Arizona Opera Receives $1 Million Gift to Support Modern Masterpieces

Longtime supporters Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard announce major investment to support new and contemporary productions on Arizona Opera's main stage.

Following a successful 2016/17 Season that saw the company's first world premiere, Riders of the Purple Sage, Arizona Opera has received a $1 million commitment from longtime supporters Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard, of Payson, Arizona.

Allan and Stallard notified the company on April 18 of their decision to make this gift in support of Arizona Opera as it redoubles its commitment to presenting new and impactful works on the main stage - a strategic artistic focus for the organization.

"Arizona Opera's deepening commitment to presenting innovative and inspiring work that appeals to both longtime opera fans and first-time audiences is so important," said Marlu Allan. "This is about Arizona Opera's proven dedication to our community, and we want to show our support for the company's direction," said Scott Stallard, who sits on Arizona Opera's Board of Directors.

Allan and Stallard also sponsor the company's Costume Artisan Workshop and were recipients of a 2017 Crystal Key Award for their transformational support of Arizona Opera.

In recent seasons, Arizona Opera has successfully moved into the presentation of modern repertoire, such as Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, Florencia en el Amazonas, and Riders of the Purple Sage. Arizona Opera is committed to producing modern masterpieces each season, continuing in the 2017/18 Season and beyond.

"Investments of this size allow Arizona Opera to take artistic risks as we strive to serve our community as fully as possible. Scott and Marlu share this vision, and we are profoundly grateful to them for this extraordinary show of support for the course we are charting," said Joseph Specter, Arizona Opera's President and General Director.

Arizona Opera Board Chair, Robert Tancer, agreed. "Arizona Opera has shown that we are willing to embark on artistic challenges that engage the community, and we have overwhelming evidence that it works. But as artistic risks come with financial risks, we need leadership like Marlu and Scott's to make taking those risks possible," he said. "We are so gratified by the way the community has responded with their full support as Arizona Opera continues in this positive direction."