Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 2019–20 Season Preview

Anne-Sophie Mutter Photo by Bastian Achard

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — It’s a new season full of new experiences at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The 2019–20 seaon is jam-packed with legends of world music, acclaimed dance companies, renowned classical musicians, returning favorites and more. A few noteworthy performances are Rufus Wainwright’s Oh Solo Wainwright performance, Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin, DIAVOLO, Jane Lynch and Karen Flannery, the return of Capitol Steps, internationally known violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, West Coast dance sensation Jacob Jonas the Company and Broadway veteran Patti LuPone. Most performances listed in our 2019–20 season preview will take place in the Center’s intimate 853-seat Virginia G. Piper Theater. Currently, patrons can purchase season subscriptions to many of our performances.


Bryan Wallick, piano
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8 p.m.

Bryan Wallick made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1998 and has been performing on the world’s most coveted stages for more than two decades. Nationally and internationally, Wallick’s piano performances are a beloved staple of classical concerts.


The Best of Broadway 
Friday, November 8, 2019, 8 p.m. 

Celebrate Broadway’s greatest hits, featuring four powerhouse vocalists and a 10-piece orchestra. Experience the hits and classics from “Jersey Boys,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” and the works of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more.


Jesse Cook Follow the Road Tour
Saturday, November 9, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Canadian guitarist and composer Jesse Cook is one of the most influential figures in nuevo flamenco music, fusing elements of flamenco rumba, jazz, classical and world music. The JUNO Award winner is an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music. Guests can experience Cook with a concert under the stars.


Virginia G. Piper Series
Inon Barnatan, piano
Alisa Weilerstein, cello

Sunday, November 10, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein, a 2011 recipient of the MacArthur “genius grant,” and piano virtuoso Inon Barnatan come together for a poetic rendering of classical music, fresh from their respective performances with the Los Angeles, New York and London philharmonic orchestras.


The Four Italian Tenors
Friday, November 15, 2019, 8 p.m.

On their debut American tour, The Four Italian Tenors serenade audiences with the greatest tenor arias of all time, from Verdi’s “Questa o quella” and “La Donna e Mobile” (“Rigoletto”) to Rossini’s “La Danza” and Puccini’s iconic tenor aria “Nessun Dorma” (“Turandot”). These four tenors are the faces and voices of Italy’s next great operatic generation.


ERTH’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure
Saturday, November 16, 2019, 2 p.m.

Take your family on an excursion to the bottom of the ocean. ERTH’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure is an underwater experience that invites you to jump in and explore unknown ocean depths, where prehistoric marine reptiles lived centuries ago — and maybe live still today!


DIAVOLO Architecture in Motion®
Friday, November 22, 2019, 8 p.m.

DIAVOLO returns to Scottsdale with its high-energy contemporary dance, martial arts, acrobatics, gymnastics and hip-hop. The company brings the audience along for an emotional performance, set against the backdrop of an elaborately designed and interactive space.


Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery: Two Lost Souls
Featuring The Tony Guerrero Quintet
Saturday, November 23, 2019, 8 p.m.

Acclaimed singers/actors Jane Lynch and Kate Flannery bring their “Two Lost Souls” show to Scottsdale. During this performance, Lynch and Flannery put their one-of-a-kind spin on songs from Broadway to The Barry Sisters to the Swingin’ Sixties. Tony Guerrero serves as the duo’s musical director. 


The Capitol Steps
Friday, November 29, 2019, 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 30, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sharing songs and skits, the irreverent Washington D.C.-based political comedy troupe pokes fun at all sides of the issues — from left to right — with fresh, up-to-the-minute material inspired by the latest headlines, scandals, and more.


Mary Chapin Carpenter & Shawn Colvin
Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Longtime musical collaborators Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin perform together as an intimate, acoustic duo, swapping songs and sharing stories. This special show will feature the acclaimed singer-songwriters performing some of their favorite songs while exploring material from their own vast catalogues.


Scottsdale Arts Gala
Saturday, December 7, 2019

Scottsdale Arts’ yearly fundraiser featuring the biggest names, fresh from Broadway, right in your own backyard. Guests will enjoy gourmet eats, fabulous entertainment and more at Scottsdale Arts Gala.


Bill Frisell and Julian Lage Duo
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Don’t miss this duet featuring two of the most creative guitarists in jazz. Grammy®-nominated Bill Frisell’s career as a guitarist and composer has spanned more than 40 years. Hailed as one of the most prodigious guitarists of his generation, Julian Lage joins Frisell on stage in this unforgettable duet.


Keyboard Conversations® With Jeffrey Siegel returns for his 41st season from December to March, on the second Tuesday of each month.

The Miracle of Mozart
Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

Experience Mozart’s rousing Rondo alla Turca, the poignant Adagio in B minor, and the tempestuous Sonata in A minor, written after the death of his mother.

Warm Romantic Music from the Far Cold North! Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Heartwarming musical gems of Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Brahms and Sibelius.

Mistresses and Masterpieces 
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Music inspired by the loves in the lives of Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Mendelssohn and Bartók.

Fascinatin’ Rhythms!
Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 7:30 p.m.

Syncopated music of Gershwin and Scott Joplin, zesty polkas of Stravinsky and Shostakovich and stirring marches of Prokofiev and John Philip Sousa.


Mariachi Sol de México® de José Hernández Presents  A Merry-Achi Christmas
Saturday, December 14, 2019, 8:00 p.m.

Maestro José Hernández and his platinum-selling Mariachi Sol de México® perform treasured holiday classics and favorites from the mariachi songbook. A graceful blend of classical, pop, jazz, swing, and Broadway tunes, Hernández’s organic, irreverent renditions have become instant classics.


Scottsdale Philharmonic | Holiday Show
Sunday, December 15, 2019, 4 p.m.

Conducted by Ajay R. Patel, the professional musicians of the Scottsdale Philharmonic perform a special holiday program, featuring many traditional classics of the season.


Assisted Living: The Musical® THE HOME…for the Holidays
Tuesday, December 17 – Sunday, December 22, 2019 Tuesday – Thursday, 2 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunday, 2 p.m.

The hilarious comedy team of Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett are off their walkers once again in “Assisted Living: The Musical® — THE HOME…for the Holidays,” an all-new, hysterical holiday sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. Christmas and retirement will never be the same!


Voctave The Spirit of the Season
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 7 p.m.

Voctave’s gorgeous arrangements of Disney and Broadway hits have received millions of views on Facebook and YouTube. This a cappella concert is perfect for the whole family and sets the mood for a cheerful holiday season.