For Immediate Release
MEDIA CONTACT:
Natalie Wilson
natalie@mcraeagency.com
214.799.3055
Premier event showcased an exclusive performance by Elfman followed by sit- down dinner
PHOENIX (Nov. 12, 2025) — Reflecting the Phoenix community’s widespread commitment to supporting the arts, approximately 440 guests attended the Phoenix Symphony Gala on Oct. 11 at Symphony Hall and the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, successfully raising more than $550,000 for the Symphony’s artistic and educational initiatives. In a prominent celebration of music and film, the event featured an exclusive performance by world-famous film-and-television composer Danny Elfman, showcasing the iconic music of director Tim Burton’s most beloved films.
Following a cocktail reception and Elfman’s performance at Symphony Hall, the fundraiser included a three-course meal, live entertainment and dancing at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.
“The Phoenix Symphony family offers our deepest gratitude for the incredible generosity our community has shown us, and to Danny Elfman for contributing his time and unparalleled talents to further nurture our artistic initiatives across the Valley,” said Peter Kjome, president and CEO of the Phoenix Symphony. “This event demonstrated how the pervasive power of symphonic music touches all of our lives, not only through timeless classics but also through the rollicking scores of film and television. These donations will help provide valuable programs that foster appreciation among new generations, planting the seeds for future artistic greats.”
With education serving as a foundational component of its mission, the Phoenix Symphony offers numerous outreach programs impacting students and many others across the Valley. These include special performances for students at Symphony for the Schools Field Trips, ensemble performances at area schools and community college campuses, and the Mind Over Music program training teachers to integrate music into STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, and math).
A vaunted composer, singer-songwriter and recording artist, Elfman has earned international renown for composing over 100 feature film scores, as well as compositions for television, stage productions and the concert hall. This includes scoring 17 Burton films, such as “Batman,” “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” for which Elfman sang the lead role in the film and at the performance. Elfman also recorded and performed as lead singer and songwriter for rock band Oingo Boingo for 17 years.
Images from the Phoenix Symphony Gala are available here.
About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is one of Arizona’s largest performing arts organizations and is a vital cultural asset for the state. In addition to showcasing traditional and contemporary works at Symphony Hall and across the Valley, the Symphony’s world-class musicians actively engage with the community, supported by generous contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals. The Symphony thrives through collaborations with acclaimed guest conductors and artists. Its core mission is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and uplift our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, the orchestra reaches over 100,000 students through educational initiatives and partnerships and creates meaningful connections for tens of thousands of adults, including those experiencing homelessness, living in Alzheimer’s care facilities, and receiving treatment in hospitals and hospice care. In 2023 alone, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled over 14,000 miles throughout Arizona, volunteering in Community Engagement and Education efforts.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.
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