Press Releases
DeMaris to Bring Experience as Conductor and Educator to New Role
PHOENIX AND TUCSON, Ariz. (May 29, 2025) — Arizona Opera has appointed a familiar face in Arizona music and performing arts as its new President and General Director.
TUCSON AND PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 7, 2025) — Arizona Opera is unveiling its 2025/26 Main Stage Season, in addition to the presentation of internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton in recital in 2026.
Arizona Opera’s Main Stage Season and Barton’s recital will be performed in both the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas, continuing with the company’s proud tradition of performing in both cities.
Performances Will Take Place in More Intimate and Non-Traditional Settings,
Making Opera More Accessible Than Ever Before
PHOENIX AND TUCSON, Ariz. (October 7, 2024) — Arizona Opera is unveiling a bold initiative this month designed to introduce opera to new audiences by bringing live performances to unexpected venues across the state.
President & General Director Joseph Specter Will Seek New Opportunities when Contract Ends on June 30, 2025; Will Continue to Oversee Organization Through Search for New Leadership
PHOENIX AND TUCSON, Ariz. (July 1, 2024) — Arizona Opera’s President & General Director, Joseph Specter, will be concluding his tenure with the company at the end of this fiscal year when his current contract expires, on June 30, 2025.
Arizona Opera unveils its spectacular 2024/25 Season, featuring classic operas, a thrilling adventure premiere, the expansion of a recital series, and exciting new community programming
TUCSON AND PHOENIX, Ariz. (April 18, 2024) — Arizona Opera is thrilled to announce the lineup for its 2024/25 Season.
PHOENIX and TUCSON, Arizona (October 11, 2023) -- Today, Arizona Opera announced exciting new details of expanded programs for its 2023/24 Season in Phoenix and Tucson, including a recital featuring one of the world’s most celebrated tenors, educational and community programs, a new series of outdoor concerts, and more. Arizona Opera’s 2023/24 Season includes something for everyone, from tried-and-true opera lovers to school-aged children and everyone in between—both inside the opera house and beyond.
PHOENIX and TUCSON, Arizona (Aug. 16, 2023) -- Today, Arizona Opera announced the casts and creatives for the McDougall RED Series and the Main Stage Series performances of its 2023/24 Season, featuring four fully-staged opera productions – including a World Premiere in Phoenix and Tucson. Arizona Opera’s 2023/24 Season programming includes something for everyone, from tried-and-true opera lovers to school-aged children and everyone in between.
PHOENIX and TUCSON, Arizona (Feb. 28, 2023) – Today, Arizona Opera officially announced its 2023/24 Season, featuring four opera productions – including a World Premiere – in Phoenix and Tucson, as well as the company’s inaugural New Works Festival in Phoenix, and a new series of community concerts in Tucson. Arizona Opera’s programming includes something for everyone, from tried-and-true opera lovers to school-aged children and everyone in between.
TUCSON AND PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 2, 2022) – Four Arizona performing arts organizations that serve the Tucson community have been awarded grants ranging from $250,000 - $750,000 as part of a $2 million COVID relief funding distribution from Governor Doug Ducey’s Office. The funding will help to support and sustain the arts in the Tucson community. The grant recipients include Arizona Opera, Arizona Theatre Company, Ballet Tucson, and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, whose performances, training, and educational programs have served the Southern Arizona community for generations, spanning 36 to 93 years.
PHOENIX and TUCSON, Arizona (July 28, 2022) ─ Arizona Opera is proud to announce that The Copper Queen, the company’s first feature film, is among the official selections for the inaugural Opera on Film series, part of Opera Philadelphia’s Festival O22. The film is one of only 20 selections out of a field of 800 submissions to be selected for the series.