In the 1940s, Phoenix’s population was less than 100,000. The occasional saguaro served as a lamppost, whiskey and wine sold for a whopping 10 cents, and the Phoenix Street Railway operated streetcars for 33 miles. But times were changing fast. World War II turned agricultural Phoenix into an industrial hub, expanding the population by 63 percent.
This growth explosion brought new culture to the city, too. In May 1947 the Phoenix Symphony Association organized to create an orchestra. Most of the 77 orchestra members were selected among local Phoenix talent, but John Barnett, the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was hired as the first conductor. He recruited several L.A. musicians to help fill out the remaining chairs. Imagine the dedication—commuting regularly between the still-developing Phoenix and the burgeoning metropolis of Los Angeles!
On November 10 of that year, the ragtag group of musicians took the stage of the Phoenix Union High School gymnasium to perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 5. Harvey Zorn, principal oboe, played the first concert “A” note. As it drifted through the air, in a space lacking state-of-the-art acoustics or plush-cushioned seats, could anyone have predicted the Symphony’s future success?
For the first 25 years, performances were held in that very gym. But the 1972 construction of Symphony Hall marked a coming of age for the Symphony. Today, they are Arizona’s only full-time, professional symphony orchestra and largest performing arts group.
The Phoenix Symphony’s mission is to “provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.” This mission is evident in the ambitious milestones the Symphony has achieved since its inception more than 75 years ago, including hiring the youngest music director of a major American symphony (James Sedares), winning accolades like the prestigious ECHO Award, and hosting world-renowned guest conductors and artists. Among these household names are Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Evelyn Glennie.
The Symphony’s artistic excellence expands into their community engagement and education programs, too. Think of the sheer impact: their Learning Institute reaches more than 125,000 students, teachers, and families each year with school-based concerts, STEM education, and a cross-cultural residency with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. And their Health Initiative provides live, interactive in-home performances for hospice patients, hospitals, and homeless shelters.
The orchestra even collaborates with other local organizations, such as Ballet Arizona, the Heard Museum, and the AZ Science Center.
Every year, the Symphony offers seasonal programs—from Classics to the Pops—to appeal to the Valley’s diverse tastes.
The 2025-2026 season is a carefully curated exploration of the journey music takes us on. It features 40 plus concerts spanning films, popular music, and the classics. There’s much to thrill film lovers, including Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, Back to the Future, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Pop lovers likely want to indulge in Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, Sinatra & Beyond, featuring Tony DeSare, or The Music of Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh. Of course, the classics are represented too, everything from Mozart to Tchaikovsky. And would the holidays be complete without Home Alone or Handel’s Messiah in concert?
There are many ways to enjoy the Symphony. One of the best ways is through the “Create Your Own Subscription,” which allows you to select any four performances to attend across the different concerts.
Since its humble origins in a high school gymnasium, the Symphony has become a cultural cornerstone of artistic excellence and community connection in the Valley of the Sun. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or a curious newcomer, the Symphony promises an extraordinary musical journey.
PhoenixSymphony.org