Arizona Opera currently produces a five opera season, with three performance dates in Tucson at the TCC Music Hall and four performances at Symphony Hall in Phoenix. Over the past five years, the artistic quality of the Opera has grown by leaps and bounds. During the 2000-2001 season, the opera appointed its first Principal Conductor, Cal Stewart Kellogg, – more... and formed the Arizona Opera Orchestra, made up of professional, Arizona-based musicians. The Opera Chorus also relies upon young regional talent, and Arizona Opera's principal talent continues to be engaged from all over the country and often, from around the world.
All productions rehearse at the Ashby Lohse Rehearsal Studio in Tucson. Most of the company's sets are rented from other companies around the country and brought in by truck. During the 2002-2003 season, Arizona Opera built its first set since the appointment of Mr. Speers , Strauss' Salome, conceived by internationally renowned stage director Sonja Frisell and award-winning lighting designer Harry Frehner.
Arizona Opera also maintains wardrobe and properties departments in Tucson. While both departments rent pieces from other companies, they are also called upon to construct and manage vast assortments of costumes and props for each production.
Arizona Opera has maintained fully-staffed offices in Phoenix and Tucson. Its subscriber base of nearly 8,000 is divided among these two communities. Over the past five years, Arizona Opera's annual budget has grown to $5.5 million dollars, an increase of over 44%.
In 2003, Mr. Speers left Arizona Opera to pursue other opportunities, and the Board of Trustees led an exhaustive search to find a new Artistic Director. Maestro Joel Revzen, an award-winning conductor and member of the Metropolitan Opera conducting staff, was appointed in August 2003. In April 2004, Maestro Revzen became Arizona Opera's General and Artistic Director. – less – More from ZoomInfo »
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