2024-2025 Season

All concerts FREE with reserve tickets

Holiday Concert
Monday, November 25 | 7:30 pm

Symphony pieces include: Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) Dubinushka; Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture; Johann Strauss II (1825-1899) Emperor Waltzes; John Barnes Chance (1932-1972) Variations on a Korean Folk Song; Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004) Star Trek: First Contact

Winter Concert
Monday, February 10, 2025 | 7:30 pm

Symphony pieces include: George Enescu (1881-1955) Romanian Rhapsody Nr. 1 in A Major, Op 11; Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) Adagietto from Symphony Nr. 5; George Whitefield Chadwick (1854-1931) Symphony Nr. 2, Op. 21

Reserve tickets available starting November 25

Season Finale
Monday, April 7, 2025 | 7:30 pm

Symphony pieces include: Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) The Birds; Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104; Theodore Buchholz, Cello

Reserve tickets available starting February 10, 2025

About Tempe Symphony Orchestra 

The Tempe Symphony Orchestra is a vibrant and dedicated ensemble comprising over 80 local musician volunteers who come together to create exceptional musical experiences. With a rich history spanning 48 years, the TSO has established itself as a cornerstone of the Tempe community. Led by the accomplished Douglas Akey, former principal hornist of the orchestra, who has been guiding its artistic vision since 2010, the TSO consistently delivers outstanding performances.

Throughout each season, the orchestra presents four captivating concerts, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and innovative collaborations. With their unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the TSO brings forth powerful emotions, awe-inspiring melodies, and breathtaking harmonies that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

By embracing the passion and talent of its dedicated volunteers, the Tempe Symphony Orchestra continues to inspire and uplift its community through the transformative power of music. With each performance, they create a captivating musical tapestry, weaving together the skills and dedication of its musicians into an unforgettable symphonic experience that delights and engages audiences, ensuring the orchestra's legacy for years to come.

Douglas Akey began his musical training in the public schools of Elmhurst, Illinois. He attended Arizona State University earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Instrumental Music (1979) and a Master of Music in Solo Performance (1985). He was a well-respected middle level band director in the Phoenix area for 42 years until his retirement in 2021. During the last fourteen years of his career, in addition to teaching band, he designed and taught three non-performance courses (Notation and Theory, Arranging and Composition, Music History and Literature) in a middle school music technology lab.

As a composer, Douglas has forty-five published works for band, thirty-eight written on commission. He has often served as a clinician having directed many junior and senior high school honor bands, as well as presenting sessions for music educators throughout the United States.

Mr. Akey served as principal horn of the Tempe Symphony Orchestra for thirty-three years, and began his tenure as Music Director of the orchestra in 2010.

All Concerts are FREE and begin at 7:30 pm.
Schedule and program are subject to change.

Please note: Ticket reservations prior to the event are preferred. Tickets are limited.

This project is supported by the City of Tempe's Arts & Culture Division.