| San Francisco Opera - San Francisco | 4 May 2024 |
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L'elisir d'amore
Omar
Lohengrin
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
Il Trovatore
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Performance reviews
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Le nozze di FigaroSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
An American ‘Figaro,’ done with beauty and verve at SF Opera |
 13 Oct 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
New production fine match for SF Opera’s ‘Marriage of Figaro’ |
| 13 Oct 19 / San Francisco Examiner |
associated articles [+]
The racial fault lines in opera
Casting of San Francisco Opera’s ‘Figaro’ lays bare the racial fault lines in opera.
Casting of San Francisco Opera’s ‘Figaro’ lays bare the racial fault lines in opera.
All-American Figaro inaugurates SF Opera trilogy
The idea to link the three Mozart/Da Ponte operas — Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte, — didn’t come to director Michael Cavanaugh in a flash; it was a little more gradual.
The idea to link the three Mozart/Da Ponte operas — Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Così fan tutte, — didn’t come to director Michael Cavanaugh in a flash; it was a little more gradual.
A voice to be heard
A conversation With Jeanine De Bique.
A conversation With Jeanine De Bique.
Roméo et JulietteSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Roméo et Juliette in San Francisco (bis) |
| 8 Oct 19 / Opera Today |
The star-crossed lovers were entrapped in an opera mess worlds away from the smooth elegance of Gounod’s score |
| 20 Sep 19 / Opera Today |
Pene Pati and Nadine Sierra brilliant in Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet” |
| 14 Sep 19 / Opera Warhorses |
more reviews [+]
Get this Pati started |
| 10 Sep 19 / parterre box |
Nadine Sierra and Pene Pati deliver all you could hope for |
| 10 Sep 19 / OperaWire |
In SF Opera’s ‘Romeo,’ the tenor understudy walks off with the show |
| 8 Sep 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
Pene Pati, Nadine Sierra shine in titular role debuts |
| 8 Sep 19 / San Francisco Examiner |
associated articles [+]
Composers beware
Shakespearean opera is a dangerous game.
Shakespearean opera is a dangerous game.
Trump protest disrupts 2019 SF Opera Ball
Two protesters of President Trump disrupted the opening of the 97th season of the San Francisco Opera, hoping to call out what they say were the GOP supporters in the crowd.
Two protesters of President Trump disrupted the opening of the 97th season of the San Francisco Opera, hoping to call out what they say were the GOP supporters in the crowd.
Tenor pulls out of SF Opera’s ‘Romeo’ days before opening night
Bryan Hymel, who was slated to sing the title role in the San Francisco Opera’s production of Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet,” has withdrawn from the entire run of the opera, citing “personal reasons.”
Bryan Hymel, who was slated to sing the title role in the San Francisco Opera’s production of Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet,” has withdrawn from the entire run of the opera, citing “personal reasons.”
Billy BuddSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
An exemplary cast in an exemplary production, and enlightened conducting |
| 24 Sep 19 / Opera Today |
From Glyndebourne, a triumphant Billy Budd comes to San Francisco |
| 23 Sep 19 / Seen and Heard |
SF Opera keeps the HMS Indomitable shipshape |
| 18 Sep 19 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
more reviews [+]
An indomitable “Billy Budd” |
| 14 Sep 19 / Opera Warhorses |
Billy Budd swells SF Opera sails in billowing triumph |
| 14 Sep 19 / Classical Voice North America |
Miss me blond |
| 12 Sep 19 / parterre box |
John Chest leads a vibrant revival of Britten’s masterpiece |
| 11 Sep 19 / OperaWire |
SF Opera delivers a near-perfect production of Britten’s Billy Budd |
| 10 Sep 19 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
All male cast dazzles in Britten opera about good vs. evil |
| 10 Sep 19 / San Francisco Examiner |
‘Billy Budd’ an evocative but suspect fable of good and evil at SF Opera |
| 9 Sep 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
associated articles [+]
Why ‘Billy Budd’ is the opera of 2019
Benjamin Britten’s “Billy Budd” may have premiered in London in 1951, but it feels like the opera of America in 2019.
Benjamin Britten’s “Billy Budd” may have premiered in London in 1951, but it feels like the opera of America in 2019.
Baritone, John Chest
John Chest reflects on his journey to Billy Budd.
John Chest reflects on his journey to Billy Budd.
RusalkaSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Watching ‘Rusalka,’ a liberal dystopian opera, in liberal dystopian San Francisco |
| 1 Jul 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
In San Francisco, Dvořák’s magnificently dark fairy tale |
| 27 Jun 19 / Seen and Heard |
No happy ending, but a glorious opera |
| 26 Jun 19 / Bay Area Reporter |
more reviews [+]
Under the silver lake |
| 26 Jun 19 / parterre box |
San Francisco Opera offers a dark, powerful Rusalka |
| 26 Jun 19 / Bachtrack |
Beautiful singing, insightful drama |
| 22 Jun 19 / Opera Warhorses |
Shadowy, fairy-tale ‘Rusalka’ is SF Opera at its best |
| 18 Jun 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
SF Opera bewitches with ‘Rusalka’ |
| 18 Jun 19 / San Francisco Examiner |
Everything is right with Rusalka |
| 18 Jun 19 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
OrlandoSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Exquisite Handelian singing in San Francisco Opera's Orlando |
| 25 Jun 19 / Bachtrack |
Countertenor outshines flashy Orlando cast in San Francisco |
| 19 Jun 19 / Seen and Heard |
Handel was both victim and survivor of the San Francisco Opera’s Orlando |
| 19 Jun 19 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
A finely sung “Orlando” melds Handel’s seductive music with Harry Fehr’s surreal staging |
| 15 Jun 19 / Opera Warhorses |
Handel’s best score gets solid music performance despite questionable production |
| 13 Jun 19 / OperaWire |
Handel’s Orlando is riveting at S.F. Opera |
| 12 Jun 19 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
In SF Opera’s ‘Orlando’ a clever modern setting obscures the artistic truth |
| 11 Jun 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
‘Orlando’ makes victorious return to War Memorial Opera House |
| 11 Jun 19 / San Francisco Examiner |
associated articles [+]
San Francisco Opera removes David Daniels from production
The San Francisco Opera has dropped countertenor David Daniels from its June production of Handel’s “Orlando” in the wake of sexual assault allegations made against the singer.
The San Francisco Opera has dropped countertenor David Daniels from its June production of Handel’s “Orlando” in the wake of sexual assault allegations made against the singer.
CarmenSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
A razzle-dazzle, bloodless Carmen |
| 13 Jun 19 / Opera Today |
Nice nice baby |
| 11 Jun 19 / parterre box |
San Francisco Opera plays Carmen with a heavy hand |
| 9 Jun 19 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
more reviews [+]
Francesca Zambello’s theatrically compelling “Carmen” |
| 8 Jun 19 / Opera Warhorses |
In SF Opera’s ‘Carmen,’ a secondary character steals the show |
| 7 Jun 19 / San Francisco Chronicle |
SF Opera’s ‘Carmen’ enchants with zesty performance |
| 7 Jun 19 / San Francisco Examiner |
First-timers in Bizet’s classic yield uneven results in San Francisco |
| 7 Jun 19 / Seen and Heard |
It's a Wonderful LifeSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
It’s a wonderful opera |
| 4 Dec 18 / parterre box |
A visual treat |
| 27 Nov 18 / The Stage |
Mr. Heggie and Mr. Scheer’s It’s a Wonderful Life is a tight, beautifully crafted opera |
| 26 Nov 18 / Opera Today |
more reviews [+]
It's a Wonderful Life: a new holiday tradition for the opera world |
| 23 Nov 18 / Bachtrack |
Sentimental, colorful, effective, and mostly ‘Wonderful’ |
| 22 Nov 18 / Seen and Heard |
Fine singing can't lift Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s new opera to higher realms |
| 21 Nov 18 / OperaWire |
SF Opera’s ‘Wonderful Life’ is so good — and so necessary |
| 20 Nov 18 / Mercury News |
SF Opera sets holiday mood with gratifying ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ |
| 20 Nov 18 / San Francisco Examiner |
At SF Opera, new version of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ earns its wings |
| 19 Nov 18 / San Francisco Chronicle |
associated articles [+]
The movies go to the opera
It’s a Wonderful Life comes to the War Memorial Opera House.
It’s a Wonderful Life comes to the War Memorial Opera House.
ArabellaSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Hidden trove of seductive beauty |
| 27 Oct 18 / Classical Voice North America |
Dehn and Mulligan illumine Albery’s stylish “Arabella” |
| 27 Oct 18 / Opera Warhorses |
Ellie Dehn and Brian Mulligan solid though Strauss’ work never soars |
| 21 Oct 18 / OperaWire |
more reviews [+]
S.F. Opera’s Arabella plays it safe |
| 20 Oct 18 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
Marc Albrecht makes his U.S. debut conducting Arabella |
| 19 Oct 18 / Seen and Heard |
At SF Opera, Strauss’ ‘Arabella’ gets a workout but never takes flight |
| 18 Oct 18 / San Francisco Chronicle |
SF Opera’s new ‘Arabella’ makes glowing impression |
| 18 Oct 18 / San Francisco Examiner |
ToscaSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
An evening of powerful theater |
| 15 Oct 18 / Opera Today |
An appealing new “Tosca” for San Francisco Opera |
| 13 Oct 18 / Opera Warhorses |
Underdressed |
| 6 Oct 18 / parterre box |
more reviews [+]
Thoughtful new Tosca reflects #MeToo, and shows an eloquent orchestra |
| 6 Oct 18 / Seen and Heard |
Forceful lovers lead S.F. Opera’s Tosca |
| 6 Oct 18 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
Carmen Giannattasio living up to hype in SF Opera’s new ‘Tosca’ |
| 5 Oct 18 / Mercury News |
SF Opera brings back ‘Tosca’ in a tame, not-so-new rendering |
| 5 Oct 18 / San Francisco Chronicle |
San Francisco Opera stages powerful, timely ‘Tosca’ |
| 5 Oct 18 / San Francisco Examiner |
Roberto DevereuxSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
A second look at San Francisco Opera’s superb “Roberto Devereux” |
| 6 Oct 18 / Opera Warhorses |
The all American cast was in prime vocal condition |
| 29 Sep 18 / Opera Today |
Radvanovsky soars as troubled Queen in superb Devereux |
| 15 Sep 18 / Classical Voice North America |
more reviews [+]
World’s best ever “Roberto Devereux” performance |
| 15 Sep 18 / Opera Warhorses |
Radvanovsky heads a gripping, radiant bel canto classic |
| 12 Sep 18 / Seen and Heard |
The company’s return to Donizetti’s Tudor drama this fall was a triumph |
| 12 Sep 18 / Opera News |
Sondra Radvanovsky reigns in Donizetti masterwork |
| 11 Sep 18 / OperaWire |
Radvanovsky reigns in S.F. Opera’s Roberto Devereux |
| 11 Sep 18 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
Drama, queen |
| 11 Sep 18 / parterre box |
San Francisco Opera triumphs with regal ‘Roberto Devereux’ |
| 11 Sep 18 / San Francisco Examiner |
Radvanovsky blazes forth as Queen Elizabeth I in SF Opera’s thrilling ‘Roberto Devereux’ |
| 10 Sep 18 / San Francisco Chronicle |
PagliacciSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
A Cav & Pag double bill with virtues and flaws at San Francisco Opera |
| 3 Oct 18 / Bachtrack |
A second look at San Francisco Opera’s “Pagliacci” |
| 29 Sep 18 / Opera Warhorses |
Joshua Kosman’s all wrong on Cav/Pag at SF Opera |
| 23 Sep 18 / The Berkeley Daily Planet |
more reviews [+]
Thrilling performances |
| 15 Sep 18 / Opera Warhorses |
Double exposure |
| 11 Sep 18 / parterre box |
San Francisco Opera opens with tepid Cav/Pag |
| 11 Sep 18 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
‘Cavalleria Rusticana,’ ‘Pagliacci’ stir emotions at War Memorial Opera House |
| 11 Sep 18 / San Francisco Examiner |
SF Opera opens its season at a boil, with a thrilling double bill of ‘Cav/Pag’ |
| 9 Sep 18 / San Francisco Chronicle |
Cavalleria RusticanaSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
A Cav & Pag double bill with virtues and flaws at San Francisco Opera |
| 3 Oct 18 / Bachtrack |
Joshua Kosman’s all wrong on Cav/Pag at SF Opera |
| 23 Sep 18 / The Berkeley Daily Planet |
A second look at San Francisco Opera’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” |
| 22 Sep 18 / Opera Warhorses |
more reviews [+]
Nicely sung, brilliantly staged |
| 15 Sep 18 / Opera Warhorses |
Double exposure |
| 11 Sep 18 / parterre box |
‘Cavalleria Rusticana,’ ‘Pagliacci’ stir emotions at War Memorial Opera House |
| 11 Sep 18 / San Francisco Examiner |
San Francisco Opera opens with tepid Cav/Pag |
| 11 Sep 18 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
SF Opera opens its season at a boil, with a thrilling double bill of ‘Cav/Pag’ |
| 9 Sep 18 / San Francisco Chronicle |
Der Ring des NibelungenSan Francisco OperaNo. of reviews: 32 | |
Full cycle: C'era una volta in America |
| 25 Jul 18 / L'Ape musicale |
associated articles [+]
The 150 years of urgency
'The Ring of the Nibelung' at San Francisco Opera. An interview with visionary director Francesca Zambello.
'The Ring of the Nibelung' at San Francisco Opera. An interview with visionary director Francesca Zambello.
New special effects for the Ring Cycle at S.F. Opera
"Lots of changes have been made to the production,” says Jeffery McMillan, senior communications manager at S.F. Opera. “Everything works on a new system, with one ‘mission control’ computer.”
"Lots of changes have been made to the production,” says Jeffery McMillan, senior communications manager at S.F. Opera. “Everything works on a new system, with one ‘mission control’ computer.”
In the Ring with Iréne Theorin
Fresh from a successful Ring Cycle in Vienna in April, Iréne Theorin is unexpectedly filling out her summer with a full complement of Brünnhildes at San Francisco Opera’s Ring Cycle.
Fresh from a successful Ring Cycle in Vienna in April, Iréne Theorin is unexpectedly filling out her summer with a full complement of Brünnhildes at San Francisco Opera’s Ring Cycle.
Evelyn Herlitzius pulls out of SF Opera 'Ring'
Evelyn Herlitzius, who was to make her San Francisco Opera debut as Brünnhilde in Wagner’s “Ring” Cycle in June, has withdrawn from the production for health reasons. She will be replaced by Iréne Theorin.
Evelyn Herlitzius, who was to make her San Francisco Opera debut as Brünnhilde in Wagner’s “Ring” Cycle in June, has withdrawn from the production for health reasons. She will be replaced by Iréne Theorin.
Catching up with Evelyn Herlitzius
Anyone who has witnessed a live performance by soprano Evelyn Herlitzius or seen her on DVD is likely to come away with at least one common impression of her: intensity.
Anyone who has witnessed a live performance by soprano Evelyn Herlitzius or seen her on DVD is likely to come away with at least one common impression of her: intensity.
Ring resounds 'round town
As Ring fever heats up, S.F. Opera reaches out with surprising and fun new ancillary programs.
As Ring fever heats up, S.F. Opera reaches out with surprising and fun new ancillary programs.
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Mozart
30 May to 30 Jun 2024
Saariaho
1 to 21 Jun 2024
Handel
15 to 28 Jun 2024
Verdi
6 to 27 Sep 2024
Ruders
14 Sep to 1 Oct 2024
Wagner
19 Oct to 5 Nov 2024
Bizet
13 Nov to 1 Dec 2024
Puccini
3 to 21 Jun 2025
Mozart
14 to 25 Jun 2025
News & Articles
| SF Opera makes big plans in small numbers for 2024–2025 |
The 2024–2025 schedule will see the continuation of Music Director Eun Sun Kim’s signature Verdi-Wagner initiative, a company premiere, and the return of repertory favorites. |
| 21 Feb 2024 / San Francisco Classical Voice |
| When it comes to S.F. Opera, Eun Sun Kim is taking the long view |
One of Eun Sun Kim’s stated goals as music director of the San Francisco Opera has been to keep the music of Wagner and Verdi at the center of the repertoire. |
| 1 Nov 2023 / San Francisco Chronicle |
| S.F. Opera announces its 2023-24 season |
The San Francisco Opera plans to launch its second century with a 2023-24 season featuring the highest proportion of contemporary work in its history, alongside an array of familiar works by Verdi, Wagner and others. |
| 25 Jan 2023 / San Francisco Chronicle |
| S.F. Opera awards company medal to three longtime artists |
Mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook and bass-baritones Philip Skinner and Dale Travis received the San Francisco Opera Medal, the company’s highest honor. |
| 1 Nov 2022 / San Francisco Chronicle |
| Looking back at memorable moments in design at San Francisco Opera |
In a genre rich with passionate romances, vengeful feuds, mythical creatures and three-hankie tragedies, the right costumes, sets and overall concept can make or break a production. |
| 9 Sep 2022 / San Francisco Chronicle |
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