Phoenix: Tucson: Theater

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOEL REVZEN ANNOUNCES ARIZONA OPERA’S 2008-2009 SEASON

PHOENIX AND TUCSON, ARIZONA

Arizona Opera Artistic Director Joel Revzen today announced the company’s 2008 – 2009 Season. Arizona Opera’s 38th Season includes five of the most popular operas in the repertory: Verdi’s Rigoletto, Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta The Mikado, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and to mark the anniversary of his 150th birthday, the season will end with Puccini’s tragic love story Tosca.
 
“When the curtain rises on our 38th Season, Arizona Opera will invite you to a world of intense drama and brilliant comedy” Joel Revzen states. “The operas in our 2008-2009 Season tell stories of human emotion set against some of the most exhilarating music ever written. With a season opening with Verdi and ending with Puccini this is certain to be a thrilling opera season.”
 
The 2008-2009 Season features the anticipated return of singers who have graced our stage in past seasons. Opening the season in October, baritone Gordon Hawkins reprises Verdi’s complex court jester “Rigoletto,” a signature role he has performed at Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera and previously with Arizona Opera in the 2001-02 season. Metropolitan Opera star Stephanie Blythe returns to Arizona Opera to enthrall audiences in the comedic role of the love-sick “Katisha” in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado.
 
The upcoming season includes the debuts of an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed artists. In Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, celebrated basso-buffo Donato Di Stefano takes the role of the traveling salesman “Dulcamara” to hilarious heights.

From opera houses in Paris, Frankfurt and Rome, Mr. Di Stefano is renowned for his deft interpretations of comedic roles. In Mozart’s Don Giovanni tenor Joseph Kaiser makes his company debut as Don Ottavio, one of the conspirators who condemn the notorious seducer Don Giovanni.

In 2007 Mr. Kaiser made his Metropolitan Opera debut, opposite Anna Netrebko, in the title role of Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette conducted by Plácido Domingo. Closing the season is Puccini’s Tosca bringing fire and passion to the role of the celebrated diva is soprano Lisa Daltirus. The New York Times describes Ms. Daltirus in the role of “Tosca” as “Imperious, her eyes ablaze, the very image of Tosca...she exuded an intangible electricity, that charge that comes across to the audience when something is really happening onstage."
 
 
75 North Second Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85004.  Tucson performances are at the Tucson Music Hall, 260 South Church Tucson, Arizona 85701-1614.  In order to secure the best seats, Arizona Opera encourages patrons to reserve season tickets as soon as possible.
 
In continuing Arizona Opera’s commitment to making the art form more accessible to a wider audience the 2008-2009 season will launch a $99 season subscription package.  
 
For further information, log onto www.arizonaopera.org, or call the box office in Phoenix at 602-266-7464 and Tucson at 520-293-4336. Box office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Queries can also be sent to info@azopera.com.

Single tickets are available to the public beginning in August 2008 and can also be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets by calling 480-784-ARTS, Phoenix and 520-321-1000, Tucson or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  
 
US Airways is the official airline of Arizona Opera. Wyndham-Phoenix is the season hotel co-sponsor. 
 
Arizona Opera is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit performing arts organization. It was established in Tucson 37 years ago and has grown to include a five-opera, October-April season in two cities.

Tucson Entertainment Magazine

Insiders' Guide to Tucson, 5th (Insiders' Guide Series) (Paperback)

by Mary Paganelli Votto (Author)

Highlighting the city's Spanish and Native American traditions, this guide details the infinite opportunities available for locals and residents alike to enjoy Tucson's arts, history, and natural heritage. With sections on relocation, neighborhoods, and retirement as well as restaurants, lodging, and attractions, this guide is perfect for both the newcomer and tourist.

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 5.00 edition (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English