Sept. 20, 2016

Phoenix Symphony Chairman’s Reception Kicks Off New Season

Top, left to right: Wendy Gould and Robert Slaughter; Dr. James Kort, Ina Smeets, Maria Syms and David Bornemann; Steven Moeckel, Shane Doan and Tito Muñoz. Bottom, left to right: Shane Doan conducts the national anthem; Shane and Andrea Doan, Molly DeFilippis and Jim Ward

The Phoenix Symphony’s Annual Chairman’s Reception kicked off Opening Night weekend Sept. 16 at the offices of Squire Patton Boggs, affording the 150 guests panoramic views of the Valley.

Tito Muñoz, the Virginia G. Piper Music Director; Jim Ward, Symphony president and CEO; Shane Doan, Arizona Coyotes captain; and John Graham, chair of the Symphony Board Board of Directors, met with board members and supporters to celebrate Maestro Muñoz’s third season.

Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres as Muñoz discussed his vision for this season, which is infused with young, American composers like Nina Young, who was present at the reception and whose piece Remnants was performed at opening night. During the presentation, special guest conductor Doan joined Muñoz at the podium and they exchanged gifts, a baton for Doan and a jersey for Muñoz.

After the reception, guests made their way to Symphony Hall for Opening Night, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. To officially begin the Opening Night concert, Doan guest conducted “The Star Spangled Banner.”

With three performances this year, Opening Weekend had record ticket sales and attendance.

Opening Night was presented by National Bank of Arizona and the Arizona Coyotes.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE PHOENIX SYMPHONY