Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Arizona Opera opens its 2025-26 Main Stage Season with the company premiere of Héctor Armienta’s Zorro, part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series.
This vibrant new work reimagines the legendary masked hero Diego de la Vega as he returns to a land oppressed, reclaims his identity as Zorro, and leads a revolution in a score that blends pulpfiction energy, Pucciniinspired melodies, Latin flair — and swords ablaze.
Arizona Opera brings together a dynamic, internationally recognized ensemble to the company premiere of Zorro. Leading the cast is Rafael Moras as Diego de la Vega (a.k.a. Zorro), a tenor praised for his warm, richly characterized singing with major orchestras and opera houses across North America.
María Brea portrays Ana María Soza, a Venezuelan soprano celebrated for her polished vocal technique and magnetic stage presence. Stephanie Sánchez takes on the role of Carlota de Obragón, bringing both dramatic flair and a commanding vocal presence refined through performances with Kentucky Opera, Opera San José, and Arizona Opera.
Rounding out the principal cast is Octavio Moreno as Octavio Rivera y Moncada, contributing depth to a production grounded in emotional storytelling and operatic passion.
The production is conducted by Anthony Barrese, noted for his expressive and stylistically fluent leadership at the podium, and directed by David Radamés Toro, whose vision brings the revolutionary and cultural themes of the work vividly to life.
At the compositional helm is Héctor Armienta, who creates both music and libretto for Zorro. A Mexican-American composer and librettist, Armienta blends classical training with deep engagement in Latin and Hispanic traditions, including mariachi, corridos, and musica azteca, to explore bicultural identity through opera.
Zorro is the first production under the leadership of Brian DeMaris, who was named Arizona Opera’s new president and general director this summer, according to a press release.
A respected conductor, educator, and arts leader, Mr. DeMaris brings decades of experience to the role, including his tenure as Artistic Director of Music Theatre and Opera at Arizona State University and past collaborations with Arizona Opera, the release states.
“Zorro is everything you love about opera — romance, sword fights, incredible music and action-packed storytelling,” DeMaris said. “Zorro connects cultures, languages and generations, and we’re excited to bring our Arizona audiences a work that celebrates love and heroism while exploring themes of liberty, justice and resilience. Audience members of all ages are sure to have a great time.”
