Supporters Give $1M Gift to Arizona Opera

The Arizona Opera received a $1 million donation from supporters Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard to help continue the organization’s vision of bringing new and contemporary productions to the opera’s stage.
“Arizona Opera’s deepening commitment to presenting innovative and inspiring work that appeals to both longtime opera fans and first-time audiences is so important,” said Allan.
The donation comes after a successful season where the Arizona Opera has begun adding more modern presentations, such as Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, Florencia en el Amazonas, and the opera’s first world premiere, Riders of the Purple Sage.
“Investments of this size allow Arizona Opera to take artistic risks as we strive to serve our community as fully as possible,” said Joseph Specter, Arizona Opera’s president and general director. “Scott and Marlu share this vision, and we are profoundly grateful to them for this extraordinary show of support for the course we are charting.”
Allan and Stallard also sponsor the company’s Costume Artisan Workshop and received Crystal Key Awards this year for their support of Arizona Opera.
“This is about Arizona Opera’s proven dedication to our community, and we want to show our support for the company’s direction,” said Scott Stallard, who sits on Arizona Opera’s Board of Directors.