106. Civic Orchestra Of Tucson
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 798-0062
Description: Founded in 1975, this volunteer symphony orchestra offers concerts at a variety of sites throughout the city. It also sponsors an annual Young Artists competition, a competition open to Tucson-area high school students, and conducts a musical education outreach program at area schools. The afternoon performing season runs October through May and offers several concerts.
107. Desert Voices
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 791-9662
Description: Established in 1988 as the Metropolitan Community Chorus, today the choral ensemble produces several major concerts between December and June. Though the group is dedicated to promoting a positive gay and lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered presence in southern Arizona, membership is open to anyone who is supportive of gay/lesbian and alternative lifestyles. Four major concerts are held at various venues throughout Tucson.
108. The Foothills Phil
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 577-5090, ext. 1910
Address: 2101 E. River Rd.
Description: This philharmonic offered through the Catalina Foothills School District brings adults and students together to share their love of music and seeks to motivate students to pursue the study of stringed instruments. It offers a complete orchestral experience. The orchestra presents concerts at Catalina Foothills High School Theater, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Dec and May. Tucson’s own Lázló Veres conducts.
109. Old Arizona Brass Band
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 529-2807
Description: This terrific brass band really takes you back to the old days. Founded in 1997 by Ray Hicks, the band’s mission is to provide a living representation of the military and civilian brass bands of territorial Arizona from 1872 to 1912. The music, uniforms, and musical instruments are authentic to the cavalry and town bands of this period. They perform throughout southern Arizona and at several historical celebrations and reenactments, including the annual Reunion de El Fuerte Festival, held at Fort Lowell Park (see the Festivals & Events chapter).
110. Sons Of Orpheus—The Male Choir Of Tucson
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 621-1649
Description: A nonprofit, nonsectarian community men’s choir, Sons of Orpheus includes men of all walks of life. Founded in 1991, the choir presents concerts throughout southern Arizona, nationally, and internationally that range from classical to popular and span all periods, styles, and languages. Director Grayson Hirst encourages any man who enjoys singing to join.
111. Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 323-7166
Description: Established in 1979, the symphony is a blend of professional and amateur volunteer musicians who offer a rich diversity of classical performances. Critics rave over the intensity of this company’s performances. Over the years the orchestra has premiered several new works by American composers in Tucson and southern Arizona, while still maintaining a balance of the classics such as works from Rossini, Beethoven, Haydn, and more. SASO performs several concerts between October and May. Performances are usually at venues around town. Season tickets and single tickets are available. Discounts are available for seniors and students.
112. Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 296-6277
Address: 5770 E. Pima St.
Insider Pick:
Description: Founded in 1939 and known as “America’s singing ambassadors,” this well-established group has become internationally recognized and tours extensively throughout North America and overseas. The chorus has performed for presidents, kings, and heads of state. Dedicated to providing boys 8 to 14 in the area with an educational opportunity as well as performance experience, the group offers many local concerts in Tucson at various venues between October and May. Their Musicale Regale, Winter Holiday, and Pops concerts are truly delightful.
113. Tucson Girls Chorus
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 577-6064
Address: 4020 E. River Rd.
Description: Founded in 1985, this nonprofit organization provides an environment where girls in grades 2 through 8 develop self-esteem, discipline, and music literacy. Today there are more than 200 girls involved in 4 choruses. The chorus usually offers many concerts at different venues around town.
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
115. Tucson Pops Orchestra
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 722-5853
Description: This professional pops orchestra has been offering southern Arizona Music Under the Stars for free since 1955. The concerts take place at Reid Park’s DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center, which is named in honor of the violinist founder of TPO. The orchestra offers several concerts each season that feature old favorites and popular classics. The concerts are held in May, June, and September.
116. Tucson Symphony Orchestra
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 882-8585 (tickets)
Address: 2175 N. 6th Ave.
Description: The oldest existing professional symphony orchestra in the Southwest, TSO was founded in 1929. During the year TSO offers world-class guest artists and several concert series, including Classics, Pops, and Masterworks. Concerts are held between September and April at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall, Catalina Foothills High School, and many other local venues.
117. University Community Chorus
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 626-8936
Description: This exciting 100-plus chorus is made up of university students, professors, and professional and amateur singers from the community. The chorus performs several concerts a year, including a popular holiday songfest. Works range from Handel to Orff. No auditions are necessary.
118. University Of Arizona College Of Fine Arts
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 621-1307
Address: 1017 N. Olive Rd.
Description: Numerous events are held during the school year at the College of Fine Arts, which has existed for more than 100 years. With the help of its world-renowned faculty (who are highlighted during the Faculty Artist Series) and its 500 music majors and 100 dance majors, the School of Music presents more than 300 concerts per year, almost on a daily basis. Concerts feature everything from classical recitals, jazz, and opera to steel drum bands.
119. Arizona Early Music Society (Aems)
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (520) 297-3448
Description: This nonprofit group’s mission is to present concerts of early music and promote related activities such as classes about various forms of early music, including harpsichord, lute, harp, and violin. Smaller, more intimate concerts are a part of the Hausmusik series. Private homes serve as the venue. Tickets, which include a meal, are $30.
120. Desert Bluegrass Association
City: Tucson, AZ
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: A nonprofit group of pickers gets together once a month and produces a monthly newsletter to inform members of upcoming bluegrass music events and news. Dues are annual and include the newsletter. Pickers and players gather several times per week at local eateries to jam. Listeners are more than welcome (bring your banjo if you want to join in). These jam sessions are free. They also sponsor fall and spring festivals. (See the Festivals & Events chapter.) Membership will get you a newsletter, info on upcoming events, and discounts on events statewide.