Arizona Opera

Arizona Opera, originally known as the Tucson Opera Company, is an American opera company based in the state of Arizona. Founded in 1971 by a group of passionate opera enthusiasts, the company has grown to become a significant cultural institution that performs in multiple cities within the state. ===History=== The company's first season commenced with two performances of Gioachino Rossini's ''The Barber of Seville'' in Tucson. By the 1976-1977 season, Arizona Opera expanded its reach, performing complete seasons in both Tucson and Phoenix. Over the years, Arizona Opera has presented over 200 fully-staged operas and concerts, showcasing a diverse repertoire that includes baroque, bel canto, verismo works, turn-of-the-century masterpieces, operettas, and contemporary American operas. Notably, the company has twice presented Richard Wagner's complete ''Ring Cycle'', a prestigious achievement shared by only a few other North American companies. ===Leadership=== The company has been under the guidance of several general directors throughout its history. Joseph Specter has served as the President and General Director since 2016. Previous directors include Ryan Taylor (2013-2016), Scott Altman (2010-2013), Joel Revzen (2003-2010), David Speers (1998-2003), Glynn Ross (1983-1998), Richard Woitach (1981-1983), and Jim Sullivan (1971-1981), who was the first to lead the company. ===Recent Seasons=== Arizona Opera has continued to innovate and entertain audiences with a variety of productions. Recent seasons have included a mix of classic operas and new works, such as ''El Milagro del Recuerdo'' by Javier Martinez, ''Carmen'' by Georges Bizet, ''A Little Night Music'' by Stephen Sondheim, and ''Così fan tutte'' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, among others. ===Mission and Vision=== Arizona Opera's mission is to elevate the transformative power of storytelling through music, cultivating a community and strengthening a state and people as adventurous and diverse as the place they call home. The company's vision is to be an industry leader in artistic vitality, civic value, audience expansion, and institutional strength and sustainability. ===Community Engagement=== In addition to its mainstage productions, Arizona Opera engages with the community through various educational and outreach programs. These include the NEXTGEN/PULLIN Opera Studio, the Marion Roose Pullin Studio, the Arlyn M. Brewster OperaTunity Program, and the Arizona Opera Ambassadors. The company also offers programs for educators, families, and the general public, such as the Arizona Opera Book Club and the Tucson Desert Song Festival. ===Support and Recognition=== Arizona Opera is supported by donations, volunteer efforts, corporate and institutional giving, individual contributions, and special events like the Arizona Opera Gala. The company also provides annual financial reports to maintain transparency and accountability to its supporters and the general public. Arizona Opera continues to be a beacon of operatic excellence in the American Southwest, contributing to the region's cultural landscape with its bold, brave, and brilliant productions.