Bold. Brave. Brilliant.

Arizona Opera's Head of Music Appointed to Glimmerglass

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

The Glimmerglass Festival, one of the most prestigious opera festivals in the United States, has appointed Allen Perriello as the Director of their Young Artists Program, beginning Summer 2017. Perriello will remain as Arizona Opera's Head of Music and Director of the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio, a post he has held since 2012. 

Allen Perriello, Arizona Opera's Head of Music and Director of The Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio To Jointly Serve with Renowned Glimmerglass Festival

Under Perriello's direction, the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio has grown to six annual resident artists who train at Arizona Opera throughout the season. Perriello works with these artists, preparing them for roles on Arizona Opera's mainstage, public appearances around the state, and careers beyond their time in Arizona.

Arizona Opera Studio alumni include tenor David Margulis, who is now singing with Opernhaus Zurich, soprano Laura Wilde, who has been engaged this season by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Arizona Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and tenor Chris Carr, who will be seen on the stages of Madison Opera and Jacksonville Symphony.

Beginning next summer, Perriello will oversee Glimmerglass Festival's Young Artists Program , which is comprised of 45 singers, 3 pianists, 2 conductors and 4 stage directors. Several notable artists have participated in both Arizona Opera and Glimmerglass programs including former Studio Artists Chris Carr, Calvin Griffin, Beth Lytwynec, and Andrew Penning, and incoming Studio Artist Zachary Owen.

"We are thrilled for this opportunity for Allen, and fortunate that this arrangement with Glimmerglass Festival will enable so many young singers across the country to work with him throughout the year, at both Glimmerglass and Arizona Opera. Allen has an innate ability to foster vocal talent, combining his warm personality and genuine concern for young singers with his great professionalism and talent as a musician. We congratulate him on this new assignment." - Joe Specter, Arizona Opera, President and General Director

Perriello is replacing Michael Heaston, who is leaving the Glimmerglass Festival to take the position of Executive Director of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera. 

About Allen Perriello 

Allen Perriello is entering his fifth season at Arizona Opera as Head of Music and Director of the Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio. He oversees the musical preparation of all mainstage productions, as well as the selection and training of the Studio Artists.Allen recently completed his sixth season with Des Moines Metro Opera as a pianist/coach for mainstage productions and the Apprentice Artist Program. A graduate of the 2008 Merola Opera Program and 2009-10 Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera, Allen worked on six productions over two seasons. He has been a member of the music staff at Pittsburgh Opera, Seattle Opera and Boston Lyric Opera. 

Other previous engagements include the Seattle Opera Young Artists Program faculty, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera Cleveland, and Ash Lawn Opera. Allen recently appeared in recital with Daniela Mack and Alek Shrader as part of the Tucson Desert Song Festival. With San Francisco Opera's Schwabacher Debut Recital series, Allen has collaborated with Susannah Biller, Daveda Karanas, Austin Kness, Talya Lieberman, and Edward Nelson. He has also appeared in recital with Zach Borichevsky, David Portillo, and Corinne Winters. Allen has led master classes at Arizona State University, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and University of Arizona, and has been a guest coach at Baylor University and Ithaca College. The Gibsonia, PA native holds a master's degree in collaborative piano from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a bachelor's degree in piano performance and music education from Ithaca College. 

About Arizona Opera Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio 

In residence all season, Studio Artists can be seen performing on both Arizona Opera's main stage and throughout Arizona. The Studio also provides well-rounded, personalized instruction that propels each artist to the next level. These opportunities help bridge the gap between academic studies and a professional career. Over 650 applications were received for these six coveted positions. More information about Arizona Opera's 2016/17 Season and its annual programs is available at www.azopera.org

About Arizona Opera 

Arizona Opera opens its 2016/17 Season in October with a 45th Anniversary Sapphire Celebration featuring Frederica von Stade, followed by the company premiere of Rusalka in November, and the operatic classic Madama Butterfly in January.  In February, Arizona Opera will present its first-ever commission, Riders of the Purple Sage, based on the Zane Grey western novel, and the season will conclude with the delightful comedy, Cinderella.  Full and partial ticket packages are on sale now at www.azopera.org or by calling 602.266.7464 in Phoenix or 520.293.4336 in Tucson. 

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