Arizona Opera has announced the death of Jenny St. John. The company said, “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Jenny St. John. For more than two decades, Jenny was an integral member of Arizona Opera’s fundraising team, helping to cultivate meaningful relationships and inspire extraordinary generosity that left a lasting impact on {…}
The Arizona Opera has announced its 2026-27 season. “This season reflects everything Arizona Opera stands for right now — artistic excellence, collaboration, accessibility, and investment in the future of opera and our community,” said Brian DeMaris, General Director of Arizona Opera, per an official press release. “We’re telling great stories, connecting our community, welcoming new audiences and recommitting to the {…}
Arizona Opera has announced Aurelia Andrews as the Head of Music, Chorus Director, and Principal Coach of the Marion Roose Pullin Studio. She will begin in her position at the beginning of the 2026-27 season. Andrews is a highly regarded pianist, vocal coach, administrator, and educator, and joins Arizona Opera after two seasons as Head of Music at the Florentine {…}
Arizona Opera has Juan Cristóbal Flores has died following a gun shooting at a Goodwill donation center. The opera company announced the news via social media and stated, “The Arizona Opera family is deeply saddened to report the news that Juan Cristóbal Flores, a member of our Chorus and other arts organizations in Arizona, has passed away from the injuries {…}
Bradley Taylor has been named Director of Production for Arizona Opera. Taylor first joined the organization as the Assistant Lighting Designer for the 2021-22 Season and later served full-time as Production Manager & Lighting Supervisor, where he played an essential role in shaping the visual and technical landscape of multiple Arizona Opera productions. Regarding his new position, he said, “I {…}
The Arizona Opera has announced David Margulis as its new Director of Artistic Operations. Margulis is a passionate lover of the art form and a gifted singer who has performed on many international and domestic stages, including Opernhaus Zürich, Opera Nationale de Lorraine, Wolf Trap Opera, Opera Theatre St. Louis, and Santa Fe Opera. He is also a former member {…}
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 {…}
Arizona Opera has announced its 2025-26 season. Héctor Armienta’s “Zorro” will be performed as part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series. Rafael Moras, María Brea, Stephanie Sánchez, and Octavio Moreno star while Anthony Barrese conducts. David Radamés Toro directs the production. Performance Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 4, 2025 Puccini “Madama Butterfly” will be performed. Learn more about the opera here. Performance {…}
(Credit: Arizona Opera) Arizona Opera has announced its 2024-25 season Studio artists. The company revealed that the artists for its 18th season of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio include Peter Barber, Sam Krausz, Sedona Libero, Ava Linvog, Emma Marhefka, Vlad Soloviev, Madeleine Snow, and Yichen Xue. The studio artists program bridges the gap between academic studies and a {…}
The Arizona Opera President & General Director, Joseph Specter, has announced that he will conclude his tenure with the company at the end of this fiscal year when his current contract expires, on June 30, 2025. Specter will be moving on to new professional opportunities over the next year and is now entering his ninth year with the organization, and {…}
Arizona Opera has announced its 2024 New Works Festival. The festival kicks off with a party at 5 p.m. on May 10 followed by a preview of the “Zorro” and “Intimate Apparel” and a screening of “The Copper Queen.” On May 11, there will be a panel on how opera gets from page to stage, followed by previews of “Zorro” {…}