The Scottsdale Philharmonic has hired a full-time, world-class conductor, Maestro Dmitry Polyakov from Europe, to open its 11th season on Sunday, Oct. 9.

The musical program for Oct. 9 will include Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto Mvt. 1” with soloist Heather Van Beek, Rubenstein’s “Melody in F” with piano soloist Vitaly Serebriakov, Liszt’s “Oh! Quand je dors” with soloist Melissa Solomon and Carl’s “O Fortuna from Carmina Burana” with full chorus, according to a press release.

“We are so lucky and privileged that Dmitry has decided to accept the position and become our principal conductor as we begin our newest vision of seeing the Scottsdale Philharmonic become a major symphony in Arizona,” Joy Partridge, president and co-founder of the Scottsdale Philharmonic, said in the release.

All concerts in the Scottsdale Philharmonic’s 2022-23 season (Oct. 9, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Feb. 19, March 19 and May 7) will be held at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. in Scottsdale, from 4–6 p.m.

Ticket donations of $15 are available for all upcoming concerts online, and the venue website lists the latest information about COVID-19 protocols for the events.

“Every great symphony must first start with a great conductor,” Partridge said in the release. “Dmitry amazed both our musicians and audience as a visiting guest conductor with his brilliant talent and masterful skills as he conducted our spring concerts. He received numerous standing ovations and tremendous enthusiastic applause from our audience. It was an exciting moment for all of us who were there. Our orchestra members have expressed their enjoyment in performing under the baton of our new and exciting musical leader. We feel his skills as a conductor enhances our abilities to perform at our highest level.”

The vision of creating the Scottsdale Philharmonic into a major symphony in Arizona is just beginning, Partridge explained. Maestro Polyakov is a key figure in building Scottsdale Philharmonic’s future, so the Conductor’s Circle Sponsorship program was created.

Contributions to this program will allow Scottsdale Philharmonic to develop its vision of a first class symphony in the city, build a great symphonic orchestra and perform unforgettable concerts.

“We want to thank our Mayor David Ortega, the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and our audience, sponsors, donors and benefactors,” Partridge said in the release. “We are so grateful to all of you. As a nonprofit, the orchestra always welcomes volunteers and any generous support. We are looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming concerts.”

For information about the Scottsdale Philharmonic or to make a donation, call 480-951-6077.