Lea Salonga: Christmas Concert
Monday, Dec. 9 // 7:30 p.m. // Highlands Church // 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale // $43+ // 480-422-8449 // azmusicfest.org
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