Arizona Opera is set to open its 2022-23 season with a production of “The Falling and The Rising.” The opera, which is set to be presented in Phoenix (Oct. 14-16) and Tucson (Oct. 22-23), tells the story of service and sacrifice, which traces the inner journey of a soldier who enters a coma after she suffers a roadside attack. As {…}
Arizona Opera’s upcoming production of “The Falling and the Rising” is an operatic story of the unique service of those in the military who face danger, often paying the price of a great sacrifice. Staff Sergeant Ben Hilgert, serving in the Soldiers’ Chorus of the U.S. Army Field Band, is the visionary of the piece. His passion to tell this {…}
Arizona Opera has named Katherine Kozak its new Head of Music, Chorus Master, and Principal Coach of the Pullin Opera Studio. “I’m delighted to be joining this dynamic company, and am enthusiastic to get to know and collaborate with the staff, and the artists of the Studio and Chorus. I’m happily anticipating my move to the Phoenix area and becoming {…}
Arizona Opera has announced Dr. Phil Woodmore as the Veterans Chorus Master and Outreach Specialist for “The Falling and The Rising.” Woodmore is a composer, music educator, and vocal coach, who has written several works including “Antigone in Ferguson,” “The Drum Major Instinct,” and music for one of Frederick Douglass’ speeches. He recently served as artistic director of “Requiem of {…}
The Arizona Opera has canceled its screening of “Rigoletto” on July 20. The company said, “due to unforeseen circumstances, we, unfortunately, must cancel Wednesday night’s screening of ‘Rigoletto’ in Tucson. Anyone who purchased tickets for Wednesday’s screening will be receiving a refund.” The company, however, did confirm that Sunday’s screening in Phoenix will continue as scheduled. The screening is part {…}
Arizona Opera has announced that it will world premiere Gregg Kallor’s “Frankenstein” as part of the 2023-24 season. Per a press release, Kallor’s opera represents the third commissioned work in Arizona Opera’s history. “The timelessness of Shelley’s novel, combined with Gregg’s compelling score and libretto, will create an impactful opportunity for the opera art form to connect with both long-time devotees {…}
Arizona Opera has announced its 2022-23 season. The season kicks off with “The Falling and the Rising.” The new work is by Zack Redler and Jerre Dye. Audrey Babcock, Brad Bickhardt, Schyler Vargas, and Thomas Cannon. Michael Sakir conducts a production directed by Dennis Whitehead Darling. Performance Dates: Oct. 14-16, 2022 in Phoenix / Oct. 22-23, 2022 in Tucson Next {…}
Arizona Opera is set to adapt a graphic novel of Bizet’s “Carmen” on Kickstarter. The graphic novel adaptation will be written by Alek Shrader and illustrated by artist P. Craig Russell and Aneke. It will also be lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. “It’s a thrill for Arizona Opera to share the work of this remarkable team of artists through the graphic {…}
The Arizona Opera has updated COVID-19 protocols. The company noted that in alignment with the most recent CDC guidelines, it will require boosters for all eligible attendees. In a statement, the Arizona Opera said “beginning March 1 with the production of ‘A Little Night Music,’ attendees who are eligible for boosters must present proof of completion of their booster dose {…}
Arizona Opera’s former technical director Peter Nolle has passed away. Nolle suffered a heart attack while bike riding in his native Germany, where he traveled with his family for the holidays. Nolle, who was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, studied fine arts and scenic design and worked as Set Designer in multiple Theatres in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He {…}
The Arizona Opera has announced the appointment of Courtney D. Clark to the position of Director of Community Alliances. Clark will take over the position starting on Oct. 11 and will manage and grow the community engagement programs, seeking programmatic and partnership opportunities that will help to advance the company’s goal of becoming a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. {…}