ARIZONA OPERA ANNOUNCES PRINCIPAL CASTING FOR 2026–27 SEASON

Season features acclaimed artists, rising stars and strong representation from Arizona Opera’s Studio program

PHOENIX / TUCSON (April 15, 2026) — Arizona Opera today announced principal casting for its 2026/27 Season, highlighting a dynamic mix of local and internationally recognized performers, emerging talent, and alumni of the company’s Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio.

“Our 55th season reflects Arizona Opera’s continued commitment to artistic excellence, connection to the community and investment in the next generation of opera talent, with productions spanning contemporary works, family-friendly opera and beloved classics,” said Brian DeMaris, President & General Director of Arizona Opera. “We are especially proud to highlight the strength of our Marion Roose Pullin Opera Studio alongside internationally acclaimed artists, creating productions that will resonate deeply with our audiences while strengthening our role in the community.”

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

The season opens with Derrick Wang’s opera Scalia/Ginsburg, featuring Arizona soprano Rachel Policar as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, alongside tenor Benjamin Werley as Antonin Scalia and bass-baritone Jesús Vicente Murillo as the Commentator. The production is directed by Cara Consilvio and conducted by Brian DeMaris.

Arizona Opera’s Marion Roose Pullin Studio takes center stage in El Gato con Botas (Puss in Boots) by Xavier Montsalvatge, showcasing Studio artists Rosario Armas in the title role, Cameron Howard as the Miller, Jason Edelstein as the King, José Olivares as the Ogre, and Francesca Herrera as the Princess. The production is directed by Sydney Roslin and performed with piano accompaniment and musical direction by Guzal Isametdinova.

In the spring, The Pirates of Penzance brings a lively cast led by baritone Craig Irvin as the Pirate King, joined by Marion Roose Pullin Studio alumni Véronique Filloux as Mabel and Brad Bickhardt as Frederic, with mezzo-soprano Jenni Bank as Ruth. The production is directed by Kyle Lang and conducted by Emily Senturia.

The season concludes with Verdi’s La Traviata, starring rising soprano Cadie J. Bryan as Violetta, tenor Eric Taylor as Alfredo, and internationally recognized bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba as Germont. The production is directed by Joshua Borths and conducted by Stephanie Rhodes-Russell.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF OPERA

A cornerstone of the 2026/27 Season is the continued prominence of the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, which returns to a full season-long program. Studio artists will play leading and supporting roles across productions, underscoring Arizona Opera’s role as a national leader in artist development.

By blending Arizona-based talent, rising stars, and established performers, the company continues to build a season that reflects expanded programming and community connection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Full performance schedules, casting details, and ticket information for the 2026/27 Season can be found at azopera.org.

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ABOUT ARIZONA OPERA

Arizona Opera connects and inspires communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice, creating inclusive, culturally relevant, and impactful experiences, while ensuring the financial sustainability of opera in our state. Since its inaugural year in 1971 as the Tucson Opera Company, Arizona Opera has produced more than 200 staged operas and concerts. The company's artistic history is rich with a blend of traditional works from the canon, as well as compelling works from the 20th and 21st centuries, and an array of high-impact educational and community engagement programs. For more information visit azopera.org.