Arizona Opera

Arizona Opera began operating in Tucson in 1971 and started performing regularly in Phoenix in 1975. During the 2000-2001 season, the opera appointed its first Principal Conductor. The Arizona Opera Orchestra was created, made up of professional, Arizona-based musicians. In 2003, Maestro Joel Revzen, an award-winning conductor and member of the Metropolitan Opera conducting staff, was appointed the Artistic Director of the Arizona Opera.

Which operas can I expect to see at the Arizona Opera?

Arizona Opera produces five operas each season. Each of them can be seen in both Phoenix and Tucson. The operas include quite a wide variety of operatic styles. For instance, previous patrons have enjoyed The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart), Rigoletto (Verdi), The Barber of Seville (Rossini), Das Rheingold (Wagner) and Madame Butterfly (Puccini), just to name a few.

Where can I see the Arizona Opera in Phoenix?

Arizona Opera in Phoenix performs at Symphony Hall. Here is a map and directions to Symphony Hall.

How much are tickets to the Arizona Opera?

Ticket prices typically range from about $30 to $150 per ticket. Symphony Hall has a main level and a balcony. Here's a seating chart.

What if I have never been to the opera before? Will I understand what's going on?

I was an opera newbie, too! Here are ten things I learned after my first Arizona Opera experience.

1. A night at the opera is an opportunity for a special evening. People still dress up to go to the opera. A gown or a smart dress for the ladies, and a jacket and tie are still appropriate attire.
2. Did the first item scare you off already? No one will deny you entrance if you don't own a little black dress or you don't want to wear a tie. There's really no dress code for the Arizona Opera, it's more of a tradition.
3. At many performances the words will be projected on a screen for you, even if the opera is in English. That way you don't have to wrinkle up your face too hard to try to understand all the lyrics. You can relax and enjoy.
4. Be prepared. Read up a little about the story line before you go so you don't get too lost and you don't have to concentrate too hard. At the Arizona Opera web site, you can get a synopsis of the story before you even leave the house.
5. If you want even more preparation, or if you just want to make it an entire opera evening event, the Arizona Opera often offers free 30-minute pre-performance lectures.
6. So you've studied the synopsis, you've attended the pre-performance orientation, you saw the opera, and enjoyed a cappuccino or a glass of wine at intermission -- so what's left? Arizona Opera offers a program called Opera Talkback. After the performance you can meet members of the cast and/or staff in a short Q&A session. Just stay in your seat when the show is over, and they'll tell you where to meet.
7. Not everyone likes opera. Generally, I'd say that people who don't like classical music will have a difficult time enjoying opera.
8. Even if you like classical music, if it irks you or it seems unnatural that people break out into song, or sing an entire script, you'll have a tough time with opera. Do you loathe musicals? If yes, I'd probably skip the opera.
9. Many of the most famous operas were written in decades gone by. Some stories hold up better over time than others. Appreciate them them for the period in which they were written.
10. Just like theatre and movies, you'll like some operas better than others. If the music or a story doesn't strike you, try another style or composer.

_{As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with complimentary tickets for the purpose of this article. While it has not influenced the content, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offering mentioned herein are subject to change without notice.}