Located in eastern Tucson at the foot of the Rincon Mountains, the non-profit ASA supports lifelong engagement with learning, creativity and public service for adults in (un-) retirement.
Engage with the artists and enjoy the sounds, from Bach and Debussy to salsa and swing to banjos and blues. Weekly ASA concerts span the musical map, mixing top talent from the University with popular Tucson artists.
Many of Arizona’s finest minds help ASA members keep abreast of local, state, national and international events. Our twice-weekly lectures bring cutting-edge issues and leading-edge research right to our door.
Just as important as what we take from our events and activities is what we give back. ASA members contribute across Tucson at dozens of places in dozens of ways, aided by the networks that we and our members create.
The non-profit ASA exists to support lifelong engagement with extended learning, creativity and public service for adults in or near retirement. We are located in the Academy Village/Altura active adult community in the Rincon Valley of eastern Tucson. Founded by a former UA president, our affiliation with the University of Arizona downtown helps the ASA provide a rich year-round menu of public concerts and lectures. Each week we enjoy a range of talented artists, experts and scholars, including faculty guests sharing encores and previews of headline events. This has made ASA an audience magnet for much of eastern Tucson and beyond.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Arizona Senior Academy Building
Sopranos Erika Burkhart and Crystal Kachevas will present a recital of American songs by composers including Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Ned Rorem, in a preview of the 2020 Tucson Desert Song Festival, January 16-February 6, at the Tucson Music Hall. They will be accompanied by Bonnie Bird at the piano. Read more . . .
Scott Stark, Assistant Professor of Forest Ecology at Michigan State University, asks us join him in exploring the wondrous Amazon rainforest, learning how to preserve it, and sharing experiences like climbing into 160-foot tall trees for research! Read more . . .
Brent Dennis
Thursday, December 12
“Organic First Weed Control”
Brent Dennis, Director,
Tucson Parks and Recreation
2:30-3:30 p.m., The Arizona Senior Academy Building
Mr. Brent Dennis, Director of Tucson Parks and Recreation, will speak on the program of “Organic First,” a poison-free protocol for maintaining the city’s large array of public spaces, from dog parks to parks containing hundreds of acres of recreational space. Read more . . .
Lawrence LipnikSouthwest Arizona Viola da Gamba Society
Under the direction of an international star of the viola da gamba, Lawrence Lipnik, local players and singers will present an open rehearsal of Renaissance music for Viols and Voices.The pieces will include Advent anthems by composers such as William Byrd, Thomas Tompkins, and Peter Phillips, with introductions and commentary by the director.Audience members may come and go at will during the breaks between pieces. Questions will be welcome throughout. Read more . . .
The non-profit Arizona Senior Academy (ASA) is the cultural hub of the Academy Village/Altura retirement community for active adults in eastern Tucson and we have a public service mission to enhance lifelong learning and creativity. Located at the foot of the beautiful Rincon range in eastern Tucson, we are on the southern side of Saguaro National Park East, not far from Vail, AZ. (See map)
To attend an event: Public concerts and lectures at the ASA are free of charge. But if you wish to assure seating, you should arrive somewhat early.
The ASA is supported solely by membership dues from Villager residents and tax deductible donations from fans, families and friends. All contributions welcome with thanks!
Testimonials
Gabriela Rico, Arizona Daily Star
The Centerpiece of the Academy Village is the academy itself where residents can attend week;y concerts, discussion groups and lectures. (April 1, 2017)
I’ve given public lectures around the world, and found the questions asked here at the ASA to be some of the most thoughtful and perceptive that I’ve ever gotten!
Desika Narayanan, astrophysicist
The opportunity to preview University of Arizona concerts in such a receptive venue, both audience and acoustic-wise, makes the Senior Academy a unique place for us performers. … It is always a great pleasure to perform/lecture at the Arizona Senior Academy.
Jerry Kirkbride, Professor of Music
The first time I performed at the Arizona Senior Academy I offered two options to the audience for an encore: Chopin or Schoenberg. Who could imagine an audience whose resounding answer would be ‘SCHOENBERG!’ Clearly, this response demonstrates unusually open, perceptive ears!
Designed to bring together individuals with intellectual curiosity in a stimulating environment, [Academy Village] is a successful model for creative retirement that is being used by several other American universities.
Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, January 2013
Making presentations at the Arizona Senior Academy is always a joy and a challenge, because I have to work a little harder to stay one step ahead of the very sharp audience. … And the lovely desert location helps keep us all stimulated.
–James Reel, Classical Music Director, Arizona Public Media
Performing at the Arizona Senior Academy, in their gorgeous location on the eastern side of Saguaro National Park East, is a high point of the year for both my students and myself. The audience and administration are very welcoming to UA students and faculty, and the subsequent question-and-answer period is always informative.
Daniel Katzen, UA Horn Professor
I’ve given talks in venues across the country, and I always look forward to returning to Academy Village. The setting is superb and the venue comfortable—and a speaker couldn’t ask for a more responsive, more receptive audience.
Gregory McNamee, Author and Lecturer
ASA is a very unique venue that offers a very intimate feel that I truly appreciate as a musician. … A Hidden Gem in the Desert.
Gabriel Ayala, Classical Guitarist
We have always enjoyed performing at the Academy. A gorgeous spot, a wonderful piano, a fantastic audience and exceptional hosts who make their guests feel really special. Does not get better than that!
The Clark Schuldmann Duo
The Arizona Senior Academy provides a comfortable space with great acoustics … This ensures a great time for both audience and performer. It is a fantastic venue in a beautiful desert setting. The icing on the cake is the audience — engaged and eager to hear what the performer has to offer.
Ted Ramirez
Playing at the Academy offers the performer the unique experience of an audience that is simultaneously appreciative and stimulating. The questions that follow can lead to unusual and thought-provoking turns of conversation, both during the performance hour and at the congenial luncheon that so often follows. What a great place to play!
Paula Fan, TSO Principal Keyboardist (and friend)
ABOUT US
Samples of past events: Classical cello and piano by Sanda Schuldmann and Harry Clark; concert from Vail Chorale led by Academy member, Fritz Reinagel; lectures on topics in science and art; ASA concert by steel drum band from Empire High; concert by Ronstadt Generations; pre-season Downton Abbey preview at ASA via PBS and KUAT
The non-profit Arizona Senior Academy was conceived by former UA president Henry Koffler before any homes were built in our community. Then and now, the ASA mission has been to support extended learning, creative engagement, mentoring and public service over the entire span of retirement.
The lectures and concerts each week are open to the public and cover a wide range of content from science and technology to health, humanities and creative arts. This diversity also complements the aims of those who are not yet fully retired but wish to explore new interests or prepare for “encore” careers.
Our village is an over-55 community and all residents become full dues-paying Academy members at age 60, providing support for the ASA. In addition to the concerts and lectures each week, the resident members have a number of amenities available to them. For example, the ASA support organization, Academy Services Corporation, runs the Academy Health Care Program on a subscription basis for resident members.
Many supporters from east Tucson and nearby Vail who attend our public events also make contributions to the ASA as “Friends” and “Fans” of the Academy. From time to time, our members and friends also make direct donations to sponsor the appearance of an artist or expert of special interest.
This mosaic depicts a sampler of past events, including a concert by the Vail Chorale founded and led by an Academy member, plus an early preview of the the final season of Downton Abbey which was co-hosted by ASA and our local PBS station KUAT.
To learn more about the ASA and our activities, click any of the topics below.
Lively Arts & Music
Weekly concerts feature classical, pop, jazz, folk and world music of many kinds — plus ample opportunity to interact with artists who are pleased to engage... Read More
Lifelong Learning
Expert speakers on topics from current events to ancient history, and everything in between plus frequent updates from UA scientists making headlines. Read More
Public Service
ASA members are encouraged to stay active and use their experience and energy to help the community at large. Read More
About ASA
Our members have different backgrounds, but share a commitment to making retirement a time of cultural enrichment and intellectual stimulation. Read More
The non-profit Arizona Senior Academy (ASA) is the cultural hub of the Academy Village/Altura retirement community for active adults in eastern Tucson and we have a public service mission to enhance lifelong learning and creativity. Located at the foot of the beautiful Rincon range in eastern Tucson, we are on the southern side of Saguaro National Park East, not far from Vail, AZ. (See map)
The ASA is supported solely by membership dues from Villager residents and tax deductible donations from fans, families and friends. All contributions welcome with thanks!
