Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra to Debut New Chorus
The newly formed ensemble will hold its inaugural concerts on October 24 and 25 at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Classical
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The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra is launching a new chorus to expand its performance capabilities. The ensemble will host its debut concert, titled Let All Nations Sing, on October 24 and 25.
Why it matters
The addition of this vocal ensemble provides the 47-year-old orchestra with the flexibility to incorporate vocal masterworks and chamber operas into its regular programming.
The Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra enters its new phase with 47 years of regional operational history. Tickets for the debut performance are priced at $30.
The players
Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra
This is a 47-year-old musical institution that provides orchestral performances to the Tucson community.
Robin Lopez-Hanshaw
She serves as the director of the new chorus and is also a composer whose works are featured in the ensemble's debut concert program.
Linus Lerner
He is the Music Director of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra who maintains oversight of the new chorus.
The details
Under the direction of Robin Lopez-Hanshaw and the oversight of Music Director Linus Lerner, the chorus will perform works by four Tucson composers. The debut program features a diverse selection of folk and classical music originating from nine countries.
Timeline
October 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. for the debut performance.
October 25, 2026, at 3 p.m. for the second performance.
December 5-6, 2026, for the Midwinter Lights concert series.
March 6-7, 2027, for the masterworks concert with the Tucson Masterworks Chamber Singers.
April 17-18, 2027, for the production of Die Fledermaus.
Industry Dynamics
The formation of the chorus represents an expansion of the orchestral model to include choral capabilities within a community-based ensemble. This move aligns the 47-year-old orchestra with larger institutions that regularly integrate vocal masterworks and opera into their seasons.
Residents can attend the debut concerts at Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church by purchasing tickets for $30. These performances offer the public their first opportunity to engage with the new ensemble's repertoire.
The takeaway
The debut of this chorus marks a major diversification for the long-standing orchestra. Local patrons should monitor the ensemble's schedule as it grows to include chamber opera and larger masterworks.
What happens next
The chorus will perform Midwinter Lights on December 5-6, 2026, followed by a collaborative masterworks concert on March 6-7, 2027, and a production of Die Fledermaus on April 17-18, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene at Tucson Classical.
More information
Find complete event details at the chorus ticket and information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arizona Daily Star.
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