Arizona Opera is thrilled to announce the lineup for its 2024/25 Season. The season will feature classic productions filled with star-crossed lovers and forbidden love; the Company Premiere of a thrilling new adventure opera perfect for all ages; a new “Beyond Downtown” program to bring opera to the broader Arizona community; and a recital series featuring one of opera’s brightest stars, all to be presented in both Phoenix and Tucson.

 

 

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Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
 

 

Arizona Opera’s new “Beyond Downtown” program will bring operatic performances throughout Arizona, reaching beyond the walls of the theaters in which the company typically performs. In a one-of-its-kind partnership among Arizona Opera, San Jose-based Ópera Cultura, and New York-based On Site Opera, “Beyond Downtown” will reach a variety of Arizona communities to make an impact “where people are,” presenting energetic and unexpected offerings that will allow Arizona Opera to more fully achieve its mission to connect and inspire communities.

Part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series.

 

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La Bohème

Music by Giacomo Puccini, Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa
 

January 25 & 26, 2025 at Symphony Hall
February 1, 2025 at The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Please note the new Tucson performance timing!

Giacomo Puccini’s beloved classic La Bohème transports you to the streets of 19th century Paris for one of the world’s most timeless and moving love stories. In the vibrant Latin Quarter, a romance ignites between the poet Rodolfo and beautiful but frail seamstress Mimì. With its exquisite melodies and stirring emotions, La Bohème continues to captivate audiences around the world. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable journey through the passions of youth and the bittersweet beauty of life.

Part of the Arizona Opera Main Stage Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Aida

Music by Giuseppe Verdi, Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni
 

April 12 & 13, 2025 at Symphony Hall
April 19, 2025 at The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Please note the new Tucson performance timing!

The splendor of Egypt comes to life through this visually arresting, projection-based concert production of Verdi’s Aida in its first Arizona Opera performances in over a decade. Featuring some of the most breathtaking music in the operatic repertoire, Aida tells the story of forbidden love amidst political intrigue and war. As the looming shadow of war envelops the sands of Egypt, princess Aida confronts the challenges posed by a web of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

Part of the Arizona Opera Main Stage Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Zorro

Music and Libretto by Héctor Armienta

 

September 27 & 28, 2025 at Symphony Hall
October 4, 2025 at The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
Please note the new Tucson performance timing!

Inspired by the legendary masked vigilante, Zorro follows the return of Diego de La Vega to his native pueblo in Los Angeles, where he encounters old flames, tyrannical rulers, and the plight of the oppressed. In this exciting new opera performed in both Spanish and English, Zorro leads a thrilling rebellion against the Spanish empire, igniting a revolution and becoming the hero of the people.

Part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Stephen Costello in Recital

April 1, 2025 at Katzin Concert Hall - Arizona State University
April 3, 2025 at Holsclaw Hall at The University of Arizona

We are thrilled to present celebrated tenor Stephen Costello in recitals to be performed in both Tempe and Tucson, at Arizona State University and The University of Arizona. Costello, who led the cast of The Metropolitan Opera’s production of La Bohème this season and who returns to The Met next year in the company’s premiere of Moby Dick, will be accompanied by pianist Anthony Manoli in a program that will include an enthralling mix of both songs and arias.

These recitals are an exciting expansion of the company’s long-standing partnership with the Tucson Desert Song Festival (TDSF), which has made it possible to bring some of today’s most sought-after artists to perform in Arizona Opera’s birth city. New this year, Arizona Opera brings this series to Arizona State University (ASU) in collaboration with ASU’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival.

 

 

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Season tickets for the 2024/25 Season in-theatre productions are now available for renewal for current subscribers, with sales opening up for new subscribers on August 1, 2024. Single tickets, including tickets for Stephen Costello in Recital, will go on sale October 1, 2024. Specific dates, performers, locations, and ticket information for “Beyond Downtown” performances will be announced later this spring.

The 2024/25 Season will kick off this fall with Arizona Opera's new "Beyond Downtown" program. A new offering in Arizona Opera’s McDougall RED Series featuring a unique coast-to-coast partnership, "Beyond Downtown" will present live opera performances in communities throughout Arizona, moving beyond the walls of the theater, beginning in fall 2024 and continuing into spring 2025.

This departure from the traditional “fall-to-spring” in-theater production schedule, beginning with La Bohème in January and concluding with Zorro in October 2025 demonstrates Arizona Opera’s resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges faced by many performing arts organizations, while maintaining the programming vibrancy that makes an Arizona Opera season so special.