Can you spare about 30 minutes for experiencing a mini-buffet of Opera? "Opera for Lunch" is for you then! They had little tables where you could set your box lunch if you ordered in advance or just bring your own. You could tell this was a very casual event and fortunately most people finished their meal before the two performers began, but there was still some paper rustling and chip crunching so maybe quieter food in quieter packaging would help in the future ;) I loved how before the performance the garage door style wall was up so we had plenty of fresh air and light, and I was impressed with the screen image of curtains on the stage which as you can see in the pictures, really gave an excellent trompe l'oeil effect! On January 28, 2026, Sam Krausz (tenor),Yichen Xue (baritone), and Wan-Ting Yu (pianist) were all superb, and Yichen Xue was a real hoot as he really got into his role in the Così fan tutte piece where he is trying to convince a woman that he is the best man for her so he flexed his muscles and mimed reading a book, and showed how he could dance and sing. Not all pieces had adequate introductory information which was too bad as it is crucial since there were no projected subtitles as we had hoped. The online program just listed the songs and which opera they were from, but didn't even give an English translation or any helpful context for the song, so I think that should be considered for the future. It would also be a great encouragement to attend their big production if they could have one piece from it, even if it's just some piano music to tease people into attending. Perhaps they could also offer a little perk like a 1/2 price drink at Symphony Hall if you show you attended the Opera for Lunch production. Cultivating new patrons with little perks is always a good idea. read more

Arizona Opera - Can't beat those trompe l'oeil curtain projections or the passion of the performers at an Opera for Lunch performance - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Has a wonderful experience on Family Day at Arizona Opera. The very talented singers performed a 40 minute version of Englebert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. I appreciated how they had multiple sign language interpreters, as well as overhead subitites in English and Spanish. My daughter had a lovely time and enjoyed the show. She said she enjoyed hearing the singing and the opera singers really do have amazing voices. Before and after the show there is a crafts activity. For this year they had a decorate your own hand drum and there was also a goody bag to take back which had a sweet treat, a music toy, lanyard and a few small fidget toys. The only negative is that there might be a lot of road closures if another event is going on downtown and the parking lot is a little small so it can fill up easily. read more

As a season ticket holder, I tried to keep an open mind. The current desecration of Aida makes me feel sorry for the incredible performers who watched so many leave at intermission. Trying to add AI to a performance classic was not a good idea. I'm reconsidering renewing. read more

Arizona Opera - It should have been great - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Incredible! I have seen quite a few shows here and madams butterfly twice. Everything was breathtaking. I'd say they could offer better pastries/snacks but I believe that's a third party thing. Anyhow, definitely go check a show! read more

Arizona Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Aida in Tucson. Loved the orchestra. Loved the singers. Absolutely despised the goofy AI Will not attend in future if this type of AI done again. The mix from old images to current images was unsettling and unnecessary. read more

I highly recommend going to the Arizona Opera, what a talented group of performers! I love that they have the Surtitle system so we all can read what they were actually singing read more

What a talented bunch of men and women led by Gail Dubinbaum and accompanied by her husband pianist John Massaro. Whether I see them at PVCC, The Orpheum or Symphony Hall the productions are so entertaining. I look forward to this new season. read more

I was invited by friends to see La Boheme at Symphony Hall. Jumped at the chance since I had never been to an opera prior. I asked if there are subtitles in English, since I don't understand Italian. I was told she thought so but probably. Since her tickets were bought as part of a package, she also had tickets to the VIP party before the show. Of course, I wanted to attend that as well. The VIP party was on the deck of Symphony Hall. It was a beautiful evening for the event. I really enjoyed it. So glad I could read what they were actually singing. And since there was a mixup in the sale of our seats -- They were double sold -- we got to sit in the luge. What a view! We could see the orchestra as the members performed, and a clear shot of all of the performers in the opera. Since this was my first, I think I would definitely like to attend again! read more

I love that the Arizona Opera is open and willing to attract new audience participants. This is a risky move as opera aficionados love what they love and new audiences love what is new. My perception is that Arizona Opera is successfully managing the middle of these two diverse audiences. I've been so impressed with the number of ways that they offer for us to better understand opera from brown bag lunches to book clubs to coming early to a performance. It's a cultural icon of our community and one of the only groups that performs regularly in both Tucson and Phoenix. Love it. read more

A real cultural gem that produces exciting works by all the classic composers as well as adding new and fascinating modern productions! The upcoming season should be exceptional and opens with a unique film/opera fusion based on a 60s campy movie (Hercules vs Vampires) and a totally new operatic script performed live in front a a giant screen showing the film. ( if you have ever watched Woody Allen's "What's Up Tiger Lily, you get the idea). The rest of the season includes Tosca, Candide, The Barber of Seville and Das Rheingold. If you get the chance don't miss an opportunity to see great performances and stunning productions. read more

Arizona Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I took my girlfriend here for a performance of Romeo & Juliet. This was our second time going to the Opera (we saw Faust last year through Yelp). Both performances we have seen here have been excellent - the cast is great and the location is very convenient. This time our seats were very close, which maybe was a bit too close. There is a large board above the stage that provides translations (and since I speak English and she speaks Spanish it would be helpful). Our seats were really too close to benefit from seeing the screen. Fortunately the cast does an excellent job at bringing delivering the emotions of the scene well even if the audience doesn't know the language. The coffee/drink bars and the props from other shows in the lobby also provide good relief during the intermissions. The restrooms seem to move quicker than they do at other theaters in the area. Both times have been excellent and we will definitely return. read more

Arizona Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Opera is amazing! What a talented group of performers! I don't think most people consider what goes in to these productions, but I was able to watch a little behind the scenes, and it's incredible. The amount of work building sets, designing costumes, props, rehearsing daily... I was able to see a few of the productions and I look forward to seeing many more. This is a delightful evening out, or even if you just want to up your Opera knowledge and experience, I really suggest going! read more

I saw Tosca here last season and loved it. The electronic subtitles are great, as otherwise I would be lost. The acoustics in the Symphony Hall are awesome and my seats were smack dab in the middle of the room with the perfect view. I like that you can bring your own bottled water and stuff too. At least I think you can... no one stopped me or said anything. I think it's awesome that we have this cultural experience in Phoenix! read more

I love going to the opera. I am always impressed with the vocal range of the performers. They can do amazing things with their voices! And the sets and costumes are so elaborate. That is the best part. Even though they are usually sung in a language that I don't understand, you can really get swept up in the emotion of the music. I usually read the program beforehand so that I know what's going on and then try my best not to stay fixated on the subtitles on the screen but instead just enjoy the action on the stage, the orchestra, and of course the singing. read more

Opera is Fun! Yes it is! Tosca yesterday was amazing! I was riveted through the whole thing - and at almost 4 hours (including 2 intermissions), that's saying something. I was wowed by the singing, enjoyed the sets, was impressed by the acting, and intrigued by the story. Floria Tosca was superb, Scarpia and Spoletto deliciously evil. Honestly, I did not expect to LIKE opera as much as I have, but I've been enthralled with both AZ Opera performances I've seen this year (The Mikado and Tosca), particularly Tosca. After the performance an opera Q&A session was held for anyone wishing to stay. The AZ opera head and tenor James Flora answered questions about everything from the set, the director's mindset, the Spoletto character's triumphant ending, and the future of opera in the United States. read more

When you see a progress and effort to bring more art performances to a metropolis like Phoenix area, you have to be grateful. My first performance from this group was Carmen in 2010 and it was awful. For not being a music expert, the fact that I could notice they were not on tempo...terrible. Today was their 2nd night on a new season, and I have enjoyed better quality and better performances. I'm glad to see them growing and improving. I just wish public had more education and let them sing instead of interrupting every aria with applause. read more

Without a doubt, the most entertaining way to spend an evening! Falstaff - which was the final performance for the season, was THE opera to see. From the moment Falstaff appears on stage, you are riveted. The costumes are OVER THE TOP and contributed so much to the laughter and hilarity of the evening. The piece de resistance was allowing some of the audience members to sit on stage and take part in the performance. I've seen a lot of operas in my day, but NONE as entertaining as Falstaff. If you want to have an entertaining evening you can't go wrong with the Arizona Opera. Bravo!!! read more

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La Boheme was excellent. For all we had to go through to see La Boheme in LA (traffic) I will take AZ Opera any day. Symphony Hall is a much nicer venue than the LA Opera (smaller and more aisles!). If only the downtown restaurants like the "Butcher" were open on Sundays... We could include a nice lunch with a Sunday matinee. Opera has been enduring for a long time. It touches the soul. I wish we had more young people that were willing to give it a try. Support your AZ Opera. It's one of the best deals in town! read more

Just left early from Arizona Opera Lucia Di Lammermoor. It was horrible. I felt like I was at a high school production! Their is no sound production and the performers do not wear mikes. So you are in a fairly large hall (the symphony hall to be exact) and all you can hear are these tiny voices from the stage. I could've had the same experience watching it on my IPad. DO NOT waste your hard earned money. They should be ashamed to pretend this is a true opera! read more

It was well worth getting all dappered up for the evening. One can't be too over dressed for a night out at the opera. The vocal talent was exceptional and no one missed a mark delivering the story. It was fantastic and I enjoyed meeting a few of the department directors. VIP? Yes please and thank you. read more

Bravo Tosca! What a wonderful opera experience. This was my first time at the opera. I was thankful for the subtitles as the opera is in Italian. The story of Tosca is timeless and entertaining. Would like to have seen the cast "act" a little more. The set design was very well done. The orchestra was amazing and helped to keep the stage alive. Looking forward to my next AZ Opera experience. I am a fan! read more

I attended "La Boheme" last night and it was beautiful. Gorgeous production - the performances, sets, costumes, everything! It was glorious. read more

I went to HMS Pinafore. They changed the words to the Opera until it was not longer the opera I paid for. Many songs were rewritten. If I am going to an opera I am planning to go to the traditional opera not a parody of the opera. Also the lighting was poor and the sound had a great deal of problems. Totally annoyed with the opera. The voices were fine except the baritone (which if anyone knows anything about G&S the baritone is the main comic role) who was poor. read more

We've been season tickets subscribers but see a significant drop in quality this year. wondering if they had to sacrifice lower quality performers/sets/costumes in order to fund their new building. Seems like it. We actually left during intermission of the Friday production of Romeo and Juliet. It was pitchy, the sets were not impressive and it just wasn't in sync. We will not be subscribing next year- giving them a year or two to catch up and hopefully the quality will return in a couple years. Off to Actor's Theater for a year or two- change of pace. read more