In its upcoming The New World Symphony concert, the Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra will present an exciting addition to the program: a vocal performance of Verdi’s La Traviata selection, “Brindisi” (The Drinking Song). Guest vocalists Chen Holtzman and Christopher Wall will join the orchestra on stage to bring this sparkling operatic toast to life.

In this engaging Lecture Performance, opera singers Chen Holtzman and Christopher Wall explore the captivating world of the art song—a genre where poetry, melody, and piano meet in powerful intimacy. This program focuses on Lieder, chansons, and other forms of art songs, featuring works in German, French, Italian, English, and even Hebrew. Through performance and discussion, the artists will trace the history of art songs and song cycles, uncovering where they come from, how they evolved, and spotlighting composers—both well-known and overlooked—who shaped the genre.

Join opera singers Chen Holtzman and Christopher Wall for an exploration of Hebrew vocal music, tracing its evolution from Jewish liturgical and folk traditions to the vibrant sound of contemporary Israel. This program delves into the role of music in nation-building during the Zionist era and the ways in which Hebrew music absorbed influences from Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Western cultures.

The program focuses on the rich musical melting pot that contributed to the development of Israel’s unique sound, blending these influences into both classical and contemporary expressions. As a special preview, the artists will present an excerpt from Cristiano Giuseppe Lidarti’s Esther, a rare 18th-century Hebrew oratorio, which will be fully performed at the JCC in March 2026.

In the performance of A Rhapsody of Passion & Elegance, the Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra will feature guest vocal artist Mezzo Soprano Chen Holtzman, who will perform Rossini’s “Una voce poco fa” from The Barber of Seville.