Arizona Opera opens season with statewide premiere of ‘Zorro’
Heroism, romance celebrated at Symphony Hall
“Zorro” is coming to the Symphony Hall stage as Arizona Opera opens its 2025-26 season with the classic story in September.
(Photo provided by Arizona Opera)
Arizona Opera opens its 2025‑26 main stage season with the company premiere of Héctor Armienta’s “Zorro” in September in Phoenix.
Part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series, this 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 Puccini‑inspired melodies, Latin flair, and swords ablaze, according to Arizona Opera.
“Zorro” shows at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. The show then moves to Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tucson on Oct. 4.
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Arizona Opera’s 2025-26 season continues with Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” in January–February, followed by Rossini’s “Cinderella (La Cenerentola)” in April 2026 — each performed in both Phoenix and Tucson.
Special to Independent Newsmedia
Arizona Opera opens its 2025‑26 main stage season with the company premiere of Héctor Armienta’s “Zorro” in September in Phoenix.
Part of the McDougall Arizona Opera RED Series, this 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 Puccini‑inspired melodies, Latin flair, and swords ablaze, according to Arizona Opera.
“Zorro” shows at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix. The show then moves to Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tucson on Oct. 4.
Leading the cast is tenor Rafael Moras as Diego de la Vega (aka Zorro), and Venezuelan soprano María Brea portrays Ana María Soza. Stephanie Sánchez takes on the role of Carlota de Obragón, and Octavio Moreno portrays Octavio Rivera y Moncada.
The production is conducted by Anthony Barrese and directed by David Radamés Toro.
At the compositional helm is Héctor Armienta, who creates both music and libretto for “Zorro.”
“Zorro” is the first production under the leadership of Brian DeMaris, who was named Arizona Opera’s new president and general director this summer. 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.
This production was made possible, in part, through support from The Carol Franc Buck Foundation, Susan Esco Chandler and Alfred D. Chandler, and Rio Nuevo. The appearance of Anthony Barrese is made possible, in part, by Dean Yannias.
“Zorro” runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 30‑minute intermission, and is performed in both English and Spanish with supertitles projected above the stage.
Single tickets are on sale at azopera.org.
Since its inaugural year in 1971 as the Tucson Opera Company, Arizona Opera has produced more than 200 staged operas and concerts.
