Amplify the music. Advance our community. One note at a time.
In partnership with our community, we are taking bold steps toward a bright and enduring future, in pursuit of our mission to deliver extraordinary experiences that inspire, uplift, and transform lives.
As our orchestra approaches its 80th Season, the CRESCENDO campaign will embody the essence of growth, momentum, and impact for our Symphony and our community.
The word “crescendo” is a musical term that means a gradual increase in loudness or intensity. This campaign represents a collective effort to strengthen and elevate our orchestra, enriching our community now and for generations to come.
The Symphony is building on a rich tradition of excellence and service. Taking bold steps toward a vibrant future will continue to be enabled by support from those who believe in the power of our great orchestra to serve our community.
CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES
Fostering Artistic Excellence
The CRESCENDO campaign will enable our Symphony to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds.
EXTRAORDINARY MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
Investing in world-class performances ensures our Symphony remains a leader in musical excellence, providing diverse and innovative concert experiences.
ACCESSIBLE AND DIVERSE PROGRAMMING
Our Symphony offers a wide range of programming, from classical masterworks to pops, films, and family-friendly concerts, providing extraordinary musical experiences accessible to all.
ENRICHING LIVES
By attracting top-tier musicians and supporting innovative concert experiences, our Symphony enriches the cultural landscape of Phoenix, as one of our most important cultural assets.
Expanding Community Engagement
The CRESCENDO campaign will enhance our Symphony’s programs that reach far beyond the walls of Symphony Hall, using Music as a tool for wellness, to foster emotional and social connections through group interaction, and to provide a creative outlet for participants, caregivers, and families.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Musicians bring music year-round to audiences who cannot travel to the hall, connecting the community through Shelter, Memory Care, and Palliative Care programs.
HOSPICE INITIATIVE
Live music is used to support patients and families in hospice settings. Symphony musicians perform on-site and in individual rooms, creating shared moments of connection.
DIVERSE & IMPACTFUL PROGRAMMING
In collaboration with partners, we design programs specifically for the goals of each site, from research to live music in infusion units, all delivered with the artistry of Phoenix Symphony musicians.
Growing and Enhancing Education
The CRESCENDO campaign will grow our education programs that are a foundational component of the Symphony’s mission. Programs spark a connection with music by providing students opportunities to engage with professional musicians and experience live performances within their own school environments.
SYMPHONY FOR THE SCHOOLS
Free Field Trip programs for schools include Symphony performances designed for Arizona students or Open Rehearsals where students can see the workings of a professional Symphony and talk with musicians.
SCHOOL ASSEMBLY AND CLASSROOM CONCERTS
Ensembles tour to area schools to perform educational concerts. These interactive performances allow musicians, students and teachers to connect through music.
MIND OVER MUSIC ®
Mind Over Music® is a STEM initiative created by the Symphony that pairs musicians with teachers to integrate music into core curriculum lessons. One of the first symphony programs of its kind in the nation, students gain new ways to experience science and math concepts.
Enriching Cultural and Economic Vitality
The CRESCENDO campaign will enrich and change lives in our city. Sustaining our Symphony and providing our vibrant, engaging community with access to arts and culture is essential to attracting the people and jobs our region needs to grow. Our orchestra is proud to play its part — with employees who live and work in our community, and programs that reach thousands of people.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND JOB SUPPORT
The Symphony contributes to the economy by supporting jobs, attracting visitors, and enhancing our quality of life. Phoenix’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generates over $400 million in economic activity annually*, with our Symphony as the largest employer in the sector.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND GROWTH
By providing access to arts and culture, the Phoenix Symphony helps attract talent and create a positive environment for economic growth, with programs impacting thousands and employees living and working here in our community.
Campaign Priorities: A Moment of Possibility
STRENGTHEN & EXPAND PROGRAMS ($20 MILLION) BUILD A LASTING LEGACY ($40 MILLION)
The CRESCENDO campaign will enable exceptional performances along with transformative community engagement and educational programs that enrich lives:
PROVIDE VITAL STRENGTH
Fulfill our mission while fostering increased strength. As part of these efforts, achieve a multi-year agreement with our musicians – the first in almost a decade.
STRENGTHEN ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY
Provide critical investments in marketing, fundraising, operations, and programming to drive growth, enrich the audience experience, and further enhance innovative programming.
ENHANCE ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
Attract and retain the finest musicians who live and work in our community, while engaging guest artists and conductors who help inspire and elevate our performances.
The CRESCENDO campaign will build a robust endowment, which is essential to the Phoenix Symphony’s service to our community and fostering long-term sustainability. The $40 million allocated to endowment will:
ENSURE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL STABILITY
Generate reliable, predictable income to support annual operations and reduce dependence on fluctuating revenue streams. The goal is aligned with the average of peer orchestras in the United States.
PROTECT AGAINST UNCERTAINTY
Create a financial buffer to navigate economic downturns and unforeseen challenges.
SECURE THE FUTURE
Provide the flexibility to innovate and respond to the evolving needs of our community with new programs and initiatives
