Arizona Opera

Bold. Brave. Brilliant. Arizona Opera produces fully-staged operas, concerts, and collaborative programs throughout the state of Arizona, and is among only a handful of companies in the U.S. that regularly performs in more than one city. Entering its 55th Season, Arizona Opera has produced more than 200 operas and concerts since its founding as the Tucson Opera Company in 1971

Our Mission: Arizona Opera connects and inspires communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice, creating inclusive, culturally relevant, and impactful experiences, while ensuring the financial stability of opera in our state.

Our Vision: A statewide cultural community, connected through resonant experiences that create a sense of inspiration and belonging for all Arizonans.

In addition to bringing thrilling opera performances to the main stage, Arizona Opera is committed to serving our community in the most fulsome way possible, investing in the future of opera, while celebrating all aspects of the art form today. Our NEXTGEN initiative encompasses the wide variety of programs that go beyond the opera stage to develop the next generation of opera artists, audiences, and philanthropists. These programs include: 

• The Arlyn M. Brewster OperaTunity Tour, which brings adapted Opera performances directly to schools, regularly reaching over 35,000 K-5 students per year. 85% are Title 1 schools with limited to no access to arts programming who receive these performances at no cost.
• Student Previews, which welcome K-12 Students into the Opera House to watch a dress rehearsal of each production, reaching an additional 2,000-3,000 students per year 
• Other community engagement programs which reach over 5,000 individuals of all ages including Family Days in Phoenix and Tucson, free community concerts like Opera for Lunch and Opera Everywhere, engaging lectures, an active Book Club, and other partnerships with local community groups.
• The Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, an elite training program that bridges the gap between academic studies and a professional career, providing the opportunities and training vital to developing emerging artists as they take their first steps into this challenging and competitive profession. 

Testimonials

"Highly recommend this awesome operatunity! The crew is amazing to work with and very professional. It's a great operatunity for title 1 schools where students may lack exposure to professional singers and performances. - Teacher, Desert Valley Elementary School 

"AZ Opera has graciously performed for our students here at Riverview Elementary for four years.  They have provided an opportunity for students who would perhaps otherwise never see an opera.  Each child was enthralled as the performers expertly sang and acted. The discussion afterward was engaging and allowed for the children to ask questions and satisfy their curious minds.  We'll have AZ Opera back every year.  We are thankful for them!" - Teacher, Riverview Elementary School 

"The Arizona Opera OperaTunity program has been a wonderful experience for our students!  The kids remember the previous performances and are so excited each time we share that the Opera is coming back to our school.  The performers do such a wonderful job engaging the audience,  relating to the kids, and involving them in the story.  We are so grateful to be able to provide this opportunity for our students, and hope the OperaTunity will continue to be an annual tradition at our school!" - Teacher, Sunnyslope Elementary