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ANNOUNCEMENT!
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to announce that we are rebranding. My life’s mission is to serve my community with the gifts that I have been given but I must admit that I am indeed an entrepreneurial-minded individual. It’s mainly driven by a desire to do the best job that I possibly can, with service to something greater than myself as a larger part of that driving factor. Chandler will always be our home here in the Valley. But my aim is to serve our entire community within the Valley. Therefore, and it is only through your support and generosity that I can share this next part with you, we are rebranding from Chandler Opera Company to Valley Opera. We’ll be reminding you about the change throughout the year so you can get used to the change, but it’s the next logical step in becoming what we have always envisioned our mission to be. Going to different areas of the community and bringing our opera programs to you. Thank you all for being with us for the ride. Emily and I have appreciated every second of your support.
Richard Gibson
Founder, President, General Director
We are rebranding...
Our Mission
Our Mission is to serve our community by providing accessible and affordable world-class opera and fine arts performances that are tailored towards first time operagoers.
Meet the Founders:
Richard & Emily Gibson
It is our duty to help enrich our community, using our gifts and expertise, by providing it with affordable, accessible, world-class operatic productions that are tailored towards first timers. Our outreach programs continue to grow and flourish in the fields of foster care, veteran’s needs, senior living, and children’s education. We take pride in the passion and purpose we have for serving our community and look forward to seeing you at the opera.
Supporting our Veterans
We have raised $4,538.03 for
homeless veterans in 2024!
In partnership with Arizona Opera and their Beyond Downtown series, we are bringing opera to unexpected venues with lively pop-up performances for all to enjoy.
Press Release
Check out Chandler Opera Company founders, Richard and Emily Gibson on the cover of STROLL Magazine
Chandler Ocotillo's October issue!
"Our number one goal is making opera accessible to those who never thought it approachable."
Read more about this couple's passion for music and promoting the arts in this month's Stroll Chandler Ocotillo.
Cover photo by Azula Raun.
www.azularaunphotography.com
Media
REVIEWS
Victor N.
Phoenix, AZ
"I was very impressed by the performance of La Traviata by the Chandler Opera Company. I have been attending professional opera for sixty years and the voices in this performance were spectacular. I have attended performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Houston Opera, San Diego Opera, and some performances in Europe.
Co-Directors Richard Gibson and Emily Morgan Gibson have done it up proud. Emily Morgan Gibson was the star as Violetta. Her voice was a pure work of art and her acting moved me to tears. The seven piece orchestra under the baton of Zach Salsburg-Frank were sterling. Aaron Smith was a strong voice and a romantic lead as Alfredo. The voices and acting of the entire cast lead to a wonderful evening."
Chris W.
South Scottsdale, AZ
"Easily the best opera company in the universe, in my opinion! They are a passionate group of incredibly talented artists that make the craft of opera approachable for all walks of life. Their productions showcase many local professional musicians in a way that keeps the audience engaged and in for the roller coaster ride of all the classic masterpieces from history. You'll laugh, cry, and get goosebumps from watching these passionate performers do what they love."
Sherman B.
San Francisco, CA
"What a fabulous performance last night! All parts in this production were impressive from the orchestra, the chorus, and featured singers. Emily Morgan Gibson's soaring soprano voice paired with Aaron' tenor voice made for a beautiful and emotional performance. Not a dry eye in the house at the end. Bravo!!!!!"
Devi M.
Phoenix, AZ
"Chandler Opera ("CO") instantly became a family tradition for us. My husband's latent, previously unknown love and appreciation for opera was ignited when our daughter and I twisted his arm to attend one of CO's performances with us. He has attended every performance, since.
He also took us to the Paris Opera and Zurich Opera, this past Spring. Richard Gibson is more than a perfectionist Opera production director. He loves what he does, interjects relevant humor,
and educates the audience about several aspects of opera, at every performance. Also as imagined, we always leave having been entertained by top music artists - singers, pianists, string players, etc. The talent and genuine passion of every performer provides wonderful energy and
an aura that we always look forward to the privilege of experiencing."
Victor N.
Phoenix, AZ
"Chandler Opera Company Veteran's Day Concert 2024
Emily Morgan Gibson and Richard Gibson have brought us another spectacular concert for the Chandler Opera as co-directors. Richard Gibson who was a serving marine absolutely feels his patriotism deeply and is the perfect person to direct for Veterans Day.
The concert was free but money was raised for US Vets Phoenix Chapter to help house local homeless vets.
Grammy winning Dr. Isola Jones, guest performer at The Metropolitan Opera, was a featured guest star. Carole Fitzpatrick and Stephanie Weiss were also Guest Soloists.
The Marine color guard presented the flag for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
A 46 voice choir was backed by Jeremy Peterman on the organ/piano/ and guitar and Jerry Peterman on the snare drum, Timothy Moke on the trumpet, and Neil Erickson on bagpipes. Definitely a stadout performance and a big help to the veteran community."
Victor N.
Phoenix, AZ
"The Chandler Opera Company celebrates its 3rd Anniversary with a concert of comic opera arias "What's So Funny?". The Quality of the piano accompaniment and of the soloists is outstanding. The Impresario Richard Gibson provides live program notes in a very appealing way. Everyone was wonderful but I particularly enjoyed solos by Miriam Schildkret Mezzo Soprano and co-Director Soprano Emily Morgan Gibson."
