I have attended many of Phoenix Opera's performances and have been overwhelmed by the caliber of their productions. It is wonderful to have a local opera company with such impressive talent. From the sets to the singers, it is a joy to attend their stunning performances. Kudos to Phoenix Opera for bringing exceptional quality to Arizona.
I have been an Opera lover since I first heard Opera as a child in NYC. Every Saturday I listened to the Metropolitan Opera on the radio. As a teen ager , I attended the Metropolitan Opera at the old opera house in NYC. I heard World Class singers.
As an adult, I have attended Operas in many cities in the USA including both Opera companies in Phoenix.
The Phoenix Metropolitan Opera does most outstanding productions. The casts are not only outstanding singers but also outstanding actors. It is the TRADITIONAL Opera that I have always loved and been most comfortable. They don't shoot Carmen.
Our very first attendance to any opera was to see Madame Butterfly, performed by the Phoenix Opera. It was an outstanding performance by world-class accomplished artists. The chorus, the set, the orchestra...everything about it drew us into a different world, and we loved it.
What we didn't expect, to great delight upon discovering it, was the simultaneous translation from Italian to English on a first-class digital screen posed above the stage. That feature eliminates the frustration of hearing spectacular music, but not understanding the story line.
Phoenix Opera performances have been some of the finest I have ever attended -- and I have seen many throughout the United States. It is comforting to know that they adhere to the original intent of the composer. I never have to wonder what "interpretation" will greet me in the way of staging: no shock value here. Just a devotion to the music. The singers are always top-flight and the sets are beautiful. The Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix is the perfect spot for their performances as well -- it, too, adds to the ambience of the entire evening. My only complaint is that Phoenix Opera should have more productions every year. The two they do create annually are well worth the ticket price!