VISION
We imagine a rich cultural district in downtown Mesa being enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Anchored by Consolari Concert Hall, this comfortable, welcoming and revitalized “social living room” will become a magnet drawing people together from across the Valley and beyond to meet and share exciting social and musical experiences that also stimulate the local economy. Consolari will a
lso have a strong, professional education component. Our young people will have a variety of opportunities for exposure to music from many traditions – from enjoying performances to participating in group activities to enrolling in special, classical music education programs. Our desire is to inspire a new generation through the power of music unlike anything they’ve heard before. Surrounded by beautiful and peaceful gardens, Consolari will become a place, both inside and out, for people to gather and heal through the transcendent experiences of nature and acoustically magnificent music. And through the collaborative, inclusive process of developing, building and operating Consolari, we hope to unify our culturally diverse communities and put Arizona’s past reputation behind us. It’s time to look to the future and write the next chapter in Arizona history. Together we can create more joy, happiness, peace and prosperity for all. HEALING
Our name, “Consolari”, comes from the Latin verb meaning “to console”. Based on personal experiences, an idea has grown into the Consolari vision. A diverse group of individuals has joined together to help turn the vision into a viable, successful reality. The ideas are fresh and flexible, the approach is collaborative and we’re eager for new people to become involved. Healing will always be at the heart of Consolari. A portion of the grounds will be set aside and dedicated as “Peter’s Rose Garden”. Peter is our grandson who passed away in 2011 and inspired our mission and vision. Chelsee, our daughter, was consoled and healed by singing and performing with Millennial Choirs & Orchestras (MCO). At Consolari we will create an atmosphere of deep compassion and hope for those who seek to move forward after difficult experiences of their own. Arizona is the perfect place for Consolari. Our state has always been a top destination for anyone seeking a physical or emotional boost from the warmth our sunshine provides. This makes the Valley of the Sun the ideal location for a magnificent building and magical gardens dedicated to inspiring hope and recovery from loss… especially for parents and family members who have lost a child, as Chelsee did, “before she could hear his song”. MUSIC
“All Cultures. All Ages. All Faiths. One Voice.”
The successful growth of the Millennial Choirs & Orchestras (MCO) proves the strong desire for music education and a higher standard for music performance in the Valley. Brandon and Brett Stewart, brothers, deans and founding directors of MCO, began in 2007 with 130 young students. They now work with a combined total of 900 youth under the age of 18, with 600 youth in the East Valley alone. All 900 are instructed weekly by Brandon or Brett with the help of parent volunteers. Millennial Choirs & Orchestras itself is a burgeoning choral program with 2,000 participants and a loyal following. As a result, the Stewarts believe there is a strong, unmet demand for high quality music education for pre-college and college students in Arizona. This hidden gem has already achieved national success. MCO’s most recent two albums landed in the #1 and #3 positions on Billboard Magazine’s Traditional Classical chart, and MCO concerts sell out their six annual performances in Arizona. The explosive popularity of Millennial Choral Organizations indicates a groundswell of artistic interest and talent in the East Valley
World-class musical education will be a main pillar of Consolari. With a focus on partnerships and collaboration, we will provide innovative opportunities for our youth never before offered in Arizona. By pooling the amazing resources already available here with the best available from around the world, we will create an environment in which our children and musicians will thrive. In time, Consolari will be recognized and accepted among the very best concert halls and music education programs in the world. COMMUNITY
We are now embarking on a discovery process of exactly how to use music to build bridges across culturally diverse groups…current music lovers or not. Our goal is to foster a deeper sense of shared community and provide life-changing experiences through music, especially choral music. We believe these experiences will bring people, organizations and communities together. Our discovery process is inclusive, objective, professional and data-driven. We believe the most viable option for Consolari’s long-term success will emerge from reaching out to and collaborating with people having a wide range of diverse perspectives and unique life experiences. When people have an opportunity to enjoy great music together, it creates a spark that can ignite inspiring action and opportunity. We know Arizona is capable of greatness beyond measure. Let’s work together to create the spark, Consolari.
