San Francisco Opera

The San Francisco Opera’s new Dodson Orchestra Shell is a game-changer for our stage. Designed and built right here in the Bay area, this stunning shell debuted with our sold-out Beethoven 9 concert, transforming the War Memorial Opera House into a world-class concert space. A special thank you to Ryan O’Steen, our Production Manager, for leading this five-year project, and to Jerry and Thao Dodson for their incredible support in funding its completion. Dive into the full story behind the shell in a brand-new Backstage with Matthew: A Stage Within a Stage. Read more at https://bit.ly/4guyHIZ 1: The stunning new Dodson Orchestra Shell debuts in a sold-out concert. / Cory Weaver 2: Production Manager Ryan O’Steen on the completed orchestra shell. 3: Thao and Jerry Dodson with Ryan O’Steen on the completed Dodson Orchestra Shell. 4: General Director Matthew Shilvock. / Jean-Louis Fernandez

A Message from General Director Matthew Shilvock on Giving Tuesday: Thanks to an anonymous company sponsor, all new and increased gifts made before December 31 will be doubled, and all new and increased gifts made TODAY (12/3) will be TRIPLED. 🔗 Make your gift at https://lnkd.in/eHm778tm #givingtuesday #nonprofit #community #sfopera #sanfrancisco

Ever seen a Tristan mark their score with reminders like “Be Tosca” or “Sinatra”? As we have just experienced in these past weeks, Tristan and Isolde is one of the epic accomplishments of human creativity: an almost five-hour journey into the heights and depths of emotion. In a brand new Backstage with Matthew: Singing the Infinite, General Director Matthew Shilvock goes behind the scenes with Anja Kampe and Simon O'Neill to get a sense of what it takes to bring two of opera's most demanding roles to life. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gvf4KhJf 1: Cory Weaver Photographer 4: Jean-Louis Fernandez

We’re #hiring a new Assistant Cutter at our Costume Shop. Know anyone who might be interested?

We're #hiring a new Director of Information Systems at San Francisco Opera. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Eun Sun Kim: A Journey into Lohengrin is out now! The new film is available to stream for free at https://lnkd.in/gemUt-VS and will be broadcast by @KQED 9 on Friday, November 1 at 8PM "A Journey into Lohengrin" takes viewers behind the scenes as a musical Everest is readied for the stage. With Music Director Eun Sun Kim at the helm, the many layers of Wagner’s epic work come together, offering a rare glimpse into the complex process of staging a monumental opera. The cast featured singers familiar with their roles (tenor Simon O'Neill and bass Kristinn Sigmundsson), while others (soprano Julie Adams, mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi, and baritone Brian Mulligan), along with Kim, take on the opera for the first time. Hear their frank thoughts on the challenges of daunting roles and orchestra members discuss their “Vulcan mind meld,” as large-scale rehearsals reveal the military-level precision and impressive artistry from hundreds of artists, company, and crew. Directed by Elena Park, this illuminating San Francisco Opera/Lumahai Productions film chronicles the collective pursuit of something transcendent. Directed by Elena Park Featuring Eun Sun Kim, San Francisco Opera principals, orchestra, chorus, crew & members of the company A San Francisco Opera / Lumahai Productions film

"What comes through most strongly when you talk with anyone at SF Opera is a dedication to helping singers give the best performances they can. The words “support” and “care” come up constantly when discussing how best to communicate." Lisa Hirsch got a glimpse into the magic that happened backstage in order to bring Innocence and The Handmaid's Tale to life. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gcnd8vZb

We would like to welcome Barbara A. Wolfe as our new Chair of the Board! Ms. Wolfe is the seventh Chair in SF Opera's 102-year history of the company. She succeeds John A. Gunn following his distinguished 16-year tenure. “This is a moment that affirms what an incredible community we have here at San Francisco Opera,” stated Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock. “With the election of Barbara Wolfe as the seventh Chair of the Opera, we celebrate her passionate devotion to this Company and dedication to its governance. And we give profound thanks to John Gunn for his transformative leadership of the Board, guiding us with courage, vision and unparalleled generosity. John and his wife, Cynthia, have made possible the creative arc of the Company for almost twenty years, and Barbara has brought to life some of the most important new productions on our stage. The Opera community is blessed to have leaders like John and Barbara who care so fervently for the Company and all who work here. They devote themselves to ensuring that San Francisco remains one of the great cultural capitals of the world. I am so excited for Barbara’s leadership as Chair, and John’s continued partnership as Chair Emeritus. They allow us to realize creative dreams that define the future of opera.” Read the full press release at https://lnkd.in/gsWRXb33

Submit your nominations for the 2024 International Opera Awards! Any artists, conductors, or productions catch your eye this past year? Don’t miss your chance to nominate the people and pieces that impressed you in San Francisco Opera’s 2023–24 Season for this prestigious international award. Nominations will close on July 31, with shortlists announced in August. Submit nominations at https://lnkd.in/eXykwb-5 📸 Cory Weaver Photographer

Wow. Thanks to you, it has truly been an amazing summer of opera here in San Francisco. The Magic Flute boasted a sold-out run. We sold out of nearly 1500 $10 Dolby tickets in less than 2 hours and welcomed thousands of new operagoers into the Opera House for Barrie Kosky and Suzanne Andrade's delightfully zany production of this classic opera. This production sold more single tickets than any Flute we have put on in the past 20 years. The American premiere of Innocence garnered international attention from audiences and critics alike. Critics argued that "Innocence was truly one of the strongest American premieres in recent years" (Parterre Box). At each performance, audience members were reminded of the deeply transformative power of opera. Partenope brought the house down over and over again with knock-your-socks-off singing by a "remarkable cast" of "spectacular" artists (SF Chronicle). Christopher Alden's award-winning production had audiences laughing out loud. In whatever capacity you joined us: at a livestream in your living room or from the first row of the Grand Tier, as a first-time operagoer or as a 25+ year subscriber, thank you for allowing us to share our art with you. We can't wait to be back together again in September. Drew Altizer, Reneff-Olson Productions, Cory Weaver