I am looking forward to immersion in grand-scope classical operas by Wagner and Verdi, along with new compositions, bold lyricists, new concepts, the great San Francisco Opera orchestra, and always the thrill of exquisite voices. I have such admiration for the bravery, expression, discipline, technique, artistry and engagement of all artists on the opera stage.
It’s the beginning of an exciting second century for San Francisco Opera. The Fall Season lists dynamic new works, a reverential return of two classics, and a galaxy of international artists. We will enjoy exacting collaborations, elegant costumes, dramatic stage designs, and inspirational music. And these magnificent productions under the baton of Music Director Eun Sun Kim.
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Verdi's "Il Trovatore" Photo courtesy of San Francisco Opera |
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Omar Photo: Cory Weaver |
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The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs Photo: Ken Howard |
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Lohengrin Photo: Clive Barda |
The Fall 2023 Season
New works co-commissioned by San Francisco Opera punctuate the Company’s 101st season
First, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs by Bay Area composer Mason Bates and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist Mark Campbell takes the stage in September with baritone John Moore as eponymous iconoclastic Steve Jobs, whose ideas helped continue to reshape our world.
Second, Omar, the first opera by Grammy Award-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens in collaboration with composer Michael Abels, brings an iconic American story to the Opera House in November.
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Verdi's "Il Trovatore" Photo courtesy of San Francisco Opera |
The first opera of San Francisco Opera’s 101st season is one of the all-time classics of the art form: Giuseppe Verdi’s Il Trovatore.
Performances begin Tuesday, September 12 at the War Memorial Opera House. Eun Sun Kim leads the San Francisco Opera Orchestra with the Opera Chorus, under the direction of chorus director John Keene.
The Il Trovatore international cast is headed by soprano Angel Blue, tenor Arturo Chacón-Cruz, mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Semenchuk and baritone George Petean in the acclaimed staging by Sir David McVicar, directed by Roy Rallo.
A popular favorite in San Francisco since the days of the Gold Rush, Il Trovatore follows the ill-fated love triangle of the titular troubadour, Manrico, the noblewoman, Leonora, and the Count di Luna.
Like few other works in the repertoire, Verdi’s melodic invention propels the opera’s fast-moving story across four acts with relentless energy and building momentum. The opera’s dramatic situations and hit tunes include the famous Anvil Chorus.
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The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs Photo: Ken Howard |
Highlights of the Season
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs by Bay Area composer Mason Bates is a San Francisco Opera co-commission, and it is making its Bay Area premiere.Omar by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels recently won the Pulitzer Prize for Music and it is a San Francisco Opera co-commission, also new to Bay Area audiences this November.
Eun Sun Kim’s artistic initiative to conduct a work by Wagner and a work by Verdi each season continues with Lohengrin in October. Wagner’s profound classic opera has dramatic sets, Wagnerian mythological foundations, and traditions and forms that opera fans appreciate and admire.
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Omar Photo: Cory Weaver |
Opera Philanthropy at Its Best: Thank you, Dagmar Dolby and Family
The Dolby Family’s Opera for the Bay discounted tickets program continues throughout the 2023–24 Season with $10 tickets for Bay Area residents who are new to the opera.Those with a home address zip code between 94000-95999 who have not purchased tickets in the past three years are eligible.
Opera for the Bay tickets go on sale one month prior to the opening of each production/concert and are limited to 2 seats per patron. Inventory is limited and may sell out quickly. Visit sfopera.com/dolby for more information.
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San Francisco Opera Music Director Eun Sun Kim Photo: Cody Pickens |
Bravo to Eun!
Music Director Eun Sun Kim’s multi-season Initiative to perform works by opera greats Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner every season begins with Il Trovatore. |
San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock Photo: Kristen Loken |
Bravo to Matthew Shilvock!
Congratulations to general director Matthew Shilvock for guiding and inspiring San Francisco Opera as we head into the second century of music, grand ideas, creativity, originality, daring, and balanced with a reverence for past achievements and thoughtful innovation.“I cannot wait for Eun Sun’s first Wagner opera in the house as she continues to bring awe-inspiring interpretations to our theater,” said Shilvock. “ I am so proud that we are telling so many new stories this season, and I’m excited to continue our innovation explorations as we chart a course for the future of opera. The Bay Area Community is discovering opera in fabulous new ways, and we look forward to welcoming many new audience members to immerse themselves in artwork that connects us, bridges differences and speaks to the soul.”
I Love the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House
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San Francisco War Memorial Opera House exterior Photo: Joel Puliatti |
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San Francisco War Memorial Opera House interior Photo: David Wakely |
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San Francisco War Memorial Opera House interior Photo: Steven Bullock |
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San Francisco War Memorial Opera House interior Photo: David Wakely |
Special Event
Il Trovatore Talkback with Eun Sun KimSunday, September 17, 2023
War Memorial Opera House
Following the Sunday, September 17 matinee of Verdi’s Il Trovatore, San Francisco Opera Music Director Eun Sun Kim will participate in a post-performance talkback. Ticketholders are invited to gather after the performance for a live Q&A with the conductor. It's a great opportunity to learn about Verdi, Il Trovatore and conducting from one of opera’s artistic leaders.
Livestreaming
The opening night concert and third performance of every opera production will be livestreamed. For more information visit sfopera.com/digital/livestream.I Love and Support San Francisco Opera
Gifts and donations help create San Francisco Opera’s programs and are much appreciated. To donate visit sfopera.com/donate.
For tickets to this glamorous benefit, go to www.sfopera.com/operaball
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"Opera Ball," presented by San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Opera Guild. Photo: Drew Altizer |
