Student Previews
Experience the magic of opera through special student preview performances, offering an exclusive first look at full productions before they open to the public. These events provide young audiences with an unforgettable opportunity to explore the power of live music and storytelling.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Grade Level: Each performance is individually rated.
Cost: FREE for Title 1 Schools, $5 per student including College, $10 per chaperone
Chaperone Requirement: One supervising teacher required per 10 students.
Student Requirement: To attend a Student Preview, you are required to be a CURRENT student and may be asked to present a student ID when picking up your ticket if you are not traveling with a large school group. If you are not able to present your student ID when picking up your ticket at will-call you will not be allowed into the event.
No school ID? Before completing your reservation, indicate in the notes section why you cannot present an ID (Homeschool student, private group, etc.)
2025/26 Season Student Preview Performances
Zorro
Music and Libretto by Hécor Armienta
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 1 PM
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Rating: PG-13
Language: Performed in English and Spanish with English and Spanish supertitles
Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes including one 30 minute intermission
Embark on an epic adventure with the legendary masked vigilante, Zorro. In this new opera by Héctor Armienta, you’ll follow the return of Diego de la Vega to his native pueblo in Los Angeles, where he encounters old flames, tyrannical rulers, and the plight of the oppressed. Performed in both Spanish and English, Zorro leads a thrilling rebellion against the Spanish empire, igniting a revolution and becoming the hero of the people.
Zorro is part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series. The appearance of Anthony Barrese is made possible, in part, by Dean Yannias.
The scenery, props, and costumes for this presentation of Hector Armienta’s Zorro were created through a coproduction between Opera San Jose, Kentucky Opera, and Arizona Opera.
madama butterfly
Music by Giacomo Puccini, Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Rating: PG-13
Language: Performed in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles
Length: 3 hours including one 30 minute intermission
Immerse yourself in Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, Madama Butterfly, a story of hope, longing, and ultimate sacrifice. With some of the most exquisite arias and tender duets ever composed, this deeply moving opera follows the young geisha Cio Cio San as she dreams of a life of love with Pinkerton, an American naval officer. As the tale unfolds, betrayal and heartbreak cast their shadow, leading to an unforgettable climax. Experience an operatic journey of unmatched beauty and emotional depth that has captivated audiences for generations.
Part of the Arizona Opera Main Stage Series
cinderella (la cenerentola) - A semi-staged production
Music by Gioachino Rossini, Libretto by Jacopo Ferretti
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 7 PM - 10 PM
Location: Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Rating: PG
Language: Performed in Italian with English and Spanish supertitles
Length: approx. 3 hours including one 30 minute intermission
Step into the magic of Rossini’s Cinderella in this delightful semi-staged production brimming with humor, charm, and enchanting melodies. Angelina—mistreated by her stepfather Don Magnifico and his scheming daughters—dares to dream of a brighter future. With help from Prince Ramiro’s clever valet and a sparkling twist involving a pair of bracelets, Angelina must navigate royal intrigue to capture the prince’s heart. Perfect for audiences of all ages, this vibrant retelling of the beloved fairytale promises laughter, romance, and soaring arias the whole family will adore.
Part of the Arizona Opera Main Stage Series and the Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard* Family Series.
Additional Information about attending Student Previews at the Opera:
- All tickets will remain at will call (unless otherwise specified) and can be picked up at the box office at Symphony Hall beginning 1.5 hours before your performance.
- Seating is general admission. Please note, the front center orchestra section may be blocked off for performance production needs.
- Bus parking for symphony hall performances is provided on 3rd Street and Washington. You will receive a bus pass with specific instructions about a week before the performance. Police officers will be on site to assist with parking and will remain on site to monitor the busses.
- Car parking is available for a fee in the garages surrounding Symphony Hall. These garages include the Hyatt Regency garage, Chase garage (1st and Monroe), and the West garage (directly under Symphony Hall).
Phoenix Symphony Hall Safety Policies:
For the safety and security of all patrons, Phoenix Convention Center & Venues has implemented a screening process for all public shows at Symphony Hall.
All guests will pass through metal detectors to screen for prohibited items. Clutch Bags no larger than 8.5” x 5.5” and Clear Bags up to 12” x 6” x 12” are permitted. Medical, family, and teacher bags are allowed.
It is recommended that patrons arrive approximately 60 minutes before the performance start time. Please review our prohibited items prior to your arrival.
Join the Education mailing list to stay up to date on all education programs, and to be notified when registrations open. Please reach out to chollerbach@azopera.org for more detailed information about each rating.