The 45th Anniversary Season Presented By
“…Arizona Opera presents impressive productions that rival the best of this country’s regional opera companies.” – KBAQ 89.5
“His luminous canvases of sculptural clouds stretched over distant mesas have become his stock-in-trade, earning his trademark incandescent sunsets the designation of an “Ed Mell Sky.”” –M useum of Northern Arizona, on Riders of the Purple Sage scenic designer Ed Mell
SE A
“…a winning combination of well-sung and visually exciting diverse productions…” – Arizona Republic
“Everything about Arizona Opera’s production clicked, from the chorus, which never ceases to delight; to the orchestra, which sounded refreshingly alive…” – Arizona Daily Star
“Gone are the days of antiquated productions from second rate opera companies, as Arizona Opera selects productions from the best American regional opera companies or produces its own versions that foster Arizona Opera’s national name.”
SON
– Arizona Republic
“…reaching out to new audiences while delivering a fulsome surprise to the audience it already has.” – Arizona Republic
45th Anniversary
Sapphire Celebration Th e G re atest H its o f Verd i, Pu cc i n i & Moz art
with Frederica von Stade
Frederica von Stade photo: Eric Melear
International superstar Frederica von Stade arrives for a star-studded, sparkling celebration for our 45th Sapphire Anniversary. You’ll thrill as the full orchestra, chorus and cast join Ms. von Stade to perform the greatest hits of Verdi, Puccini and Mozart! Wear your brightest blue as the theater becomes a multi-faceted, glimmering jewel of sights and sounds.
T UCson OCT 9 | 2:00 pm Tucson Music Hall PHoeniX OCT 15 | 7:30 pm OCT 16 | 2:00 pm Symphony Hall
Cast & Creatives
Ari Pelto
Joshua Borths
Frederica von Stade
Conductor
Stage Director
Mezzo-Soprano
Laquita Mitchell
Andrew Stenson
Craig Verm
Andrea Shokery
Soprano
Tenor
Baritone
Soprano
Sara Gartland is “enchanting, with an expanse of surging sound.” Opera Today A n t o n í n D v o Rˇ á k
Rusalka T UCson Nov 19 | 7:30 pm Nov 20 | 2:00 pm Tucson Music Hall
When the water nymph Rusalka wants to be a part of our world, she sacrifices everything for the chance at true love. You think you know the story of this little mermaid, but the fairytale doesn’t break the surface. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s original story, Rusalka features dark forests, woodland sprites, and the glorious aria, “Song To The Moon.” Sara Gartland, who is “enchanting, with an expanse of surging sound,” (Opera Today) returns to take the title role. Sung in Czech with English supertitles.
Cast & Creatives
Steven White
Joshua Borths
Sara Gartland
Conductor
Stage Director
Rusalka
Melinda Whittington
Kevin Ray
Richard Paul Fink
Daveda Karanas
Rusalka
The Prince
Vodník
Ježibaba
Sister Cities Festival Nov 7 – 20 Join us as we explore Arizona’s diverse international partners, including Prague, which hosted the premiere of Rusalka. Learn how their stories—and fairytales—bring us together as a global community.
Production photo: Cory Weaver / Lyric Opera of Kansas City
PHoeniX Nov 11 & 12 | 7:30 pm Nov 13 | 2:00 pm Symphony Hall
Giacomo Puccini
Madama Butterfly
Production photo: Tim Fuller
With tender duets and the most breathtaking arias of all-time, Madama Butterfly encompasses a lifetime of hope and anticipation, betrayal and despair. Set in the idyllic village of Nagasaki, Japan, an innocent geisha’s love for an American naval officer leads to the ultimate heartbreak and tragedy. Considered Puccini’s greatest masterpiece, Madama Butterfly takes audiences to the pinnacles and depths of human emotion, rightfully securing its place in the heavens. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
T UCson JAN 28 | 7:30 pm JAN 29 | 2:00 pm Tucson Music Hall
PHoeniX Feb 3 & 4 | 7:30 pm Feb 5 | 2:00 pm Symphony Hall
Cast & Creatives
Craig Kier
Matthew Ozawa
Sandra Lopez
Conductor
Stage Director
Cio-Cio-San
Rena Harms
Daniel Montenegro
Marco Cammarota
Levi Hernandez
Cio-Cio-San
Pinkerton
Pinkerton
Sharpless
Composed by
Craig Bohmler Libretto by
Steven M ark Ko hn from the book Riders of the Purple Sage, by Zane Grey Scenery by
Ed Mell
Riders of the Purple Sage Executive Producers
Billie Jo & Judd Herberger
PHoeniX Mar 3 & 4 | 7:30 pm Mar 5 | 2:00 pm Symphony Hall
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Zane Grey, Riders of the Purple Sage will be the first world premiere produced by Arizona Opera. Follow this Wild West adventure through the sweeping vistas and massive canyons of the Southwest, brought to life by the vibrant work of world-renowned Arizona artist, Ed Mell. Sung in English with English supertitles.
Cast & Creatives
Keitaro Harada
Fenlon Lamb
Karin Wolverton
Conductor
Stage Director
Jane Withersteen
Laura Wilde
Morgan Smith
Joshua Jeremiah
Amanda Opuszynski
Jane Withersteen
Lassiter
Lassiter
Bess
Western Cultural Festival Feb 6 – Mar 5 Celebrate the American West through special events of art, film, story, and song to explore the land that shapes our past, present, and future.
Background painting: Ed Mell
T UCson Feb 25 | 7:30 pm Feb 26 | 2:00 pm Tucson Music Hall
Don’t miss this
World Premiere featuring sets painted by worldrenowned Arizona artist Ed Mell
Daniela Mack has “a virtuoso technique second to none.” The Guardian
Gioachino Rossini
Cinderella (La Cenerentola)
Production photo: Matthew Starver / Opera Colorado
Soaring arias and outlandish hijinks abound in this delightful version of the classic story. Angelina is forced to serve her stepfather, Don Magnifico, and his two ridiculous daughters. With help from the prince’s tutor and a pair of beautiful bracelets, Angelina navigates the precarious court of Prince Ramiro, hoping to win his heart. Real-life sweethearts Daniela Mack (Carmen, 2016) and Alek Shrader bring this fun, vibrant fairytale to life. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.
T UCson Apr 1 | 7:30 pm Apr 2 | 2:00 pm Tucson Music Hall PHoeniX Apr 7 & 8 | 7:30 pm Apr 9 | 2:00 pm Symphony Hall
Cast & Creatives
Dean Williamson
Crystal Manich
Daniela Mack
Conductor
Stage Director
Angelina
Alyssa Martin
Alek Shrader
Joseph Lattanzi
Stefano De Peppo
Angelina
Don Ramiro
Dandini
Don Magnifico
Don’t miss a single moment! Ticket Packages & Prices Phoenix
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Purple
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Full $550 $405 $350 $340 $230 $220 $180 $125
BALCONY
Mini $366 $300 $231 NA $177 NA $123 $75 Opening Nights: Oct 15*, Nov 11, Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 7 Saturday Nights: Oct 15, Nov 12, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 8 Sunday Matinees: Oct 16, Nov 13, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 9 Phoenix performances at Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix
Tucson
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Tucson Music Hall
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Yellow Green Blue Purple Purple Orange Pink
Full $460 $360 $280 $205 $195 $135 $110
B AL C O N Y
Mini $324 $270 $231 $177 NA $123 $69 Saturday Nights: Oct 9*, Nov 19, Jan 28, Feb 25, Apr 1 Sunday Matinees: Oct 9, Nov 20, Jan 29, Feb 26, Apr 2 Tucson performances at Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church, Tucson
* Please mark your calendar; this is a different performance date from the regular schedule for this series. Seats will be assigned as close to your regular subscription locations as possible.
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Production photo: Tim Fuller
- Arizona Republic, April 2016
“…serving up a delightsome dessert for the 2015-16 season.”
Presented By
Of f i c i a l Ai r l i n e
Of f i ci a l H o t e l Of f i c i a l P i a no