Arizona Opera⁩ has named conductor Brian DeMaris as its new President and General Director.

The company said that after an extensive international search, DeMaris will assume the role effective immediately.

DeMaris is an accomplished conductor and passionate educator and brings a wealth of experience across opera, musical theatre, symphonic performance, and new work development to his new role.

In a statement, DeMaris said, “I look forward to expanding Arizona Opera’s role in both Phoenix and Tucson through collaborative partnerships and supporting our staff, chorus, orchestra and guest artists in engaging with the community. I also look forward to sharing my passion for teaching with our youth and adult education programs and further expanding the organization’s reach to new audiences.”

Throughout his career, DeMaris has performed with the Anchorage Opera, Charlottesville Opera, Opera Columbus, El Paso Opera, Syracuse Opera, American Lyric Theatre, and American Opera Projects, among many others.

In Arizona, he has served as Professor and Artistic Director of Music Theatre and Opera at Arizona State University since 2015 and collaborated with Arizona Opera in a recent performance of “The Secret Gardener.”

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