Arizona Opera Company Hosts 45th Anniversary Celebration

As owner of a real estate investment firm, Lew McGinnis utilizes five decades of experience in the real estate industry. An active philanthropist, Lew McGinnis has also held leadership positions with community groups and arts organizations such as the Arizona Opera Company.

Founded in 1971 in Tucson, the Arizona Opera Company was organized by a group of opera enthusiasts. The inaugural season featured performances at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall. By 1975, the Opera performed regularly in Phoenix and Tucson. Today, the organizations produces a season with three performance dates in Tucson and four performances in Phoenix. The Opera has more than 10,000 subscribers and operates with an annual budget of $5.5 million.

The Arizona Opera hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year. One important 2016 event is the 45th Anniversary Sapphire Celebration. With October performances scheduled in both Tucson and Phoenix, the event will feature a full orchestra, chorus, and soloists, as well as international singer Frederica von Stade. In addition, the celebration features alumni returning to perform popular opera songs.