DEAR FRIENDS, Something very exciting is happening in San Francisco. The City is in a great period of growth and innovation, and standing at the center of this swirling energy is the War Memorial Opera House—a home for dynamic, vital artistry for over 80 years. I am so proud of the important role the Opera plays in the cultural life of our City. We bring together artists, artisans and technicians, and join with you, the audience, to share in transformative works that shape our sense of self and society. The 2017–18 Season is no exception. We invite you to delve into the truths of the human condition through nine incredible journeys, including a visceral production of Richard Strauss’s Elektra, the world premiere of John Adams and Peter Sellars’s Girls of the Golden West and Richard Wagner’s epic Ring cycle. As we enter our 95th Season, I’m particularly grateful to our Music Director Nicola Luisotti whose exciting tenure comes to a close at the end of the season. Nicola has brought unbridled passion and artistry to the Company and has breathed new life into our work. Thank you for being such an important part of this Company. I am very excited to share this season with you. With warmest wishes, M AT T H E W S H I LV O C K , G E N E R A L D I R E C T O R
THE
MUSIC T H AT
MOVES THE CITY
GIACOMO PUCCINI What is like ice, but burns like fire? Turandot—a cold-hearted but exquisitely beautiful princess who challenges her suitors to a deadly game of wits. Only Calaf, an exiled prince, is hot-blooded enough to break through her icy veneer. A selfless sacrifice by Calaf’s faithful servant ultimately awakens true emotions in Turandot, proving that in the game of love you can’t win the top prize without giving away your heart. Puccini’s magnificent final opera transports us to another time and place, a world of heightened spectacle where myth comes to life through music, culminating with the glorious “Nessun dorma.” Designed by visionary artist David Hockney and conducted by Nicola Luisotti, with two casts featuring Martina Serafin and Nina Stemmeº, this Turandot is a feast for the senses. sfopera.com/turandot
“I’ve attended opera performances at all of the biggest houses across the U.S. and in Europe but I always come home to San Francisco Opera!” –Floyd R., subscriber since 1967
#TurandotSF
SEP 8, 12, 15, 21, 24m , 30 †
N O V 1 8 º, 2 5 º, 2 8 º
•
†
D E C 3 m º, 6 º, 9 º
With Martina Serafin/Nina Stemmeº, Maria Agresta*/Toni Marie Palmertree†/Leah Crocettoº, Brian Jagde, Raymond Aceto/Soloman Howard*º; Conductor Nicola Luisotti/Christopher Franklin*º; Director Garnett Bruce. 3 hours including two intermissions. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. Co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago. *San Francisco Opera debut. †Alternate cast. ºNov/Dec cast.
This production is made possible, in part, by Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey. Additional support is provided by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; Bernard and Barbro Osher; The Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Fund; San Francisco Opera Guild; United Airlines; Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Conductors Fund and the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund; and Joan and David Traitel, through the Great Singers Fund.
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RICHARD STRAUSS What would you do if you knew who murdered your father? For Elektra, the answer is clear. In the wake of the Trojan War, Elektra’s mother, Klytemnestra, has killed her father, Agamemnon, and Elektra’s world has come unmoored. When her desire for justice becomes a blood lust, Elektra pushes her fractured family to the brink of destruction. Through her terrifying descent we experience how a legacy of violence—political and personal, physical and emotional—can linger inside our very souls. A trio of powerhouse women—Christine Goerke, Adrianne Pieczonka and Stephanie Blythe—leads this new production of Richard Strauss’s astonishing one-act tragedy, directed by Keith Warner with a contemporary lens on Greek history. sfopera.com/elektra
#ElektraSF
SEP 9, 13, 17m, 19, 22, 27 With Christine Goerke, Adrianne Pieczonka, Stephanie Blythe, Robert Brubaker, Alfred Walker*; Conductor Henrik Nánási*; Production Keith Warner; Revival Director Anja Kühnhold*. 1 hour, 40 minutes with no intermission. Sung in German with English supertitles. Co-production with National Theatre in Prague and Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. *San Francisco Opera debut.
This production is made possible in part by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; and Joan and David Traitel, through the Great Singers Fund.
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GIUSEPPE VERDI Passion that knows no boundaries. Rediscover the spirit and ardor of true romance in one of the most adored operas of all time. Aurelia Florian is Violetta Valéry, the glamorous but fragile seductress, and Atalla Ayan is Alfredo Germont, her admirer from afar. When they find love, it seems as if nothing could keep them apart. But the rules of society and the complexities of family expectations betray them, and Violetta’s fate takes a tragic turn. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or revisiting it once more, Verdi’s classic tale of a courtesan who loses everything only to find grace will make you fall in love all over again. sfopera.com/traviata
SEP 23, 26, 28
#TraviataSF
•
O C T 1 m , 3 , 6 , 8 m , 11 , 14 , 17
With Aurelia Florian*, Atalla Ayan*, Artur Rucinski ´ *; Conductor Nicola Luisotti; Original Director John Copley; Director Shawna Lucey. 3 hours including two intermissions. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. San Francisco Opera production. *San Francisco Opera debut.
This production is made possible, in part, by: Chevron; and Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Conductors Fund and the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund.
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MANON JULES MASSENET
Bright lights, lavish parties and the height of fashion at every turn. But at what price? Composed at the height of the Belle Époque, Jules Massenet’s bright, sensual opera follows a pair of not-so-innocent young lovers as they tangle with the toast of Paris, inviting dangerous consequences. At the center of it all is Manon—beautiful, wide-eyed and insatiable. Tempted by luxury but driven by passion for a penniless man, she ricochets from one impossible situation to the next in search of happiness. With soprano sensation Nadine Sierra as Manon and star tenor Michael Fabiano as Des Grieux, Manon is a quintessential French portrait of a city and a woman no one can resist. sfopera.com/manon
#ManonSF
NOV 4, 7, 10, 16, 19m, 22
“I’m so grateful to San Francisco Opera. They put their belief in me as a young singer earlier than others.”
With Nadine Sierra, Michael Fabiano, David Pershall, Robert Brubaker, Timothy Mix, James Creswell; Conductor Patrick Fournillier; Director Vincent Boussard. 3 hours, 30 minutes including two intermissions. Sung in French with English supertitles. Co-production with Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Israeli Opera.
–Michael Fabiano
This production is made possible, in part, by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; and Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Emerging Stars Fund.
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WORLD PREMIERE
GIRLS OF THE
MUSIC BY LIBRETTO
JOHN ADAMS BY P E T E R S E L L A R S ,
COMPILED FROM ORIGINAL SOURCES
COMMISSIONED BY SAN FRANCISCO OPERA, THE DALLAS OPERA,
GOLDEN WEST D U T C H N AT I O N A L O P E R A A N D T E AT R O L A F E N I C E
“You have no idea of this wild and barbarous life.” –Dame Shirley
This world premiere opera follows four remarkable characters who flock to Gold Country hoping to strike it rich but are quickly caught up in the optimism, greed and prejudices of a rapidly changing world. Dame Shirley is an East Coast transplant chronicling life in the camp. Ah Sing, a Chinese immigrant, works as a prostitute but dreams of striking it rich. Ned Peters is a black, violin-playing cowboy and former slave who never quite feels safe. And Josefa Segovia is a young Mexican barmaid whose act of self-preservation will change them all forever.
Composer John Adams and writer/director Peter Sellars, the team behind Doctor Atomic and Nixon in China, bring us this San Francisco Opera commission. The title is a nod to Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West, but this new opera tells the story of the unsung pioneers of the Gold Rush in their own words—offering contemporary audiences a powerful reflection on the everyday people who set out to build new lives in a wild, beautiful land. sfopera.com/goldenwest
#GoldenWestSF
NOV 21, 24, 26m, 29
•
DEC 2, 5, 7, 10m
With Julia Bullock*, Hye Jung Lee, J’Nai Bridges, Paul Appleby, Davóne Tines* , Elliot Madore, Ryan McKinny*; Conductor Grant Gershon*; Director Peter Sellars. 3 hours including one intermission. Sung in English with English supertitles. *San Francisco Opera debut.
This production is made possible, in part, by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; Jane Bernstein and Bob Ellis; Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Emerging Stars Fund; and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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R I C H A R D WA G N E R SUMMER 2018 Donald Runnicles, one of the world’s leading interpreters of Wagner, returns to conduct an extraordinary international cast and the incomparable San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus. CAST
Through myth we find humanity. Charting an epic course from the birth of nature to the fall of the gods and the dawn of a new age, the most monumental work of art ever created returns to San Francisco. In a single week, immerse yourself in a transformative journey through a world unhinged by corruption and politics, ravaged by greed and neglect, and where the one true power is the redeeming force of love. As Wagner’s majestic music humanizes the mythic figures of legend—giants, dragons, gods and heroes—the timeless tale unfolds in San Francisco Opera’s visually spectacular production directed by Francesca Zambello.
PRODUCTION
BRÜNNHILDE
SIEGMUND / FROH
HAGEN / FASOLT
GUNTHER / DONNER
CONDUCTOR
EVELYN HERLITZIUS*
BRANDON JOVANOVICH
ANDREA SILVESTRELLI
BRIAN MULLIGAN
DONALD RUNNICLES
LOGE
FRICKA / WALTRAUTE
ŠTEFAN MARGITA
JAMIE BARTON
ALBERICH
MIME
FALK STRUCKMANN*
DAVID CANGELOSI
*San Francisco Opera debut
HUNDING / FAFNER
Sung in German with English supertitles
WOTAN
GREER GRIMSLEY SIEGFRIED
DANIEL BRENNA* SIEGLINDE
KARITA MATTILA
RAYMOND ACETO
ERDA / 1ST NORN
RONNITA MILLER
DIRECTOR
GUTRUNE
FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO
MELISSA CITRO
Co-production with Washington National Opera
Don’t miss this life-changing experience! Add the Ring cycle to your season today. sfopera.com/ring The Ring is made possible, in part, by: Dr. and Mrs. William M. Coughran; Keith and Priscilla Geeslin; John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; Edmund W. and Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund; Bernard and Barbro Osher; Betty and Jack Schafer; Barbara A. Wolfe; United Airlines; Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Emerging Stars Fund; and Joan and David Traitel, through the Great Singers Fund.
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TUESDAY
FRIDAY
In the cycle’s prelude, greed and vengeance trigger a chain of events fraught with corruption and struggle.
A fearless young hero battles otherworldly challenges on a journey to discover his destiny.
Scorned by three beautiful Rhinemaidens, the dwarf Alberich renounces love and steals the Rhine’s magical gold to forge a ring granting its bearer absolute power. Surging music transports us from the banks of the pristine Rhine down to the depths of the smoldering earth and up to the realm of the gods, where the struggle for control of the ring propels this epic into cataclysmic motion.
A generation has passed as the cycle’s third opera opens on a despoiled world, marred by pervasive greed and reckless ambition. Raised by the deceitful dwarf Mime, Siegfried—the mortal son of the twins Siegmund and Sieglinde—rebuffs authority as he wins the ring and forges his own path to the extraordinary woman who awaits him.
WEDNESDAY
SUNDAY
A father’s blinding ambition and a daughter’s profound defiance drive the story forward in the cycle’s dramatic second installment.
The cycle reaches its transcendent climax with a suspenseful tale of bravery and sacrifice, treachery and betrayal, destruction and renewal.
The chief god Wotan fathers the hero Siegmund to regain control of the ring. But, when confronted with the futility of his dream, Wotan is forced to forsake not only his son but also his beloved daughter, the warrior-maiden Brünnhilde.
As the end nears for the gods, and human ambition rules the world, Alberich’s son Hagen hatches a plot to take control of the ring, threatening the union of Siegfried and Brünnhilde. Fueled by greed, Hagen’s actions lead to chaos and destruction until Brünnhilde steps forward to return the world to its natural order.
DAS RHEINGOLD
DIE WALKÜRE
14
SIEGFRIED
GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG
15
CHOOSE YOUR CYCLE
JOIN THE RING CIRCLE
Experience the 4-opera Ring cycle as Wagner intended: in its entirety, over the course of a single week. Add a cycle to your subscription today! Please note each cycle is sold separately from fall season subscription series. sfopera.com/ring
Immerse yourself in Wagner’s operatic masterpiece with unique opportunities designed to bring this most epic of works to life. Enjoy priority seating and exclusive behind-the-scenes access leading up to and during the Ring. Whether you are joining us from out of town or from the Bay Area, let us roll out the red carpet for an exceptional experience.
Cycle 1
Cycle 2
Cycle 3
Das Rheingold
T June 12 7:30pm
T June 19 7:30pm
T June 26 7:30pm
Die Walküre
W June 13 7pm
W June 20 7pm
W June 27 7pm
Siegfried
F June 15 6:30pm
F June 22 6:30pm
F June 29 6:30pm
Götterdämmerung
Su June 17 1pm
Su June 24 1pm
Su July 1 1pm
$5,000 Rhinemaiden Circle • Purchase Ring cycle subscriptions (up to four cycle tickets) without the contribution portion listed on the pricing grid to the left • Priority seating for up to four Ring tickets in the premium section of your choice, subject to availability • Complimentary parking for all performances in your Ring cycle • Two passes to one Ring final dress rehearsal of your choice
$10,000 Valkyrie Circle All above benefits plus:
All performances of the Ring will feature OperaVision , HD video projection screens in the Balcony. OperaVision is made possible by the Koret/Taube Media Suite.
• Valhalla Lounge access for all intermissions • Invitation for two to a cast party immediately following the performance of Götterdämmerung • Two passes to a second Ring final dress rehearsal of your choice
Please note that each cycle is sold as a 4-opera series; tickets may not be purchased for individual operas and tickets are non-exchangeable. Cast, prices and schedule subject to change. Due to the limited number of performances, subscribers should not expect to receive their subscription seats for their Ring cycle.
$15,000 Hero Circle All above benefits plus: • Invitation for two to a welcome dinner prior to Das Rheingold • Two passes to a third Ring final dress rehearsal of your choice
RING CYCLE PRICES
(per seat, includes all four operas)
TOTAL PRICE
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE PORTION*
$2,660
$1,260
Orchestra (ORC)
$1,850
$850
Orchestra Ring (ORR)
$1,440
$640
SECTION Orchestra Premium (ORP)
War Memorial Opera House * Your tax-deductible portion will support the Ring cycle in the 2017–18 Season.
Center Box (CTR BOXES E–V)
$3,420
$1,620
Box (BOX)
$3,180
$1,500
Grand Tier Premium (GTP)
$2,660
$1,260
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$2,660
$1,260
Grand Tier (GT)
$1,850
$850
Dress Circle Premium (DCP)
$1,440
$640
Dress Circle (DC)
$1,090
$450
Balcony Circle 1 (BC1)
$950
$390
Balcony Circle 2 (BC2)
$950
$390
Balcony 1 (B1)
$600
$120
Balcony 2 (B2)
$450
$90
Balcony 3 (B3)
$190
$30
Production sponsorship opportunities, featuring exclusive customized benefits, begin at $25,000. For additional information or questions, please contact Cathy Lewis at (415) 551-6239 or clewis@sfopera.com.
THE RING FESTIVAL Before and during the Ring cycle, join us for lectures, events and other activities to bring you closer to this incredible world. Visit sfopera.com/ringfestival in spring 2017 for the schedule of events.
In accordance with contribution guidelines and San Francisco Opera policy, please note the following: All contributions associated with the 2018 Ring cycle performances, including the contribution portion of Ring tickets, will be recognized in program listings and are eligible for benefits during the 2017–18 Season. Ring Circle and production sponsorship gifts will also be recognized in a dedicated listing in program books during the 2016–17 and 2017–18 Seasons.
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FULL SERIES 5 FALL OPERAS WITH NO-FEE EXCHANGES AND COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADES F U L L FA L L S E R I E S A D VA N TA G E S Enjoy personalized service with your
Save on additional tickets with discounted subscriber prices. We waive the handling fee on all additional tickets for mainstage performances.
subscriber representative.
Keep the same seats for each original performance or request a change this season.
Customize your Full Series to fit your schedule and tastes. At the time of purchase, call the Box Office to arrange early exchanges for up to three performances per subscription.
Enjoy two free seating upgrades. Redeemable one day in advance; subject to availability.
Save with no-fee exchanges when requested
Purchase reserved parking in advance
at least 24 hours in advance.
for the Performing Arts Garage. One car per account, valid for the fall season only.
WEEK DAY SERIES
WHY SUBSCRIBE?
A SERIES
D SERIES
WEEKDAYS
4 TUE EVES • 1 FRI EVE
Turandot
Elektra
Traviata
Manon
Golden West
F Sep 8 8pm
T Sep 19 7:30pm
T Sep 26 7:30pm
T Nov 7 7:30pm
T Nov 21 7:30pm
WEEKDAYS
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
1 TUE EVE • 1 WED EVE • 3 THU EVES
Elektra
Turandot
Traviata
Manon
Golden West
W Sep 13 7:30pm
Th Sep 21 7:30pm
Th Sep 28 7:30pm
Th Nov 16 7:30pm
T Dec 5 7:30pm
IT’S YOUR OPERA HOUSE Did you know San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House was the first American opera house built entirely through community donations? In the years leading up to our 1932 inaugural performance, immigrants, San Francisco State students, the Chinese bazaar Sing Fat Company, shipyard workers and coffee merchants joined Phoebe Hearst and M. H. de Young to raise $5.5 million to construct one of the world’s most stunning opera houses.
R SERIES
WEEKDAYS
BEST WEEKDAY PRICES
1 TUE EVE • 3 WED EVES • 1 THU EVE
Turandot
Elektra
Traviata
Manon
Golden West
T Sep 12 7:30pm
W Sep 27 7:30pm
W Oct 11 7:30pm
W Nov 22 7:30pm
Th Dec 7 7:30pm
WEEKEND SERIES
G
IT’S YOUR TIME TO CHERISH IT Be a part of a passionate community
Share in deep personal and emotional
Enjoy subscriber-only benefits including
of opera lovers, celebrating the dynamic power of opera found here in San Francisco.
experiences while nurturing the creativity of the Company. Performance after performance, encounter a breadth of different worlds on one stage.
complimentary seat upgrades, savings, no-fee exchanges and a personal subscriber representative.
MORE OPTIONS. MORE AFFORDABLE PRICES.
FRIDAYS
BEST WEEKEND PRICES
5 FRIDAY EVENINGS
Turandot
Elektra
Traviata
Manon
Golden West
SERIES
F Sep 15 7:30pm
F Sep 22 7:30pm
F Oct 6 7:30pm
F Nov 10 7:30pm
F Nov 24 7:30pm
J
SATURDAYS Elektra
Traviata
Turandot
Manon
Golden West
SERIES
S Sep 9 7:30pm
S Sep 23 7:30pm
S Sep 30 7:30pm
S Nov 4 7:30pm
S Dec 2 7:30pm
M SERIES
5 SATURDAY EVENINGS
SUNDAY MATINEES
ALL OPERAVISION SERIES
5 SUNDAY MATINEES
Elektra
Turandot
Traviata
Manon
Golden West
Su Sep 17 2pm
Su Sep 24 2pm
Su Oct 1 2pm
Su Nov 19 2pm
Su Nov 26 2pm
We’re committed to making the music that moves you more affordable. With your 2017–18 subscription, enjoy lower prices on all Full and Half Series in non-premium sections, including the orchestra. As a subscriber, you’ll pay the lowest price for the best seats, and your loyalty is rewarded with exclusive benefits.
18
See pricing on pages 22 and 23. (415) 864-3330 ·
sfopera.com
OperaVision in Balcony. See page 28.
19
HALF SERIES 3 OR 4 FALL OPERAS WITH NO-FEE EXCHANGES
WEEK DAY SERIES
B SERIES
WEEKDAYS
1 FRI EVE • 2 TUE EVES
Turandot
Elektra
Manon
F Sep 8 8pm
T Sep 19 7:30pm
T Nov 7 7:30pm
AND A COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE
C
H A L F FA L L S E R I E S A D VA N TA G E S Enjoy personalized service with your
Save on additional tickets with discounted
subscriber representative.
subscriber prices. We waive the handling fee on all additional tickets for mainstage performances.
Keep the same seats for each original
Customize your Half Series to fit your
performance or request a change this season.
schedule and tastes. At the time of purchase, call the Box Office to arrange early exchanges for up to two performances per subscription. Does not apply to Series O.
Enjoy one free seating upgrade. Redeemable one day in advance; subject to availability.
Purchase reserved parking in advance
SERIES
E SERIES
F SERIES
TUESDAYS
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
3 TUESDAY EVENINGS
Traviata
Golden West
Turandot
T Sep 26 7:30pm
T Nov 21 7:30pm
T Nov 28 7:30pm
WEEKDAYS
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
2 TUE EVES • 1 THU EVE
Turandot
Traviata
Golden West
Th Sep 21 7:30pm
T Oct 17 7:30pm
T Dec 5 7:30pm
WEEKDAYS
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
1 WED EVE • 2 THU EVES
Elektra
Traviata
Manon
W Sep 13 7:30pm
Th Sep 28 7:30pm
Th Nov 16 7:30pm
Save with no-fee exchanges when requested
for the UC Hastings Garage. One car per account, valid for the fall season only.
at least 24 hours in advance.
S
WEEKDAYS
ALL OPERAVISION SERIES
1 TUE EVE • 1 WED EVE • 1 THU EVE
Turandot
Traviata
Golden West
SERIES
T Sep 12 7:30pm
W Oct 11 7:30pm
Th Dec 7 7:30pm
T
MIXED DAYS Elektra
Manon
Turandot
SERIES
W Sep 27 7:30pm
W Nov 22 7:30pm
S Dec 9 7:30pm
WEEKEND SERIES
H
3 FRIDAY EVENINGS
Turandot
Manon
Golden West
SERIES
F Sep 15 7:30pm
F Nov 10 7:30pm
F Nov 24 7:30pm
I
MIXED DAYS
BEST WEEKEND PRICES
2 FRI EVES • 1 SAT EVE
Elektra
Traviata
Turandot
SERIES
F Sep 22 7:30pm
F Oct 6 7:30pm
S Nov 25 7:30pm
K
SATURDAYS Elektra
Turandot
Traviata
Golden West
SERIES
S Sep 9 7:30pm
S Sep 30 7:30pm
S Oct 14 7:30pm
S Dec 2 7:30pm
4 SATURDAY EVENINGS
L
SATURDAYS Traviata
Manon
Turandot
SERIES
S Sep 23 7:30pm
S Nov 4 7:30pm
S Nov 18 7:30pm
SUNDAY MATINEES
3 SUNDAY MATINEES
Elektra
Traviata
Manon
Su Sep 17 2pm
Su Oct 1 2pm
Su Nov 19 2pm
SUNDAY MATINEES
2 SUNDAY MATINEES • 1 SUBSCRIBER CHOICE
N SERIES
O
20
FRIDAYS
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
3 SATURDAY EVENINGS
X
WEEKDAYS Traviata
Golden West
Turandot
SERIES
T Oct 3 7:30pm
W Nov 29 7:30pm
W Dec 6 7:30pm
RBW SERIES
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
1 TUE EVE • 2 WED EVES
WEEKDAYS *
Turandot
T Sep 12 7:30pm
ALL OPERAVISION SERIES
1 TUE EVE • 1 WED EVE • 1 THU EVE
Traviata
Golden West
W Oct 11 7:30pm
Th Dec 7 7:30pm
Subscribe to the Rainbow Series (RBW) and join other opera lovers in the LGBTQ community! Enjoy an exclusive reception,* with either Series RBW (3 operas) or Full Series R+RBW (5 operas). Series R+RBW includes the same performances as Full Series R on page 19 plus the added Rainbow Series reception.
ALL OPERAVISION SERIES
Turandot
Golden West
Subscriber choice: Choose a 3rd performance
SERIES
Su Sep 24 2pm
Su Nov 26 2pm
Call the Box Office and select a performance of your choice.
W
SUNDAY MATINEES
3 SUNDAY MATINEES
Traviata
Turandot
Golden West
SERIES
Su Oct 8 2pm
Su Dec 3 2pm
Su Dec 10 2pm
See pricing on pages 22 and 23. (415) 864-3330 ·
BEST WEEKDAY PRICES
2 WED EVES • 1 SAT EVE
BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY
sfopera.com
OperaVision in Balcony. See page 28.
“The Rainbow Series is a wonderful way to connect with returning opera-goers and meet new people in the community. I highly recommend it!” –Darryl C, rainbow subscriber since 2005
See pricing on pages 22 and 23. (415) 864-3330 ·
sfopera.com
OperaVision in Balcony. See page 28.
21
PRICING FOR FULL & HALF SERIES
Important Information Regarding Pricing We’re dedicated to offering subscribers the lowest price for the best seats, and want to share some information to help you better understand your 2017–18 prices: • Series Pricing: Individual performance prices vary within each series. Therefore, prices may differ between similar series. • Exchanges: You will notice the price differences when requesting exchanges. For more information on exchanges, visit sfopera.com/subexchanges. • Best Value Series: Look for the highlighted series boxes seating availability at the best prices.
FALL 2017
FULL SERIES
D
5 Operas
5 Operas
$1,215
$1,215
Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2)
$865
Orchestra 3 (OR3) Orchestra 4 (OR4)
R/R+RBW 5 Operas
G
J
M
5 Operas
5 Operas
5 Operas
$1,215
$1,215
$1,311
$1,455
$797
$763
$865
$1,101
$1,455
$630
$604
$591
$630
$682
$760
$430
$408
$397
$430
$470
Center Box (CTR BOXES E–V)
$1,755
†
$1,737
$1,728
Box (BOX)
$1,645 †
$1,621
Grand Tier Premium (GTP)
$1,280
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2) Grand Tier (GT)
Orchestra Premium (ORP)
$530
$1,755
$1,809
†
$1,890 †
$1,609
$1,645
$1,713 †
$1,815 †
$1,254
$1,241
$1,280
$1,350
$1,455
$740
$740
$740
$740
$1,026
$1,455
$740
$740
$740
$740
$820
$940
Dress Circle Premium (DCP)
$695 †
$673 †
$662
$695 †
$723 †
$765 †
Dress Circle (DC)
$530
$514
$506
$530
$558
$600
Balcony Circle 1 (BC1)
$430
$420
$415
$430
$462
$510
Balcony Circle 2 (BC2)
$260
$258
$257
$260
$290
$335
Balcony 1 (B1)
$255
$289
$297
$255
$285
$375
Balcony 2 (B2)
$130
$158
$165
$130
$180
$290
Balcony 3 (B3)
$105
$125
$130
$105
$113
$150
HALF SERIES
B
3 Operas
C
3 Operas
E
3 Operas
F
3 Operas
H
3 Operas
Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections. See page 29 for details. Subscribers who make early exchange requests, or who request Series O, are not guaranteed their original subscriptions seats for the changes. Price differential applies. See suggestions on page 29 for more information regarding seating. Series O subscribers must choose their third performance date by April 1, 2017. Additional exchanges after initial order will be accepted starting in mid-June 2017. When exchanging into a higher priced performance, any price differential will apply. When exchanging into a lower priced performance, you will receive a non-refundable credit to be used towards ticket purchases within the mainstage Fall 2017 Season. Credit expires on December 10, 2017. Any unused credit will be considered a ticket donation which is tax-deductible. Ticket donations do not apply toward membership benefits. If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office. Series pricing with OperaVision performances in the Balcony include a discounted per-ticket surcharge (B1 $9, B2 $7 and B3 $5).
War Memorial Opera House English supertitles are visible from all sections.
A $15 subscription handling fee is charged per order. Limited availability. Please provide alternate choice when ordering.
†
I
3 Operas
K
4 Operas
L
3 Operas
N
3 Operas
O
3 Operas
S/RBW 3 Operas
T
3 Operas
W
3 Operas
X
3 Operas
Orchestra Premium (ORP)
$729
$729
$729
$729
$729
$729
$1,068
$729
$873
$825
$729
$729
$777
$729
Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2)
$519
$485
$451
$485
$519
$485
$894
$485
$873
$755
$485
$417
$637
$417
Orchestra 3 (OR3)
$378
$365
$352
$365
$378
$365
$543
$365
$456
$430
$365
$339
$404
$339
Orchestra 4 (OR4)
$258
$247
$236
$247
$258
$247
$373
$247
$318
$298
$247
$225
$278
$225
†
$1,449
†
Center Box (CTR BOXES E–V)
22
A
below for best
$1,035
$1,044
$1,053
$1,044
$1,044
$1,026
$1,080
$1,026
Box (BOX)
$987 †
$975 †
$963
$975
$987
$975
$1,372 †
$975 †
$1,089 †
$1,055 †
$975
$951
$1,021
$951
Grand Tier Premium (GTP)
$768
$755
$742
$755
$768
$755
$1,081
$755
$873
$838
$755
$729
$803
$729
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$444
$444
$444
$444
$444
$444
$878
$444
$873
$730
$444
$444
$587
$444
Grand Tier (GT)
$444
$444
$444
$444
$444
$444
$672
$444
$564
$524
$444
$444
$484
$444
Dress Circle Premium (DCP)
$417 †
$406 †
$395 †
$406 †
$417 †
$406 †
$573 †
$406 †
$459 †
$445 †
$406 †
$384 †
$431 †
$384 †
Dress Circle (DC)
$318
$310
$302
$310
$318
$310
$444
$310
$360
$346
$310
$294
$332
$294
Balcony Circle 1 (BC1)
$258
$253
$248
$253
$258
$253
$371
$253
$306
$290
$253
$243
$274
$243
Balcony Circle 2 (BC2)
$156
$155
$154
$155
$156
$155
$237
$155
$201
$186
$155
$153
$171
$153
Balcony 1 (B1)
$153
$152
$160
$179
$153
$152
$233
$152
$225
$201
$179
$177
$168
$159
Balcony 2 (B2)
$78
$78
$85
$99
$78
$78
$154
$78
$174
$142
$99
$99
$103
$85
Balcony 3 (B3)
$63
$63
$68
$78
$63
$63
$92
$63
$90
$81
$78
$78
$67
$68
Subscribe today! · (415) 864-3330 ·
$1,053
sfopera.com
†
$1,044
†
$1,044
†
$1,134
†
$1,107
Pay for your series in installments. Call the Box Office at (415) 864-3330.
23
M O R E W AY S TO SUBSCRIBE
J O I N O U R FA M I LY OF DONORS
OUT OF TOWN SERIES
STUDENT & TEACHER SERIES
Visiting the Bay Area? See two or three operas in two or three days and take advantage of special offers at local hotels, restaurants and museums. Become a National Patron and join us for special behind-thescenes experiences December 1–3. sfopera.com/nationalpatrons
Current students and teachers receive 50% off select Full and Half Series. sfopera.com/edu
For exchange benefits for these series, please visit
Help us share the transformative power of opera with the widest possible audience. Your investment—of any size—delivers thrilling performances, immersive education programs, free community events and more. As a member you’ll take part in unique experiences all year round while supporting the art form you love.
sfopera.com/subexchanges. Note, complimentary upgrades and subscriber representatives are not valid for Out of Town Series, Student/Teacher Series or the Ring.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
ENJOY REWARDING BENEFITS
San Francisco Opera has a wonderful tradition of presenting the world’s finest artists in broad and exciting repertoire. Staging such impactful productions is an expensive undertaking and ticket sales cover only 30% of our annual operating expenses.
From dress rehearsals and panel discussions with artists to backstage tours and more, enjoy exciting benefits while supporting San Francisco Opera.
Your support brings the world’s leading artists to our stage, trains the stars of tomorrow and sustains our acclaimed school and family programs. It also allows tens of thousands of people to experience the thrill of live opera for free at community events like our live simulcasts to AT&T Park.
dress rehearsal. For more details about giving levels and benefits call (415) 565-6416 or visit sfopera.com/benefits.
SUBSCRIBERS SAVE ON ADDITIONAL TICKETS Buy discounted subscriber tickets to fall mainstage operas not included in your series or treat family and friends to a night at the Opera. Plus, as a subscriber, you’re never charged a handling fee when purchasing additional tickets for mainstage performances. For pricing, please visit sfopera.com/subaddon. Does not apply to Ring or SF Opera Lab performances.
“I have seen opera all over the world. Nowhere have I found it presented with more integrity and passion than at San Francisco Opera.”
Join or renew your support at the $200 Patron level or higher and receive an exclusive invitation to a final
–Richard M, subscriber since 1988
24
Subscribe today! · (415) 864-3330 ·
sfopera.com
25
2017–18 CALENDAR
“The atmosphere here in San Francisco and in California and in this particular house…it has special energy.” –Nina Stemme
SEPTEMBER 2017
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2017
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
3
4
5
6
7
8
Sat Turandot
A,B
8pm
Sun
9
Elektra
J,K
7:30pm
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
2
3
Sat 4
Manon
J,L
7:30pm
LABOR DAY
10
Opera in 11 the Park
12
Turandot 13
Elektra 14
15
1:30pm
R, 7:30pm D,F S/RBW
17
Elektra 18
19
Elektra 20
21
M,N
2pm
A,B
7:30pm
D,E
7:30pm
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
24
Turandot 25
M,O
2pm
26 A,C
Traviata 27 7:30pm
R,T
Turandot 22
5
Elektra 23
7:30pm G,I
6
7:30pm
7:30pm
Traviata
J,L
7:30pm
30
Turandot
12
13
7
Manon
A,B
7:30pm
14
8
9
15
16
10
Manon 11
G,H
7:30pm
Manon 17
D,F
18
7:30pm
Turandot
L
7:30pm
ROSH HASHANAH
Elektra 28 7:30pm
Turandot 16
G,H
D,F
Traviata 29 7:30pm
J,K
7:30pm
19
Manon 20
21 Golden West 22
M,N
2pm
A,C
Manon 23
7:30pm R,T
G,H
Turandot
7:30pm I
7:30pm
THANKSGIVING
YOM KIPPUR
EREV YOM KIPPUR
24 Golden West 25
7:30pm
26 Golden West 27
28
M,O
C
2pm
Turandot 29 Golden West 30 7:30pm
X
7:30pm
DECEMBER
OCTOBER 2017
1
2 Golden West J,K
Sun 1 M,N
Mon
Tue
2
3
Traviata
2pm
X
7:30pm
Traviata
Wed
Thu
Fri
4
5
6
Traviata
G,I
7:30pm
Sat
3
Turandot
7
W
2pm
4
5 Golden West 6
Turandot
7
D,E
7:30pm
R, 7:30pm S/RBW
7:30pm
X
8
Golden West
Adler Gala Concert 7:30pm
7:30pm
9
Turandot
T
7:30pm
10 Golden West 8
Traviata
W
2pm
15
9
10
11
Traviata 12
13
R, 7:30pm S/RBW
16
17 E
Traviata 18
19
20
14
Traviata
K
7:30pm
2pm
21
7:30pm
Highlighted boxes denote opening performances.
W
J U N E – J U LY 2 0 1 8 Letters denote subscription series (A, B, C, D, E, F…).
Sun
Mon
Tue
10
11
12
Wed Rheingold 13 7:30pm
17
Götterdämmerung
18
19
1pm
24
Götterdämmerung
7:30pm
25
1pm
THE FUTURE IS NOW
ADLER FELLOWS GALA CONCERT WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA
Friday, December 8, 7:30pm Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco Save the date for an exciting night of unforgettable music featuring the renowned San Francisco Opera Resident Artists, the 2017 Adler Fellows, in their final concert of the year. sfopera.com/operacenter 26
Rheingold 20
26
Rheingold 27 7:30pm
Thu
Die Walküre 14
Fri 15
7pm
Die Walküre 21
6:30pm
22
7pm
Die Walküre 28 7pm
Sat Siegfried 16
Siegfried 23 6:30pm
29
Siegfried 30 6:30pm
SF PRIDE
J U LY 1
Götterdämmerung
Ring Cycle 1
Ring Cycle 2
Ring Cycle 3
1pm
HD video projection screens are featured on the Balcony level for this performance. For the most up-to-date calendar of events, visit sfopera.com/whatson.
Brochure photos: cover and pp. 4–5/National Theater of Prague production of Elektra/Patrik Borecki; inside spread/Eric Frazier; pp. 2–3/San Francisco Opera production of Turandot/Cory Weaver; pp. 6–7/San Francisco Opera production of La Traviata/Cory Weaver; pp. 8–9/Lithuanian National Opera production of Manon/Martynas Aleksa; pp. 10–11/M.& N. Hanhart Chromo Lith, and Frank Marryat. San Francisco / S.F. Marryat, delt. [London: M.& N. Hanhart Chromo Lith. impt., ?, ca. 1850] Image. Library of Congress, item# 92522389; pp. 12–13/San Francisco Opera production of the Ring/Cory Weaver, Ring Illustration/Mission Minded; pp. 14–18/San Francisco Opera production of the Ring and War Memorial Opera House interior/Cory Weaver; pp. 19–23/Lombard Street/Phoenix Wang; p. 24 and back cover/War Memorial Opera House exterior/Eric Frazier; p. 25/2016 ARIA Festival/Scott Wall, San Francisco Opera production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg/Cory Weaver; p. 26/Adler Fellows/Scott Wall; p. 28/Opening Night/Drew Altizer. Envelope photos: War Memorial Opera House/Eric Frazier; Lithuanian National Opera production of Manon/Martynas Aleksa; Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy. Design: Mission Minded.
27
O P E N I N G N I G H T: S E P T E M B E R 8 , 2 0 1 7 THE CITY’S MOST MAGICAL EVENING OPERA BALL 2017
BRAVO! CLUB GALA
San Francisco Opera Guild Event Chairs Courtney Labe and Maryam Muduroglu invite you to celebrate the opening night of San Francisco Opera’s 95th Season. Pre-performance cocktails and a sumptuous dinner are followed by Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot, after which guests will enjoy dancing and further celebration. Advance reservations are essential for this perennially sold-out evening. For tickets and more information, contact the Guild at (415) 565-3204 or visit sfopera.com/operaball2017.
Kick off San Francisco Opera’s 95th Season with the BRAVO! CLUB’s annual black-tie gala hosted by event chairs Alex Petalas and Victoria Weatherford. Enjoy cocktails prior to Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot, followed by dancing into the wee hours. Join BRAVO! CLUB and meet other opera-loving, young professionals ages 21–40. Members enjoy ticket discounts throughout the year, as well as educational and social events. For tickets and membership information, visit sfopera.com/bravo.
HOW TO ORDER 1
S E L E C T Y O U R PA C K A G E S Choose your Fall 2017 series and seating section on pages 19–23 and choose your Summer 2018 Ring cycle on page 16.
Phone (415) 864-3330
2
CALL THE BOX OFFICE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SEASON
Online
Customize Your Full or Half Series with early exchanges. These benefits are only available at the time of order by phone or in person.
By Mail or In Person
Arrange a Payment Plan and secure your seats with as little as 25% down.
Add Tickets to other mainstage performances not in your subscription and save. Does not apply to the Ring or SF Opera Lab performances.
GET CLOSER TO OPERA Pre-Opera Talks
Education Programs
Perfect for newcomers, aficionados and everyone in between, our Pre-Opera Talks are engaging 25-minute overviews of each opera led by a leading music expert. Talks begin 55 minutes before every performance (except Opening Night, Sep 8). sfopera.com/operatalks
San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Opera Guild bring the excitement of opera to K–12 educators and students. sfopera.com/education
Insight Panels Engage with the creative team and members of the cast during these informal panel discussions of select operas. Presented by San Francisco Opera Guild. sfopera.com/insights
Opera Guild Previews Delve into the history and significance of select operas in 90-minute Opera Previews, led by lively opera experts in communities throughout the Bay Area. sfopera.com/previews
English Supertitles for all Operas Similar to film subtitles, all of our operas are performed with supertitles—English paraphrases of the text projected above the stage. Headsets that provide a spoken version of the projected supertitles are available at all performances as are assistive listening devices.
28
3
Tune into Classical KDFC 90.3, 89.9, 104.9, 92.5, 95.9, 103.9 FM and Comcast Cable 981, or listen online at kdfc.com the first Sunday of each month for recent and archival performances. In the fall, broadcasts also air on the WFMT Radio Network nationwide. sfopera.com/broadcast
OperaVision in the Balcony Get closer to the action on stage with OperaVision. Offered in the Balcony level at select performances, OperaVision HD video projection screens show close-ups of the drama unfolding on stage along with English subtitles. Look for the OperaVision symbol next to performance dates. Surcharge applies; see page 23. OperaVision is made possible by the Koret/Taube Media Suite.
SUPPORT YOUR OPERA Enrich your connection to San Francisco Opera. Your investment—of any size—delivers thrilling performances, trains the stars of tomorrow, brings opera education to local schools and presents free community events.
sfopera.com/subscribe
San Francisco Opera War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509
Box Office Hours Mon 10am–5pm Tue–Fri 10am–6pm Sat 10am–6pm (Sat phones only until Box Office window opens in mid-May)
Plus, you’ll enjoy exciting benefits and special behind-the-scenes opportunities, from dress rehearsals and panel discussions with artists to backstage tours and more.
San Francisco Opera also offers a variety of engaging programs for teens, university students, adults and families throughout the Bay Area. Sign up for our monthly E-Opera newsletter for more information. sfopera.com/eopera
KDFC and WFMT Radio Broadcasts
SUBSCRIBE NOW!
4
ENJOY THE SEASON!
Suggestions and Notes About Your Order Select a second choice for your seating section, in case your first choice is not available. New subscriptions, subscription change requests, early exchanges and add-on tickets are assigned seats after the renewal deadline, March 13, not at the time of order. Seats are not likely to be the same as your original subscription seats. Performances exchanged at the time of order will be permanently released from your series. Checks will be deposited immediately and credit cards will be charged for the full value of your first choice or the full value of your first payment if you have chosen a payment plan. This is not a guarantee of seating. If your final seat assignment is your alternate choice, we will automatically refund or charge the difference due, as appropriate.
We will do our best to accommodate seating requests, but we cannot guarantee the availability of seating in any section or price level. If we cannot seat you in any of your choices, we will contact you to discuss an alternate section, seat, package or a full refund. Seating priority is based upon subscription and contribution history, with greater consideration given to contributions. For information, please call (415) 551-6318. If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office. If you do not receive an acknowledgment of your order by email or mail within 14 days, please call the Box Office.
Cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change. All orders are final. No refunds or returns. A $2 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony 1, 2 and 3 section prices; all other sections include a $3 per-ticket facility fee. A $15 subscription handling fee is charged per order. Exchanges are subject to availability; any additional ticket price differential will apply. There is a $10 fee for exchanges made on the day of the performance for all subscribers. There are no exchanges for the Ring cycle. Design Your Own Series will be available in May 2017.
35 29
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509
sfopera.com · (415) 864-3330 MATTHEW SHILVOCK
NICOLA LUISOTTI
General Director
Music Director
COMPANY SPONSORS The Dolby Family Ann and Gordon Getty John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Franklin and Catherine Johnson Edmund W. and Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund Steven M. Menzies
SEASON SPONSOR Bernard and Barbro Osher Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Dianne and Tad Taube Phyllis C. Wattis Endowment Funds Diane B. Wilsey
CORPORATE PARTNERS