Coffee at Kerr

Join us for a FREE music and lecture series at ASU Kerr. Get a detailed look at each opera and receive exclusive, behind-the-scenes information about our productions. This lecture series is ideal for all opera lovers – of all ages.

Schedule:

Zorro

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM MST
ASU Kerr

THIS EVENT WILL BE A PREVIEW FOR OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF ZORRO.

Join us for an exclusive look at the creation of Zorro, an opera inspired by the legendary masked hero. This special lecture will feature live musical performances and an exclusive preview of the production, offering insight into composer and librettist Héctor Armienta's creative process and vision. 

Presented by Héctor Armienta, composer and librettist of Zorro.

Madama Butterfly

Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM MST
ASU Kerr 

THIS EVENT WILL BE A PREVIEW FOR OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF MADAMA BUTTERFLY.

Featuring some of the most exquisite arias and beautiful duets ever composed, this critically acclaimed new co-production is grounded during the real historical moment of the Allied occupation of postwar Japan between 1946 and 1953.

Madama Butterfly follows the young geisha Cio-Cio-San as she dreams of a future filled with love alongside Lt. Pinkerton, an American naval officer. As the tale unfolds, betrayal and heartbreak cast their shadow, leading to an unforgettable finale.

Arizona Opera’s production — with Puccini’s ravishing score, an extraordinary cast and orchestra, new sets and costumes, and a design team of all first-generation Asian women — explores the passion for finding a better life, the heartfelt desire to be seen and accepted, and the cost of believing in promises that are built on fundamentally unequal ground.

It is a musical journey of unmatched beauty and emotional depth, certain to captivate audiences anew as it sheds fresh light on Puccini’s masterpiece and the world around us.

Presented by Dr. David Schildkret.

A Sneak peek at the 2026/27 season

Wednesday, Mar 4 2026 at 10:30 AM MST
ASU Kerr

THIS EVENT WILL BE A PREVIEW FOR OUR UPCOMING 2026/27 SEASON.

Get an exclusive first look at Arizona Opera's upcoming 2026/27 Season with a special lecture and live musical performance. Enjoy captivating highlights and insights into the operas that will take the stage next season.

Presented by President and General Director Brian DeMaris.

La Cenerentola (Cinderella)

Wednesday, Apr 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM MST
ASU Kerr

THIS EVENT WILL BE A PREVIEW FOR OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF LA CENERENTOLA (CINDERELLA).

Step into the enchanting world of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) with a lively preview lecture and musical performance that brings Rossini's sparkling take on the Cinderella story to life. Discover the opera's rich characters, dazzling score, and the magic behind its upcoming production. 

Presented by Dr. David Schildkret.

Arizona Opera’s NextGen programs are made possible, in part, thanks to generous support from: Ted Stephan Teaching Artist Endowment Fund, Drs. Herschel and Jill* Rosenzweig, The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, Molly Blank Fund, Jeannette Segel, SRP, Invest in Kids Charitable Gift Fund, The H.S. Lopez Family Foundation, APS, A gift in memory of Elsa Reichenbach, The Arizona Republic, Marlu Allan & Scott Stallard*, City of Peoria, First Western Trust, The Krumholz Foundation, Desert Diamond Casino, Jim Click Automotive, and a consortium of individual donors.

This program is made possible, fully or in part, by a grant from Scottsdale Arts with funding provided by the City of Scottsdale.