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TUCSON DESERT SONG FESTIVAL
TUCSON, AZ · EIN 273777745 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE A60 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Small ($100K-$1M) · tucsondesertsongfestival.org
revenue
$322K
expenses
$255K
net assets
$673K
employees
0
volunteers
30
program ratio
93%
mission · from form 990

TO EDUCATE ABOUT CLASSICAL VOCAL LITERATURE THROUGH AN ANNUAL SONG FESTIVAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Tucson Desert Song Festival is a cultural organization that presents a multidisciplinary festival celebrating vocal and instrumental music, primarily through live performances and educational outreach. It collaborates with a network of regional and national arts organizations, universities, and performance ensembles to offer concerts, recitals, and special events across Tucson and Southern Arizona. The festival emphasizes artistic excellence, community engagement, and innovative programming, including commissions of new works.

named programs · 3 · from sources

what they call their work

Bryan Hymel Recital
Virtual recital presented in partnership with Arizona Opera, featuring the acclaimed tenor in a curated program of art songs and operatic repertoire.
New Directions in Song
Free virtual concert showcasing University of Arizona opera students, hosted by Professor Kristin Dauphinais, highlighting contemporary and innovative vocal music.
World Premiere: What I Miss the Most
Commissioned song cycle by Jake Heggie with texts from prominent cultural and public figures, performed by Jamie Barton and the composer, exploring themes of loss and connection during the pandemic.
activities · 6 groups

what they do

  • Commissioning New Musical Works 2 activities
    • Commission and premiere new musical works
      Commissions and presents world premieres of original compositions, including a song cycle by Jake Heggie ("What I Miss the Most") performed by Jamie Barton and a new work by Gregory Spears written for mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano.
    • Commission and premiere new musical works
      Commissions and presents world premieres of new compositions, including Gregory Spears’ work for mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano (2026 season) and Jake Heggie’s song cycle "What I Miss the Most" performed by Jamie Barton.
  • Live Music Festival & Concert Production 2 activities
    • Organize and host annual multidisciplinary arts festival
      Produces an annual festival in Tucson, AZ, featuring vocal and song performances by renowned artists, with recurring events since its inaugural festival in 2013 and ongoing through at least its 13th annual edition. The festival includes live and virtual programming, such as full performance lineups and events like "New Directions in Song."
    • Promote Tucson as a cultural destination
      Markets the festival nationally and internationally during its winter and spring season to position Tucson as a destination for arts and culture.
  • LGBTQ+ Pride Festivals & Events 2 activities
    • Produce festival publications and program materials
      Publishes official program books for its festival events, including the 2025 edition, to support audience engagement and event documentation.
    • Publish festival program materials
      Produces and publishes official program books for its annual festival, such as the 2025 edition, to document and support audience engagement with events and performances.
  • Orchestral and Choral Concert Performances 1 activity
    • Organize and host annual music festival
      Produces and hosts an annual recurring festival celebrating vocal and song arts, with documented events dating back to its inaugural festival in 2013 and continuing through its 13th annual festival. The festival includes live and virtual performances, and a full lineup of events is organized each year (e.g., 2025 and 2026 seasons).
  • Youth & Emerging Artist Performance Competitions 1 activity
    • Produce free and educational programming
      Hosts free virtual concerts such as "New Directions in Song," featuring students from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music Opera Theater, broadening public access to vocal performance.
  • Uncategorized 8 activities
    • Grant funds to performing arts partners
      Provides grants to local performing arts organizations in Tucson to support bringing vocalists to the city.
    • Organize and host an annual vocal arts festival
      Organizes and hosts an annual festival featuring vocal performances, including world premieres of new works and performances by renowned artists, promoting Tucson as a cultural destination.
    • Present performances by established and emerging artists
      Features live and virtual performances by prominent vocal artists such as Jamie Barton, Will Liverman, Karen Slack, Davóne Tines, Angela Brower, D. Jerome, Elena Rivera, and Bryan Hymel, including solo recitals and concert events as part of its seasonal programming.
    • Present performances by professional artists
      Features live and virtual performances by nationally and internationally recognized vocal artists, including scheduled appearances by Jamie Barton, Will Liverman, Karen Slack, Davóne Tines, Angela Brower, D. Jerome, Elena Rivera, and Bryan Hymel.
    • Promote Tucson as a cultural destination
      Markets festival performances nationally and internationally during its winter and spring seasons to position Tucson as a cultural hub for the vocal arts.
    • Publish festival program books
      Publishes program books for its annual festival, detailing the events and performances.
    • Support local performing arts partners
      Grants funds to performing arts organizations in Tucson to assist them in bringing vocalists to the city, expanding access to vocal arts across the region.
    • Support local performing arts through funding partnerships
      Provides grants to performing arts organizations in Tucson to assist in bringing vocalists to the city, strengthening local cultural programming and collaboration.
financials · form 990 · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$322K
Contributions & grants$302K94%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$20K6%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$255K
Program expenses93%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$95K
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$673K
Cash$464K
Investments$209K
Liabilities$0
Net assets$673K
Liquid reserves31.7 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue -11.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

board members · 25
  • ANDREA CRANE — DIRECTOR
  • ANDREW WATSON — DIRECTOR
  • CAROL DES COGNETS — DIRECTOR
  • CAROLYNN AHLSTROM — DIRECTOR
  • CELIA BALFOUR — SECRETARY
  • DIANA VARECKA — DIRECTOR
  • ELIZABETH KEATON — DIRECTOR
  • EMILY HANSEN — DIRECTOR
  • ERIC AHLSTROM — DIRECTOR
  • GLENN PARIS — DIRECTOR
  • HERSCHEL ROSENZWEIG — DIRECTOR
  • JEAN COOPER — DIRECTOR
  • JEANNETTE SEGEL — PRESIDENT
  • JOHN BURCHER — DIRECTOR
  • JOHN FORSYTHE III — DIRECTOR
  • JULIA PERNET — VICE PRESIDENT
  • JULIANA OSINCHUK — DIRECTOR
  • LINDA FULGENZI — DIRECTOR
  • MARLYS BEIDER — DIRECTOR
  • MARY KOSS — DIRECTOR
  • NANCY MARCH — DIRECTOR
  • PATRICIA ENGELS — DIRECTOR
  • PRISCILLA MARQUEZ — DIRECTOR
  • ROSIE GARCIA — DIRECTOR
  • SUSAN ACETO — DIRECTOR
relationships · 67

who they work with

  • AFP Southern Arizona Partner — Posted a job listing for TDSF's Development Associate position.
  • Alexandria Symphony Partner — George Hanson, Executive Director of the Alexandria Symphony, continues his association with TDSF as Festival Coordinator.
  • Arizona Arts Live Partner — Chad Herzog, Executive Director of Arizona Arts Live, is a member of the TDSF Artistic Steering Committee
  • Arizona Arts Live Partner — Participating organization in the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Arizona Baroque Music Festival Partner — Partnered for events in the 2025 lineup.
  • Arizona Daily Star Partner — Media sponsor of the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Arizona Early Music Partner — Participating organization in the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Arizona Early Music Society Partner — Laurie Camm serves as Treasurer of Arizona Early Music Society and is listed as a member of the Artistic Steering Committee of TDSF
  • Arizona Early Music Society Partner — Participates in the festival.
  • Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Partner — Alan Hershowitz, Board President of Arizona Friends of Chamber Music, is a member of the TDSF Artistic Steering Committee
  • Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Partner — Participates in the festival.
  • Arizona Friends of Chamber Music Partner — Participating organization in the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Arizona Opera Partner — Brian DeMaris, President and General Director of Arizona Opera, is a member of the TDSF Artistic Steering Committee
  • Arizona Opera Partner — Collaborates with the festival for performances.
  • Arizona Opera Partner — Participating organization in the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Arizona Opera Partner — Partnered to present a virtual recital by Bryan Hymel.
  • Arizona Theater Company Partner — Geri Wright, Executive Director of Arizona Theater Company, is a member of the TDSF Artistic Steering Committee
  • Arizona Theater Company Partner — Participating organization in the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Arizona Theatre Company Partner — Partnered for events in the 2025 lineup, presenting "Blues In the Night."
  • Ballet Tucson Partner — Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson, is a member of the TDSF Artistic Steering Committee
  • Ballet Tucson Partner — Participates in the festival.
  • Ballet Tucson Partner — Participating organization in the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Ballet Tucson Partner — Partnered for events in the 2025 lineup, including a premiere.
  • BizTucson Partner — Media sponsor of the Tucson Desert Song Festival
  • Catalina Foothills High School Theater Partner — Uses the Catalina Foothills High School Theater as a venue for performances.
  • Centennial Hall Partner — Uses Centennial Hall as a venue for performances.
  • Crowder Hall Partner — Uses Crowder Hall as a venue for performances.
  • Fox Tucson Theater Partner — Uses the Fox Tucson Theatre as a venue for performances.
  • Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Partner — Uses Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church as a venue for performances.
  • Holsclaw Hall Partner — Uses Holsclaw Hall as a venue for performances.
+ 37 more