On March 16, the Civic Orchestra of Tucson and University of Arizona dance students will present a free concert at Crowder Hall, featuring music composed and performed by women. An abridged version of the show will also be performed for children with special needs on March 15 at Canyon del Oro High School.

The Civic Orchestra of Tucson is made up of volunteers whose mission is to provide the people of Tucson with opportunities to see live classical arts without having to pay a dime.

Michele Holzman, violinist and general manager of the orchestra, began the Civic Orchestra’s tradition of celebrating women in music last year. She said that classical music composers today are far too often male, so what better time to showcase a female composer than during Women’s History Month?

The Civic Orchestra of Tucson will play music composed by Amy Beach, the first American woman to publish a symphony. The full show will also include four ballerinas performing excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty and a piano solo by Soo Yoen Kim, a University of Arizona Ph.D. graduate.

Holzman is ecstatic for another year of showing Tucson how important women are to music.

“It’s about [women], it’s composed by them, it’s performed by them […] and you don’t get to see it that often,” Holzman said.

With her experience as a professional dancer and dance teacher, Holzman stepped up as a choreographer to rehearse the dancers for this upcoming performance. Having such skilled dancers accompany an orchestra is rare, adding another layer of magic to the experience.

Even the dancers can’t wait to bourrée onto the stage to the music of a live orchestra rather than their usual recorded soundtracks.

Abigail Jacobs, one of the four UA dancers in the show, has been dancing for 19 years and said that dancing to live music is an unforgettable experience.

 “It teaches you how to listen to the music […] and it’s fun to do in tandem [with the musicians] because you’re both so good at your craft,” Jacobs said.

The brilliant talent of the musicians and dancers is sure to blow any audience away, which is why Holzman knew it was necessary to add an inclusive show for an audience with special needs. She reached out to the Autism Society of Southern Arizona to invite children who may not otherwise have the chance to see a live performance. This show is also free and open to anyone who would like to attend.

Fran Moskovitz, who has been the Civic Orchestra’s principal flutist for 30 years, loved playing for the orchestra’s inclusive show last year. She even praised the audience for being more engaged than what she was used to. 

“I believe the kids were so absorbed in what they were seeing and listening to that it was such a thrill for them,” Moskovitz said.

The reaction from the inclusive audience makes it clear how impactful music is and how important it is for everyone to experience live arts.

So, if you’re curious to see what women are capable of this Women’s History Month, come see the Civic Orchestra of Tucson Celebrates Women concert for free on March 16 at Crowder Hall. And if you have someone special in your life who may need accommodations, the inclusive show on March 15 at Canyon del Oro High School is perfect for them.

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