Under the baton of Julie Desbordes, the Symphony of the Southwest presents live classical music to audiences in the East Valley. Since 1956, the Symphony has been committed to bringing culture, education and beauty to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Join us at the Ikeda Theater in the Mesa Arts Center for our 70th concert season.
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View our 70th season schedule below.
Celebrate the warmth and wonder of the holiday season with Noël, a festive afternoon of orchestral favorites and seasonal storytelling.
The program opens with Simeone’s iconic “The Little Drummer Boy”, followed by Humperdinck’s… READ MORE.
Lights, camera, music! Join the Symphony of the Southwest for Hollywood Then and Now, an exciting journey through the unforgettable sounds of the silver screen. From the golden age of Hollywood to today's... READ MORE.
The Symphony of the Southwest is proud to present Link Up: The Orchestra Sings, an engaging and interactive concert experience that brings students and professional musicians together through the power of music... READ MORE.
Join the Symphony of the Southwest as we celebrate the grand finale of our 70th Anniversary Season with Viva!, an uplifting program that honors the power of music to bring people together across cultures and generations.
The concert opens with Cabaniss's... READ MORE.
Celebration marks the opening of the Symphony of the Southwest's 70th season with a program that reflects both the orchestra's distinguished legacy and its enduring artistic vision. Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man and Beethoven’s Egmont Overture... READ MORE.
The Symphony of the Southwest proudly concludes its 69th season with Rising: a powerful Spring concert that celebrates artistry, resilience, and the brilliance within our orchestra.
Join us at our home venue: the Ikeda Theater at the Mesa Arts Center, for an evening that highlights both individual talent and collective spirit.
Honoring the strength and voice of women in music, the first half opens with Joan Tower’s bold and exhilarating Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman. We then spotlight our own stellar principal cellist, Blythe Tretick, in a stirring performance of Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2. In the second half, the full orchestra takes center stage with Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5: a sweeping, emotional journey that allows every section of the ensemble to shine.
Start 2026 with passion, rhythm, and energy as the Symphony of the Southwest presents Fuego: a vibrant celebration of Latin orchestral music! From the bold flair of Chabrier to the fiery rhythms of Márquez, Donjuan, and Moncayo, this electrifying concert will make you want to dance!
Join us at our home, the Ikeda Theater at the Mesa Arts Center, for an unforgettable evening of music that pulses with life and color. In the second half, we proudly welcome our talented Youth Symphony of the Southwest, under the direction of Maestro Jeff Quamo, to continue the celebration and showcase the next generation of musical excellence.
Let your holiday spirits soar as the Symphony of the Southwest invites you to Wonderland: a magical journey filled with the joy and nostalgia of the holiday season!
As our second concert of the 2025-2026 season, held at our beautiful Ikeda Theater at our home venue: the Mesa Arts Center, Wonderland will transport audiences of all ages to cherished moments of childhood and wonder.
Wonderland features enchanting works by Mozart and Ravel, along with our beloved Holiday Sing-Along. This festive evening promises familiar favorites and heartwarming memories. Bring the whole family and celebrate the season with one of the Valley’s most cherished orchestras.
Entering its 69th season, the Symphony of the Southwest proudly welcomes our new Music Director, French-American conductor Dr. Julie Desbordes, known for engaging audience and musicians alike with exciting programming and concert presentations.
Join us for an exhilarating season opener, Inspiration, at our home venue: the stunning Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center!
Inspiration features works by Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Piazzolla and Beethoven, brought to life under the baton of Maestro Desbordes. We are also thrilled to present internationally renowned trumpet guest soloist Joe Burgstaller (Canadian Brass member and ASU Professor) in a powerful collaboration you won’t want to miss.