Zephyr Woodwind Quintet Presents: Echoes of the American West
Set in the evocative surroundings of the Women of the Southwest: A Legacy of Painting exhibit, this concert brings to life iconic western landscapes, legendary tales, and cinematic adventures through the vibrant colors of woodwind music.
The program features beloved film themes such as Elmer Bernstein’s The Magnificent Seven and the playful nostalgia of Blazing Saddles, alongside evocative original works like Tales of the Sierra Madre and William Grant Still’s Miniatures for Woodwind Quintet. From the sweeping Grand Canyon vistas of On the Trail to the frontier charm of The Streets of Laredo and Way Out West, each piece pays tribute to the enduring myths and melodies of the West.
Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast, a fan of western film scores, or a curious museum-goer, this performance offers a lively and accessible musical journey. The concert will be followed by a docent-led tour of selected galleries.
Seating is limited—reserve your place today and experience the West as you’ve never heard it before!
Program Info:
Sunday, July 13
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Concert performance
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Museum docent-led tour
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program
About:
The Zephyr Woodwind Quintet brings together five accomplished musicians united by their passion for collaboration, storytelling, and expressive chamber music. Based in the greater Phoenix area, Zephyr draws its name from the gentle western breeze—an image that reflects both the clarity of wind instruments and the spirit of the American Southwest. Zephyr’s performances aim to be immersive, thoughtful, and welcoming—offering audiences not just a concert, but a shared musical experience that resonates long after the final note. The talented musicians in the Zephyr Woodwind Quintet include:
Michelle Wall, Flute
Michelle has served as acting principal flute with the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra and Chandler Symphony Orchestra and has performed as a soloist with the La Sierra University Orchestra and Loma Linda University Church Orchestra. Michelle has appeared on televised broadcasts such as AZ Family 3TV and Good News TV. When not performing, Michelle is a practicing dentist and serves as adjunct faculty at Midwestern University’s School of Dental Medicine.
Denise Wilson, Oboe
Denise Wilson is the founder of the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra, where she serves as Board President and Executive Director, as well as principal oboe and English hornist. She is also a co-founder of the Zephyr Wind Quintet. Denise appears regularly with ensembles throughout Arizona, including the Flagstaff Symphony and Chandler Symphony. She has held principal positions with the Scottsdale Philharmonic and performed with the West Valley Symphony, MusicaNova Orchestra, Gilbert Symphony, and Tempe Symphony. In addition to her musical endeavors, Denise is a professional jet aircraft broker and the founder of The Jet Agent, a nationally recognized aviation firm.
Heather Van Beek, Clarinet
Heather Van Beek is a founding member of the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra where she currently serves as Principal Clarinet, as well as the organization’s Secretary, Vice President of the Board of Directors, and Librarian. She is also the co-founder of the Zephyr Wind Quintet. Heather performed for 20 years with U.S. Army Bands, entertaining audiences across the globe. Following her military retirement, she made her home in Arizona, where she maintains an active performance schedule. In addition to her work with Zephyr and the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra, she performs with the clarinet quartet Clarinets del Sol and a variety of other ensembles throughout the Valley.
Donald Harvey, Horn
Donald Harvey is an accomplished hornist whose versatile career includes performances with Arizona Opera, Phoenix Theatre, numerous touring artists, and many of the leading orchestras across the Valley. He currently serves as Principal Horn with the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra and is an avid chamber musician, performing regularly as a member of Zephyr Wind Quintet.
Donald’s commitment to the arts extends beyond performance—he has served as a board member for both the Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra and the Chandler Symphony Orchestra, supporting the growth of community music in Arizona. Offstage, Donald is the Director of Sales for Venue8600.
Leah Shanley, Bassoon
Leah Shanley is an accomplished bassoonist and music educator. Her orchestral career includes performances with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra (TN), Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. Currently, she serves as Director of Bands at Liberty High School in Peoria, Arizona, where she inspires the next generation of musicians. In addition to her teaching and performing, she contributes to the local arts community through leadership roles in arts education initiatives and festival planning.
Programs and times are subject to change.
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