The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra will perform a special concert Sunday, Feb. 16, in honor of Valentine’s Day, themed “East Meets West – A Love Story.”

Steven Moeckel, well known for his role as the Phoenix Symphony Concertmaster and world-class concert virtuoso, joins the orchestra as soloist in the beloved violin concerto, the “Butterfly Lovers.”

The concerto is based on the ancient Chinese legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, a tale of love, sacrifice and transformation, according to a press release.

Zhu, a young woman, disguises herself as a man to pursue an education, where she befriends Liang, a kind and scholarly young man. Over time, she falls in love with him, but by the time he learns her true identity, she is tragically promised to another.

Heartbroken, Liang dies of sorrow, and on the day of Zhu’s forced wedding, she throws herself into his grave. Miraculously, their spirits emerge as butterflies, eternally reunited in a symbol of love transcending life and death, a theme beautifully echoed in the concerto’s soaring violin melodies.

Also featured on the program is Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” Overture.”

The orchestra is led by Music Director Desmond Siu, known for his expressive interpretations, his passion for sharing under-performed classics with audiences and insightful pre-concert chats.

The concert will be held Sunday, Feb. 16, at 4 p.m. at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater.

‘Behind the Baton’

A special pre-concert chat, “Behind the Baton,” will be hosted by Maestro Siu immediately prior to the concert at 3:15 p.m. and will feature the inside story behind the music with guest artist Steven Moeckel sharing his insights in a conversational and intimate format.

This 20-minute session will include time for questions and is included in the price of each concert ticket.

Individual tickets range from $10 to $35 and can be purchased online at ScottsdaleSymphonicOrchestra.org.

The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra consists of 70-90 professionally trained musicians bringing high-quality symphonic music to the City of Scottsdale.

The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra is a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit ScottsdaleSymphonicOrchestra.org or email info@ScottsdaleSymphonicOrchestra.org.