PHOENIX (March. 17 2026) – The Phoenix Symphony welcomed a sold-out audience to Symphony Hall on Feb. 19 for its annual Savor the Symphony luncheon, this year themed Disco Divas, raising $240K in support of The Phoenix Symphony’s Community Engagement and Education programs.
More than 225 guests gathered for the beloved daytime fundraiser, which offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a working rehearsal followed by a chef-curated luncheon. This year’s high-energy rehearsal featured Disco Divas, a vibrant celebration of the iconic artists and unforgettable sounds of the disco era. Guest vocalists Tamika Lawrence, Shayna Steele, and Kelly Levesque delivered powerhouse performances, their dynamic stage presence and soaring vocals shaking Symphony Hall and bringing the spirit of disco to life.
Guests experienced the Symphony in rehearsal mode, gaining insight into the artistic process while enjoying commentary from musicians and artistic leadership. The immersive format continues to make Savor the Symphony one of the organization’s most distinctive and anticipated annual traditions.
Following the rehearsal, attendees enjoyed a specially curated luncheon by Chef Stephani O’Connor, who leads culinary development for Zinburger and Blanco with Fox Restaurant Concepts and previously served as Director of Culinary at Torchy’s Tacos. With more than 20 years in the restaurant industry, O’Connor crafted a menu designed to complement the lively, celebratory spirit of the afternoon.
The 2026 luncheon was chaired by community leaders Cathy Stein and Meghan Cox, whose dedication to the arts helped drive the event’s continued growth and success.
“A thriving symphony is a hallmark of any great metropolitan city, and we are proud that Phoenix has one of the finest in the country. Savor the Symphony is a celebration of that excellence — bringing our community together to support world-class performances while expanding The Phoenix Symphony’s education and outreach programs that enrich thousands of students and families across the Valley,” stated the Chairs.
The Phoenix Symphony extends special thanks to this year’s Savor the Symphony sponsors, including Navi Nurses, Goodmans Interior Structures, National Bank of Arizona, Mac and Russell Perlich, Butler Family Foundation, and iHeartRadio, whose generosity helped make the event possible.
Proceeds from Savor the Symphony directly support The Phoenix Symphony’s Community Engagement and Education initiatives, including school field trips; school and community performances; music-integrated learning programs; and outreach efforts serving hospitals, care facilities, and underserved populations throughout Arizona.
###
About The Phoenix Symphony
The Phoenix Symphony is one of the state’s most important cultural assets. In addition to performing traditional and modern repertoire in Symphony Hall and around the Valley, its world-class musicians are actively engaged in the community thanks to generous foundation, corporation, and individual support. The Symphony is strengthened by collaborating with renowned guest conductors and artists. The core mission of the Phoenix Symphony is to provide extraordinary musical experiences that inspire and advance our community, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Annually, orchestra members empower more than 100,000 students through education and partnerships and create opportunities for deeper connection for tens of thousands of adults experiencing homelessness, in Alzheimer’s care facilities, in hospitals and in hospice. Overall, Phoenix Symphony musicians traveled more than 14,000 miles across Arizona in 2024 to volunteer in Community Engagement and Education activities.
To learn more, please visit phoenixsymphony.org.