ARIZONA MUSICFEST celebrating 30 years during a pandemic By Lisa Van Loo
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rizona Musicfest has waited 30 years to celebrate its 2020-21 season. And it has no plans to allow a pandemic to sidetrack its anniversary year, which comes on the heels of a record-setting season for attendance at more than 31,000 people. Things just might look and feel a bit different this season. “In honor of our anniversary, we had planned to perform ‘30 concerts for 30 years.’ But, due to COVID, our season has been significantly reduced,” Allan Naplan, Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director, says. “Similarly, due to safety concerns, our capacity for attendance is reduced as well.” A season that traditionally begins in November and runs through March is now scheduled to begin in January and run through April. All performances take place in North Scottsdale. The line-up of performers looks familiar to those who appreciate the shows Arizona Musicfest produces, bringing back favorites while also allowing for debut performances. Fan favorites Pink Martini, Ann Hampton Callaway and Tony DeSare will return, joining featured artists such as Steve Tyrell, Emanuel Ax, The Texas Tenors and Broadway’s John 14
Lloyd Young. In addition, this year’s Festival Orchestra brings together an exceptional ensemble of select musicians from the nation’s top orchestras to perform three concert programs. Arizona Musicfest is used to accommodating sold-out performances, which becomes sticky when forced to reduce capacity. For this, they have also adjusted. “Because of this necessary change, most of our artists will perform two shows in a single night to accommodate patron interest,” Naplan says. If it’s not possible to make it out to a show, Arizona Musicfest shares experiences online. Its Musicfest Online series offers “Internet Interludes,” which features encore video excerpts of recent performances. The organization continues to provide ongoing music curriculum support for local schools, an important initiative that began when schools closed in the spring and will continue into the fall. “No matter how this season evolves, through it all, our enduring vision to ‘Bring the Joy of Music to All’ will guide and inspire our efforts,” Naplan says. To learn more, visit azmusicfest.org.
