By now you might have heard – Arizona is turning 100! To commemorate the occasion, a variety of events and celebrations are taking place across the state between now and February 2012.
We’re getting in on the party and we hope you will, too. Join us as we paint the state, literally, with arts-related commemorative events. Concerts, festivals, parades and other special projects will be a focal point as we celebrate our statehood.
The Arizona Commission on the Arts commissioned two musical pieces to be performed as part of this celebration. “Turquoise and Thunderstorm” (Dr. James DeMars, Choral) and “Arizona Centennial Overture” (Sy Brandon, Band and Orchestra) are now available on the Arts Commission’s website, free of charge. Renowned poet and author, Alberto Rios, contributed the libretto for the choral piece. Visit the Arts Commission’s Centennial Projects webpage, to hear samples of each piece, and to download the scores.
The commissioned compositions are available for performance by a wide variety of musicians, including high school, college/university, community, faith-based, professional or semi-professional ensembles, and more. The pieces are celebratory in nature and reflective of the unique historical and cultural aspects of the state.
In addition to the centennial music compositions, consider activities and celebrations in your school, community or organization. What projects, events or residencies might your community like to present? Commemorate the history and traditions that have shaped our state through a mural project, festival, community concert, theatrical production, parade, artist residency or art exhibition. Explore the listed Arizona artist rosters to discover artists for your community project.
Arizona Commission on the Arts: Teaching Artist Roster
Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture: Artspace
ShowUp.com: Artist Profile Directory
Tubac Center of the Arts: Artist Directory
Tucson Pima Arts Council: Artist Roster
West Valley Arts Council: Cultural Resources Directory
The arts help us to define our collective history, to celebrate our diverse cultures and to imagine a bright future for our state. Together, we can imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts.
