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The Phoenix Symphony notes: ‘I Love You Arizona’ in virtual show

Posted 11/30/20

The Phoenix Symphony has found a new way to express its admiration and pride for Arizona as its 66 musicians created a virtual performance of the Rex Allen, Jr. song “I Love You Arizona.”

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The Phoenix Symphony notes: ‘I Love You Arizona’ in virtual show

Posted

The Phoenix Symphony has found a new way to express its admiration and pride for Arizona as its 66 musicians created a virtual performance of the Rex Allen, Jr. song “I Love You Arizona.”

Often referred to as “Arizona” and one of the state’s official songs, according to a press release, in partnership with Arizona Highways magazine, the show was accompanied by the musical voice of singer/songwriter and Phoenix native Dierks Bentley.

The Symphony has collaborated with Mr. Allen Jr. since 2013 on numerous projects. He and his father are natives of Willcox and are known for their famous renditions of cowboy songs.

Mr. Allen Jr. wrote the song in 1981, the release said, noting that the Secretary of State’s Office, the Arizona Legislature named the song an official state song in 1982.

The multimedia project highlights the world-class talent of The Phoenix Symphony, the vocals sung by Mr. Bentley — a three-time Country Music Association award winner — and the images provided by Arizona Highways contributors that feature the state's beauty, described the release.

“We are all so proud of this uplifting project that showcases the exquisite beauty of our state and the talented artists that enrich our community,” said Suzanne Wilson, president and CEO of The Phoenix Symphony, in a prepared statement.

“Our meaningful collaboration with Arizona Highways and Dierks Bentley exemplifies the unity, passion and fondness we all have for Arizona. The Phoenix Symphony is grateful to our partners for their invaluable contributions to this special presentation.”

Robert Stieve, editor in chief of Arizona Highways, detailed his excitement of collaborating with The Phoenix Symphony to make the video a reality.

“Arizona Highways has a long history of showcasing the natural beauty of our state,” said Mr. Steve in a prepared statement of the magazine that promotes travel to and through Arizona with landscape photography, travel guidebooks, calendars and other products for Arizona travel.

Published by the Arizona Department of Transportation, the magazine, founded in 1925, has subscribers in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, noted the release.

“Usually, we do that with words and photographs. This collaboration, however, adds an incredible soundtrack to the mix. We’re proud to work with The Phoenix Symphony on this exciting project," said Mr. Steve.

And we’re grateful to our photographers, who, in the spirit of solidarity, donated so many beautiful images. I can’t think of better way to tell the ‘Arizona Story’ than a video like this. It’ll be a point of pride for Arizonans around the world.”

The Phoenix Symphony --- Arizona’s largest performing arts organization with classical and pops concerts at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, as well as throughout central Arizona, September through the beginning of early June ---  invites people from all over to submit and share what they appreciate and treasure most about Arizona.