Arizona Opera Ends 40th Anniversary on a High Note

AUGUST 12, 2011 

Contact: Office of the General Director, Scott Altman 602-266-7464

ARIZONA OPERA ENDS 40^TH ANNIVERSARY ON A HIGH NOTE, LAUNCHES SINGLE TICKET AVAILABILITY FOR 41^st SEASON AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Season Highlights

10 Sold-Out Performances - Balanced Budget - 30% Increase in New Donors ––New Community Initiatives

General Director Scott Altman states “Our history is just beginning”  

 Phoenix, AZ – August 12, 2011 – Arizona Opera concluded its 2010-11 Season on a high note as it reported the first balanced budget in over five years.  Celebrating its 40^thyear of presenting opera in Phoenix and Tucson, the season was comprised of two company premieres including Mozart’s comedy The Abduction from the Seraglio one of many significant highlights of the historic season. The year was notable for increased patronage, strong ticket revenue, expanded community involvement and successful union negotiations.

Scott Altman, Arizona Opera’s General Director credits “the inspiring leadership of our Board of Trustees, the loyal support of our patrons, and our hard-working staff” for the artistic and organizational achievements made during last year’s 40^th anniversary season. “Their passion and commitment create a solid foundation for what this company achieves, on stage and in the community.”

Altman arrived in October 2009 to take the helm of the $5.4 million company. The diversity of the five-production season of opera classics, popular operetta and company premieres proved a successful mix. From the launch of the Anniversary Season last October, to its conclusion in April, the Company benefited from strong ticket revenue, including an increase of 11% over the previous season resulting in greater than 9,000 additional opera goers, 10 sold-out performances and a 30% increase in the number of new donors

Over 50,000 patrons enjoyed what Altman describes as “truly an amazing journey, from the rousing start of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance to the joyful happy ending of Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio.” 

Altman praises Arizona Opera’s Union partners for adding to the success of the historic season. “I applaud the Arizona Chapter of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA-AZ), the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE-Phoenix and Tucson) and the Arizona Opera Orchestra and the American Federation of Musicians (A.F.M.) – Local 586.” By concluding negotiations for new three and five-year contracts respectively at the start of the season, the Company garnered its energies to focus on “the challenges of new economic realities while maintaining our artistic excellence.”  

The Company is pleased to announce that Maestro Joel Revzen has agreed to extend his contract to now be in the capacity of Principal Conductor of Arizona Opera. The contract transitions Revzen from his previous role as Artistic Director. The position allows the acclaimed conductor greater flexibility to make guest conducting appearances throughout North America and Europe. Maestro Revzen conducts three of the five operas in the 2011-12 Season - Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, Faust andOrfeo ed Euridice – and marks his ninth season with the Company.

“During my tenure with Arizona Opera, I have had the pleasure and responsibility of performing many roles, Artistic Director, General Director and now Principal Conductor,” said Joel Revzen. “I have experienced wonderful moments and forged meaningful relationships at Arizona Opera.  In whatever role I take, I continue as one of the Company’s most passionate and ardent fans.”

The 2010-11 Season launched a series of new initiatives to further engage audience members and reach out to new and underserved communities. The Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Resident Artists performed The Gift of Music, free holiday programs throughout the State in museums, children’s hospitals and community events. Patrons experienced opera like never before, on stage in the “bullring” as part of the action in Bizet’s Carmen, and joined other music lovers for pre Curtain Dinners. Arizona Opera gained new support with the founding of the Prescott Friends of Arizona Opera.

This success story, alongside the June announcement of the Company’s new headquarters in downtown Phoenix, anticipates a bright future for Arizona Opera.

“Opera is a creative fusion. It is what makes it unique of all of the performing arts,” states Altman. “Arizona Opera brings many different people, communities and ideas together to create something special. In 2010-11, we created a season to be proud of.” 

Single tickets for the eagerly anticipated, blockbuster filled, 2011-2012 Season go on sale this Sunday, August 14.  Arizona Opera’s ticket office will be open all day to facilitate ticket orders.