Arizona Opera Announces 2016-17 Season

(Phoenix, Tucson, Ariz.) General Director Ryan Taylor and Arizona Opera announce its 45th Anniversary Season with classics and the first fully-commissioned world premiere in the company's history.  This season marks a major step for the company's Arizona Bold artistic initiative as it announces the creation of a new piece, Riders of the Purple Sage to be performed in the spring of 2017.  

"Milestone anniversary seasons are the perfect time to celebrate the glorious history and exciting future of any important arts institution," says Taylor. "Our team has assembled a diverse season featuring important new debuts, the return of local favorites, timeless classics and our company's first-ever world premiere. I can't imagine a better opportunity for first-time opera goers and passionate enthusiasts alike to experience everything that Arizona Opera offers our community!"

Performances will be held at Symphony Hall at 75 N. 2nd St in Phoenix and at the Tucson Music Hall at 260 S. Church in Tucson.

Ticket packages for the full season or a select-your-own mini pack of three shows are on sale now at www.azopera.org or by calling (602) 266-7464 (Phoenix) or (520) 293-4336 (Tucson).  

45th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 
with Frederica von Stade
The Greatest Hits of Verdi, Puccini and Mozart
TUC: October 9 at 2:00 pm in Tucson Music Hall
PHX: October 15 at 7:30 pm; October 16 at 2:00 pm in Symphony Hall

Thrill as the full orchestra, chorus and soloists join international superstar Frederica von Stade perform in this star-studded, sparkling celebration. Wear your brightest blue as the theater becomes a multi-faceted, glimmering jewel of sights and sounds.  The 45th Anniversary also celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio and will feature alumni returning to Arizona to perform opera's "greatest hits."

RUSALKA
by Antonín Dvorák
PHX: November 11 & 12 at 7:30 pm; November 13 at 2:00 pm in Symphony Hall
TUC: November 19 at 7:30 pm; November 20 at 2:00 pm in Tucson Music Hall

When the water nymph Rusalka wants to be a part of our world, she sacrifices everything for the chance at true love. You think you know the story of this little mermaid, but the fairytale doesn't break the surface. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's original story, Rusalka features dark forests, woodland sprites, and the glorious aria, "Song To The Moon." Sara Gartland, who is "enchanting, with an expanse of surging sound," (Opera Today) returns to take the title role.

Rusalka is part of the Arizona Bold Artistic Initiative.

MADAMA BUTTERFLY
by Giacomo Puccini
TUC:  January 28 at 7:30 pm; January 29 at 2:00 pm in Tucson Music Hall
PHX:  February 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm; February 5 at 2:00 pm in Symphony Hall

With tender duets and the most breathtaking arias of all-time, Madama Butterfly encompasses a lifetime of hope and anticipation, betrayal and despair. Set in the idyllic village of Nagasaki, Japan, an innocent geisha's love for an American naval officer leads to the ultimate heartbreak and tragedy. Considered Puccini's greatest masterpiece, Madama Butterfly takes audiences to the pinnacles and depths of human emotion, rightfully securing its place in the heavens.

RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE

by Craig Bohmler & Steven Mark Kohn

Scenery by Ed Mell

Billie Jo and Judd Herberger, Executive Producers
TUC:  February 25 at 7:30 pm; February 26 at 2:00 pm in Tucson Music Hall

PHX:  March 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm; March 5 at 2:00 pm in Symphony Hall

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Zane Grey, Riders of the Purple Sage will be the first world premiere produced by Arizona Opera. Follow this Wild West adventure through the sweeping vistas and massive canyons of the Southwest, brought to life by the vibrant work of world-renowned Arizona artist, Ed Mell.

Riders of the Purple Sage is part of the Arizona Bold Artistic Initiative.

CINDERELLA (LA CENERENTOLA)

by Gioachino Rossini

TUC:  April 1 at 7:30 pm; April 2 at 2:00 pm in Tucson Music Hall

PHX:  April 7 & 8 at 7:30 pm; April 9 at 2:00 pm in Symphony Hall

Soaring arias and outlandish hijinks abound in this delightful version of the classic story. Angelina is forced to serve her stepfather, Don Magnifico, and his two ridiculous daughters. With help from the prince's tutor and a pair of beautiful bracelets, Angelina navigates the precarious court of Prince Ramiro, hoping to win his heart. Real-life sweethearts Daniela Mack (Carmen, 2016) and Alek Shrader bring this fun, vibrant fairytale to life.