Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra | A Season of Light
Dec 14, 2025 / 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season with festive favorites, a holiday sing-along, joyful traditions, and a visit from Santa Claus in this family-friendly musical celebration.
Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra’s six-part journey through the United States of America's 250 years of spirit, struggle, and triumph concludes with Dreams of Freedom, a sweeping orchestral celebration of America’s complex and vibrant identity.
At its heart is Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a bold fusion of classical and jazz traditions that captures the energy, diversity, and innovation of the American spirit. Alongside it, works by Beethoven, Copland, and Daugherty trace the arc of struggle, progress, and creative freedom that has shaped the nation’s story. Barber’s Adagio for Strings offers a moment of solemn reflection, honoring sacrifice and resilience in times of national hardship. Together, these works form a powerful musical narrative—one that embraces both the joy and the gravity of the American experience. Dreams of Freedom invites audiences to reflect on the past 250 years through music that inspires, challenges, and unites.
Program
Ludwig van Beethoven: Leonore Overture no. 3
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Jose Salazar, Piano Soloist
– Intermission
Aaron Copland: An Outdoor Overture
Samuel Barber: Adagio for Strings
Michael Daugherty: Night Owl
Dates for Scottsdale Symphonic
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025: Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra | Legends and Legacy
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025: Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra | A Season of Light
Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026: Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra | Voices of Courage
Sunday, Mar. 22, 2026: Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra | The Wayfarer's Hope
Associated Event
Join Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra for Behind the Baton preceding the concert at 3:15 p.m. as Artistic Director Desmond Siu shares the stories behind the music. Behind the Baton is included in the price of your ticket and is open seating.
Dec 14, 2025 / 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season with festive favorites, a holiday sing-along, joyful traditions, and a visit from Santa Claus in this family-friendly musical celebration.

Dec 16, 2025 / 7:30 p.m.
Discover the genius of a young Beethoven through his passionate Sonata Pathetique, humorous Rage Over a Lost Penny, and deeply moving “Largo e Mesto.”

Jan 13, 2026 / 7:30 p.m.
Meet the romantic side of Chopin through exhilarating polonaises, dreamy nocturnes, charming waltzes, poignant mazurkas, and the narrative Ballade in A Flat.

Jan 24, 2026 / 7:30 p.m.
Witness the Phoenix Chorale's “enviably smooth and sumptuous” sound as the internationally recognized ensemble presents "TRANSCENDENCE", a program exclusive to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Art...
