Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Arizona Opera has announced its 2026–2027 season, featuring four fully staged productions along with expanded programming and artist development initiatives, according to a press release.
The season includes productions of Scalia/Ginsburg, El Gato con Botas (Puss in Boots), The Pirates of Penzance and La Traviata, along with the introduction of a Studio Series, a New Works Festival and the return of the Marion Roose Pullin Studio to a full season.
“This season reflects everything Arizona Opera stands for right now — artistic excellence, collaboration, accessibility, and investment in the future of opera and our community,” Brian DeMaris, general director of Arizona Opera, said. “We’re telling great stories, connecting our community, welcoming new audiences and recommitting to the artists and programs that make this company a creative home.”
2026–2027 productions:
● Scalia/Ginsburg: from Sept. 26 to Sept. 27 — Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix
from Oct. 3 to Oct. 4 — Leo Rich Theater, Tucson
The season opens with Derrick Wang’s Scalia/Ginsburg, inspired by the relationship between U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
● El Gato con Botas (Puss in Boots): from Nov. 7 to Nov. 8 — The Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box Theater, Phoenix
from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15 — Leo Rich Theater, Tucson
The one-act, Spanish-language opera is part of family programming and will be performed by Arizona Opera’s Marion Roose Pullin Studio artists.
● The Pirates of Penzance: from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31 — Symphony Hall, Phoenix
from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7 — The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Tucson
Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta returns as part of the company’s family series.
● La Traviata: from March 6 to March 7 — Symphony Hall, Phoenix
from March 13 to March 14 — The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Tucson
Verdi’s opera concludes the season.
Expanded programs and initiatives
Arizona Opera will restore the Marion Roose Pullin Studio to a full-season program after operating on a half-season schedule in recent years. The program provides training and performance opportunities for emerging artists.
Additional offerings include a new Studio Series, the return of the New Works Festival in April in Phoenix and Tucson, and continued collaboration with the Tucson Desert Song Festival, the University of Arizona and Arizona State University.
“This season is about momentum,” Mr. DeMaris said. “We’re growing our programs, deepening our community partnerships, and creating space for new voices — while continuing to deliver the operas audiences know and love.”
Subscription renewals are available, with additional ticket details to be announced.
