San Francisco Opera 2015–16 Season Brochure

WHEN TIME

STANDS STILL

OPER THE ESSENCE OF

VERDI

WAGNER

BIZET

LUISA MILLER

DIE MEISTERSINGER VON NÜRNBERG

CARMEN

SONDHEIM

SWEENEY TODD

THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET DONIZETTI

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR MOZART

THE MAGIC FLUTE

ROSSINI

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE GETTY AND DEBUSSY

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER A DOUBLE BILL

WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA, CHORUS AND DANCE CORPS

VERDI

DON CARLO JANÁCˇEK

JENU˚FA SUBSCRIBERS BENEFIT MOST Discover the subscriber advantage on page 14.

RA Dear Opera Lover, Since 2006 I have been privileged to call San Francisco Opera

I am also delighted to open the doors to the Diane B. Wilsey Center

my home. So much of what I have accomplished here would

for Opera in late winter 2016. This dynamic new facility will feature

not have been possible without the unshakable commitment

an intimate, state-of-the-art 299-seat theater, perfect for presenting

of our loyal patrons and subscribers.

smaller works of the repertoire that I guarantee you will enjoy.

I have stacked my final season at the helm of this great Company

Our subscribers play a heroic role—always willing to venture into

with some of my favorite pieces, including Verdi’s epic Don

the unknown as well as embrace the tried and true. I hope you will

Carlo; Sondheim’s Grand Guignol horror show, Sweeney Todd;

join us for this memorable season!

Wagner’s colossal comedy, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg and Janácˇ ek’s transcendent Jenu˚ fa.

DAVID GOCKLEY, GENERAL DIRECTOR

Luisa Miller GIUSEPPE VERDI Longing only for love, a brave young woman sacrifices her own happiness in a desperate attempt to save her father’s life. Hailed as Verdi’s breakthrough opera for its masterful depiction of intimate emotions, this swift-moving tragedy explores

Cast Luisa Miller Leah Crocetto Rodolfo Michael Fabiano Miller Thomas Hampson

the forbidden passion between a peasant girl and a nobleman, and the plotting of

Count Walter Rafał Siwek*

two ruthless men determined to tear them apart.

Federica Ekaterina Semenchuk*

Music Director and lauded Verdi conductor Nicola Luisotti leads an outstanding

Production

Wurm Andrea Silvestrelli

cast featuring two of opera’s brightest and fastest-rising international stars: Leah

Conductor Nicola Luisotti

Crocetto and Michael Fabiano. Preeminent Verdi baritone Thomas Hampson joins

Production Francesca Zambello

this sensational duo as Luisa’s protective father.

Revival Director Laurie Feldman

SEP 11, 16, 19, 22, 25, 27m

Set Designer Michael Yeargan Costume Designer Dunya Ramicova Chorus Director Ian Robertson *San Francisco Opera debut 3 hours including one intermission San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles

2 sfopera.com/luisamiller

This production is made possible, in part, by Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey, Koret Foundation and Tad and Dianne Taube. Maestro Luisotti’s appearance is made possible by the Conductors Fund, and Ms. Crocetto’s and Mr. Fabiano’s appearances are made possible by the Emerging Voices Fund, both established by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem. Mr. Hampson’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

Sweeney Todd THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET: A MUSICAL THRILLER Music and Lyrics by

STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Book by

HUGH WHEELER

Originally directed on Broadway by HAROLD

Cast Sweeney Todd Gerald Finley

From an Adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND

PRINCE

Orchestrations by JONATHAN TUNICK Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in association with Dean and Judy Manos

Mrs. Lovett Stephanie Blythe Johanna Heidi Stober Anthony Hope Elliot Madore* Tobias Ragg Matthew Grills Judge Turpin Wayne Tigges Pirelli John Easterlin

A wronged barber exiled by a corrupt judge returns to Dickensian London

Production

to quench his thirst for vengeance in Stephen Sondheim’s macabre musical thriller.

Conductor Patrick Summers

Gerald Finley and Stephanie Blythe, two operatic forces revered both for their acting

Director Lee Blakeley*

and singing, star as the revenge-minded barber and his creative culinary accomplice in acclaimed director Lee Blakeley’s visually stunning production. Patrick Summers conducts the Company premiere of one of the greatest scores ever written for the modern lyric stage, a melodic mix of intense ballads and music-hall comedy.

SEP 12, 15, 18, 20m, 23, 26, 29 Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. Ms. Stober’s appearance is made possible by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Voices Fund. Mr. Finley’s and Ms. Blythe’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

This production is made possible, in part, by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Production Designer Tanya McCallin* Lighting Designer Rick Fisher Choreographer Lorena Randi* Chorus Director Ian Robertson *San Francisco Opera debut 2 hours, 50 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris and Houston Grand Opera Sung in English with English supertitles

sfopera.com/sweeney 3

Lucia di Lammermoor GAETANO DONIZETTI Pressured by her family to marry the wrong man, an anguished young woman suffers an emotional breakdown, culminating in the most astonishing mad scene in all of opera.

Cast Lucia Diana Damrau Edgardo Piotr Beczala Enrico Brian Mulligan Raimondo Nicolas Testé*

Diana Damrau, whose “gleaming top notes filled the house” (The New York Times) in her role debut at the Metropolitan Opera, brings her powerful portrayal to San Francisco. Star tenor Piotr Beczala returns as Lucia’s love interest, joined by dynamic baritone Brian Mulligan as Lucia’s controlling brother. Michael Cavanagh

Production Conductor Nicola Luisotti Director Michael Cavanagh Set Designer Erhard Rom

(Nixon in China and Susannah) directs this psychologically gripping tragedy in a

Costume Designer Mattie Ullrich

new production. Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts.

Chorus Director Ian Robertson

OCT 8, 11m, 13, 16, 21, 24, 28

4 sfopera.com/lucia

*San Francisco Opera debut 2 hours, 45 minutes including one intermission San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. Major support is also provided by the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund established by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem. Maestro Luisotti’s appearance is made possible by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Conductors Fund. Ms. Damrau’s and Mr. Beczala’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg RICHARD WAGNER In his comic masterpiece, Wagner set aside gods and goddesses to tell a touchingly human story about the power of art. When an impetuous young singer arrives in a proud German city determined to dazzle the townsfolk and a beautiful woman, his attempts to prove himself find sympathy in a wise cobbler-poet.

Cast Hans Sachs Greer Grimsley Walther von Stolzing Brandon Jovanovich Eva Rachel Willis-Sørensen* Magdalena Sasha Cooke David Alek Shrader

Acclaimed Wagnerian Sir Mark Elder conducts a stellar cast headed by two San Francisco Opera favorites: Greer Grimsley as Hans Sachs and Brandon Jovanovich

Sixtus Beckmesser Martin Gantner* Veit Pogner Ain Anger*

as Walther. Sir David McVicar’s staging is “remarkable for the detailed naturalism

Production

of its performances” (The Guardian, London).

Conductor Sir Mark Elder* Production Sir David McVicar

NOV 18, 21, 24, 27 · DEC 2, 6m

Revival Director Marie Lambert* Associate Director Ian Rutherford* Production Designer Vicki Mortimer*

Please note: Evening performances begin at 6pm and the matinee at 1pm.

Lighting Designer Paule Constable Chorus Director Ian Robertson *San Francisco Opera debut 5 hours, 15 minutes including two intermissions Co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Glyndebourne Festival Opera Sung in German with English supertitles

This production is made possible, in part, by the Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Fund and The Bernard Osher Endowment Fund.

Mr. Shrader’s appearance is made possible by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Voices Fund. Mr. Grimsley’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

sfopera.com/meistersinger 5

The Magic Flute WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART In a fantastical world of ferocious dragons and enchanted musical instruments, a noble prince sets out to rescue a beautiful princess and ensure the triumph of truth and justice. Mozart’s final operatic masterpiece is a remarkable blend of whimsy and wisdom, brilliantly captured in this kaleidoscopic, multimedia production designed by visual artist Jun Kaneko. The cast is led by the elegantly expressive Paul Appleby, the delightful Nadine Sierra and the dazzling Albina Shagimuratova, who sings the Queen of the Night’s thrilling arias with a “glowing brilliance you absolutely must hear” (San Francisco Classical Voice).

OCT 20, 25m, 27, 29 NOV 4, 8m, 12, 14, 17, 20 Cast

Production

Pamina Nadine Sierra

Conductor Lawrence Foster*

Tamino Paul Appleby*

Director Harry Silverstein

Papageno Philippe Sly

Production Designer Jun Kaneko

Sarastro Alfred Reiter

Lighting Designer Paul Pyant

The Queen of the Night Albina Shagimuratova

Chorus Director Ian Robertson

Monostatos Greg Fedderly *San Francisco Opera debut 3 hours including one intermission Co-production with Washington National Opera, Opera Carolina, Opera Omaha and Lyric Opera of Kansas City Sung in English with English supertitles

Enjoy Exploration Workshops for Families prior to select performances.

Sign up for E-Opera at sfopera.com/eopera to receive updates.

This production is made possible, in part, by San Francisco Opera Guild, Chevron, United Airlines and The E. Nakamichi Foundation.

Ms. Sierra’s appearance is made possible by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Voices Fund.

sfopera.com/flute 7

The Barber of Seville GIOACHINO ROSSINI Cunning, clever and big-hearted, Figaro is precisely the sort of person you want as a friend. His quick thinking proves invaluable in helping a young woman escape from the grasp of her guardian into the arms of a handsome suitor.

Cast Figaro Lucas Meachem Rosina Daniela Mack Count Almaviva René Barbera Doctor Bartolo Alessandro Corbelli

Critically acclaimed Spanish director Emilio Sagi’s buoyant and delightfully funny

Don Basilio Andrea Silvestrelli

staging returns by popular demand. The cast stars the irresistible Daniela Mack,

Berta Catherine Cook

the ardent René Barbera and the charismatic Lucas Meachem in the title role. With

Production

its unfailingly charming and inventive score, this hilarious combination of vocal and visual fireworks is sure to enchant.

Conductor Giuseppe Finzi Production Emilio Sagi Revival Director Roy Rallo

This production is included only in Series J, R, L, T, W and X. Add it to your order now for best seats and savings; see page 21.

Set Designer Llorenç Corbella Costume Designer Pepa Ojanguren Lighting Designer Gary Marder Choreographer Nuria Castejón

NOV 25, 29m · DEC 1, 5, 9

Chorus Director Ian Robertson

Enjoy Exploration Workshops for Families prior to select performances.

3 hours including one intermission Co-production with Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Sign up for E-Opera at sfopera.com/eopera to receive updates.

8 sfopera.com/barber

Maestro Finzi’s appearance is made possible by the Conductors Fund, and Mr. Meachem’s, Ms. Mack’s and Mr. Barbera’s appearances are made possible by the Emerging Voices Fund, both established by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem.

The Fall of the House of Usher A DOUBLE BILL A decaying castle inhabited by a tormented man and his sickly sister is the setting for Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic tale. This chilling double bill features two distinctive versions of the hauntingly enigmatic story: Usher House by Gordon Getty and Robert Orledge’s completion of Claude Debussy’s La Chute de la Maison Usher.

Featuring imaginative video projections, David Pountney’s production evokes the intense atmosphere of Poe’s prose. Brian Mulligan stars in this spine-tingling U.S. production premiere under the baton of renowned conductor Lawrence Foster.

This production is included only in Series A, D, G, M, B, F, I and O. Add it to your order now for best seats and savings; see page 21.

DEC 8, 10, 11, 13m

Director David Pountney Production Designer Niki Turner* Video Designer David Haneke*

GORDON GETTY

Cast Roderick Usher Brian Mulligan Edgar Allan Poe Richard Croft

La Chute de la Maison Usher CLAUDE DEBUSSY Reconstruction and orchestration by Robert Orledge

Cast Roderick Usher Brian Mulligan

Production Conductor Lawrence Foster

Usher House

The Doctor Richard Croft *San Francisco Opera debut 2 hours, 10 minutes including one intermission Production originated at Welsh National Opera Usher House sung in English with English supertitles La Chute de la Maison Usher sung in French with English supertitles

This production is made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem.

sfopera.com/usher 9

Carmen GEORGES BIZET The ultimate femme fatale returns in a provocative staging by infamous director Calixto Bieito in his long-awaited U.S. opera debut. Set in the arid earthiness of post-Franco Spain, Bieito’s raw, physical and cinematic vision of Carmen provokes the intense, wild emotions pulsing through this tale of love, lust and murder. The result is a powerful, uncompromising account of a defiantly free-spirited woman and her compulsive, obsessive lover.

This strikingly bold new production features two outstanding casts.

One stars Irene Roberts as the impassioned Gypsy, Brian Jagde as the lovesick soldier and Zachary Nelson as the dashing bullfighter.

The other is headed by Ginger Costa-Jackson, Riccardo Massi and Michael Sumuel. Carlo Montanaro, who conducts “with an élan calculated to set the listener’s pulse racing” (The Seattle Times), makes his Company debut in Bizet’s blazingly tuneful score. Be swept into the deadly seduction of Carmen as never before.

SUMMER 2016: MAY 27, 29m JUN 1, 23, 26m JUL 2

MAY 28, 31 JUN 17, 30 JUL 3m

Cast

Cast

Carmen Irene Roberts

Carmen Ginger Costa-Jackson

Don José Brian Jagde

Don José Riccardo Massi*

Micaëla Nadine Sierra

Micaëla Erika Grimaldi*

Escamillo Zachary Nelson*

Escamillo Michael Sumuel

Production Conductor Carlo Montanaro* Production Calixto Bieito* Revival Director Joan Anton Rechi* Set Designer Alfons Flores

*San Francisco Opera debut 3 hours, 45 minutes with two intermissions Sung in French with English supertitles Please note: this production contains nudity and suggestive behavior.

Costume Designer Mercè Paloma Chorus Director Ian Robertson

Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. Maestro Montanaro’s appearance is made possible by the Conductors Fund, and Mr. Jagde’s appearance is made possible by the Emerging Voices Fund, both established by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem.

sfopera.com/carmen 11

Don Carlo GIUSEPPE VERDI At the time of Spain’s brutal Inquisition, the king of Spain marries the woman his son loves and sets into motion a tension-filled chain of events.

Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and

Cast Don Carlo Michael Fabiano Elisabetta Krassimira Stoyanova* Princess Eboli Nadia Krasteva* Rodrigo Mariusz Kwiecien´

Chorus in this magnificent tale of romantic triangles, political idealism and life-and-

Philip II René Pape

death devotion. Making his role debut as Don Carlo, the thrilling Michael Fabiano

The Grand Inquisitor Andrea Silvestrelli

stars alongside the dynamic Mariusz Kwiecien´ as Rodrigo and powerful bass René

Production

Pape as King Philip. The extraordinary Verdi soprano Krassimira Stoyanova makes her Company debut as Elisabetta.

Conductor Nicola Luisotti Director Emilio Sagi Designer Zack Brown

SUMMER 2016: JUN 12m, 15, 18, 21, 24, 29 Please note: Evening performances begin at 7pm and the matinee at 1pm.

12 sfopera.com/doncarlo

Chorus Director Ian Robertson *San Francisco Opera debut 4 hours, 20 minutes including two intermissions San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles

Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by the Edmund W. and Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund and Thomas and Barbara Wolfe. Major support is also provided by the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund established by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem. Maestro Luisotti’s appearance is made possible by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Conductors Fund. Ms. Stoyanova’s and Mr. Kwiecien´’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

Jenufa ˚ LEOŠ JANÁCˇEK “Invariably daring and original, characterized by her fierce commitment to the moment” (Opera News), Karita Mattila returns to portray one of Janácˇek’s most vivid characters—a domineering stepmother forced to deal with her unwed stepdaughter’s pregnancy—who is driven to perform a monstrous act. Soprano

Cast Jenu˚fa Malin Byström* Kostelnicˇka Buryja Karita Mattila Laca Klemenˇ William Burden

Malin Byström makes her Company debut as Jenu˚ fa, a woman who discovers the

Production

transformative power of love and forgiveness. Janácek cˇ virtuoso Jirˇ í Beˇlohlávek

Director Olivier Tambosi

conducts this intense, pulsating score.

Conductor Jirˇí Beˇlohlávek Production Designer Frank Philipp Schlössmann Lighting Designer Hans Toelstede

SUMMER 2016: JUN 14, 19m, 22, 25, 28 · JUL 1

Chorus Director Ian Robertson *San Francisco Opera debut 2 hours, 50 minutes including two intermissions An original production of Hamburgische Staatsoper Sung in Czech with English supertitles

This production is made possible, in part, by The Bernard Osher Endowment Fund, Koret Foundation, Tad and Dianne Taube and The Thomas Tilton Production Fund. Ms. Byström’s appearance is made possible by the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Emerging Voices Fund. Ms. Mattila’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

sfopera.com/jenufa 13

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OTHER WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE

14

Mini Series

Out of Town Series

Student & Teacher Series

Select from themed 3- or 4-opera packages and save up to 10%.

See page 20.

See two or three operas in two or three days and save up to 10%. See page 20.

Current full-time students and full- and part-time teachers save 50% off single ticket prices with select Full, Half or Semester Series subscriptions. For complete details, visit sfopera.com/edu.

Full Series

9 operas with discounts up to 30% and no-fee exchanges Keep the same seats for each original

Save on additional tickets with the discounted subscription price. See page 21.

performance. Plus, renew or upgrade them from year to year.

Customize to fit your schedule and tastes at the time of purchase:

Receive two free seating upgrades.

Redeemable 24 hours in advance.

• Drop one opera from your series to create an 8-opera package.

Purchase reserved parking in advance for the Performing Arts Garage.

One car per account.

• Arrange early exchanges for up to three performances per subscription.

WEEKDAY SERIES

A SERIES

WEEKDAYS

8 TUE EVES • 1 FRI EVE

Luisa Miller

Sweeney

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

F Sep 11 8pm

T Sep 29 7:30pm

T Oct 13 7:30pm

T Oct 20 7:30pm

T Nov 24 6pm

Usher

Carmen

Jenu˚fa

Don Carlo

T Dec 8 7:30pm

T May 31 7:30pm

T Jun 14 7:30pm

T Jun 21 7pm

WEEKDAYS

7 WED EVES • 2 THU EVES

Luisa Miller

Sweeney

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

W Sep 16 7:30pm

W Sep 23 7:30pm

W Oct 21 7:30pm

Th Oct 29 7:30pm

W Nov 18 6pm

Usher

Carmen

Jenu˚fa

Don Carlo

Th Dec 10 7:30pm

W Jun 1 7:30pm

W Jun 22 7:30pm

W Jun 29 7pm

WEEKDAYS

4 TUE EVES • 3 WED EVES • 2 THU EVES

Sweeney

Luisa Miller

Lucia

Flute

Barber

T Sep 15 7:30pm

T Sep 22 7:30pm

Th Oct 8 7:30pm

T Oct 27 7:30pm

W Nov 25 7:30pm

Meistersinger

Don Carlo

Carmen

Jenu˚fa

W Dec 2 6pm

W Jun 15 7pm

Th Jun 23 7:30pm

T Jun 28 7:30pm

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY

D SERIES

ALL OPERAVISION SERIES

R SERIES

WEEKEND SERIES

G SERIES

J SERIES

BEST PRICES: SAVINGS UP TO 60%

FRIDAYS

9 FRIDAY EVENINGS

Sweeney

Luisa Miller

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

F Sep 18 7:30pm

F Sep 25 7:30pm

F Oct 16 7:30pm

F Nov 20 7:30pm

F Nov 27 6pm

Usher

Carmen

Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

F Dec 11 7:30pm

F May 27 7:30pm

F Jun 24 7pm

F Jul 1 7:30pm

SATURDAYS

9 SATURDAY EVENINGS

Sweeney

Luisa Miller

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

S Sep 12 7:30pm

S Sep 19 7:30pm

S Oct 24 7:30pm

S Nov 14 7:30pm

S Nov 21 6pm

Barber

Carmen

Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

S Dec 5 7:30pm

S May 28 7:30pm

S Jun 18 7pm

S Jun 25 7:30pm

ALL OPERAVISION SERIES

M SERIES

SUNDAY MATINEES

9 SUNDAY MATINEES

Sweeney

Luisa Miller

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

Su Sep 20 2pm

Su Sep 27 2pm

Su Oct 11 2pm

Su Oct 25 2pm

Su Dec 6 1pm

Usher

Carmen

Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

Su Dec 13 2pm

Su May 29 2pm

Su Jun 12 1pm

Su Jun 19 2pm

See pricing on pages 18 and 19. (415) 864-3330

· sfopera.com

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 25.

15

Half Series

3, 4 or 5 operas with discounts up to 30% and no-fee exchanges Keep the same seats for each original

Customize to fit your schedule and tastes at time of purchase:

performance. Plus, renew or upgrade them from year to year.

• Drop one opera from your series to create a 3- or 4-opera package. Not available for Series W.

Receive one free seating upgrade.

Redeemable 24 hours in advance.

Save on additional tickets with the discounted subscription price. See page 21.

• Arrange early exchanges for up to two performances per subscription.

WEEKEND SERIES

H SERIES

I SERIES

K SERIES

BEST PRICES: SAVINGS UP TO 60%

FRIDAYS

5 FRIDAY EVENINGS

Sweeney

Lucia

Meistersinger

Carmen

Don Carlo

F Sep 18 7:30pm

F Oct 16 7:30pm

F Nov 27 6pm

F May 27 7:30pm

F Jun 24 7pm

FRIDAYS

5 FRIDAY EVENINGS

Luisa Miller

Flute

Usher

Carmen

Jenu˚fa

F Sep 25 7:30pm

F Nov 20 7:30pm

F Dec 11 7:30pm

F Jun 17 7:30pm

F Jul 1 7:30pm

BEST PRICES: SAVINGS UP TO 60%

SATURDAYS 5 SATURDAY EVENINGS Sweeney

Lucia

Meistersinger

Carmen

Don Carlo

S Sep 12 7:30pm

S Oct 24 7:30pm

S Nov 21 6pm

S May 28 7:30pm

S Jun 18 7pm

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY

L SERIES

SATURDAYS 5 SATURDAY EVENINGS Luisa Miller

Flute

Barber

Jenu˚fa

Carmen

S Sep 19 7:30pm

S Nov 14 7:30pm

S Dec 5 7:30pm

S Jun 25 7:30pm

S Jul 2 7:30pm

ALL OPERAVISION SERIES

N SERIES

SUNDAY MATINEES

5 SUNDAY MATINEES

Sweeney

Lucia

Meistersinger

Carmen

Jenu˚fa

Su Sep 20 2pm

Su Oct 11 2pm

Su Dec 6 1pm

Su May 29 2pm

Su Jun 19 2pm

ALL OPERAVISION SERIES

O SERIES

16

SUNDAY MATINEES

5 SUNDAY MATINEES

Luisa Miller

Flute

Usher

Don Carlo

Carmen

Su Sep 27 2pm

Su Oct 25 2pm

Su Dec 13 2pm

Su Jun 12 1pm

Su Jul 3 2pm

SUNDAY MATINEES

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY 3 SUNDAY MATINEES

W

Flute

Barber

Carmen

SERIES

Su Nov 8 2pm

Su Nov 29 2pm

Su Jun 26 2pm

See pricing on pages 18 and 19. (415) 864-3330

· sfopera.com

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 25.

WEEKDAY SERIES

B SERIES

C SERIES

E SERIES

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY

TUESDAYS

4 TUESDAY EVENINGS

Sweeney

Flute

Usher

Carmen

T Sep 29 7:30pm

T Oct 20 7:30pm

T Dec 8 7:30pm

T May 31 7:30pm

TUESDAYS

5 TUESDAY EVENINGS

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

Jenu˚fa

Don Carlo

T Oct 13 7:30pm

T Nov 17 7:30pm

T Nov 24 6pm

T Jun 14 7:30pm

T Jun 21 7pm

WEDNESDAYS

5 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

Sweeney

Lucia

Meistersinger

Jenu˚fa

Don Carlo

W Sep 23 7:30pm

W Oct 21 7:30pm

W Nov 18 6pm

W Jun 22 7:30pm

W Jun 29 7pm

WEEKDAYS

2 WED EVES • 2 THU EVES

Luisa Miller

Flute

Usher

Carmen

W Sep 16 7:30pm

Th Oct 29 7:30pm

Th Dec 10 7:30pm

W Jun 1 7:30pm

WEEKDAYS

2 TUE EVES • 2 WED EVES • 1 THU EVE

Sweeney

Lucia

Flute

Meistersinger

Don Carlo

T Sep 15 7:30pm

Th Oct 8 7:30pm

T Oct 27 7:30pm

W Dec 2 6pm

W Jun 15 7pm

WEEKDAYS

2 TUE EVES • 1 WED EVE • 1 THU EVE

Luisa Miller

Barber

Carmen

Jenu˚fa

T Sep 22 7:30pm

W Nov 25 7:30pm

Th Jun 23 7:30pm

T Jun 28 7:30pm

MIXED DAYS

2 WED EVES • 2 THU EVES • 1 SAT EVE

Sweeney

Lucia

Flute

Barber

Carmen

S Sep 26 7:30pm

W Oct 28 7:30pm

Th Nov 12 7:30pm

W Dec 9 7:30pm

Th Jun 30 7:30pm

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY

F SERIES

ALL OPERAVISION SERIES

S SERIES

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY

T SERIES

X SERIES

RBW SERIES

BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY

ALL OPERAVISION SERIES

WEEKDAYS

2 TUE EVES • 2 WED EVES • 1 THU EVE

Sweeney*

Lucia

Flute

T Sep 15 7:30pm

Th Oct 8 7:30pm

T Oct 27 7:30pm

Meistersinger

Don Carlo*

W Dec 2 6pm

W Jun 15 7pm

Subscribe to the Rainbow Series and join other opera lovers in the LGBT community! As part of this subscription, enjoy two exclusive receptions,* one in the fall and one in the summer. Upgrade to Full Series R+RBW to see nine of the season’s ten operas while enjoying all Rainbow Series benefits.

sfopera.com/rainbow

See pricing on pages 18 and 19. (415) 864-3330

· sfopera.com

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 25.

17

Pricing for Full Full Series

A

$2,867

$202

Orchestra Premium (ORP) or Grand Tier Premium (GTP)

$2,205

$168

Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2) or Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)

$1,339

$1,034

Orchestra (ORC) or Grand Tier (GT)

$1,339

$383

$783

$216

Dress Circle (DC)

$961

$254

Dress Circle 2 (DC2)

$783

$234

Balcony Circle (BC)

$783

$211

Balcony Front (BLF)

$466

$219

Balcony Rear (BLR)

$236

$127

$192

$51

Balcony Side (BLS)

†

Half Series Weekend

Renewing subscribers who request a series change are not guaranteed their current seats, even when changing from a Full Series to a Half Series or from a Half Series to a Full Series.

You Save

Box Seats (BOX)

$1,603

$331

Orchestra Premium (ORP) or Grand Tier Premium (GTP)

$1,237

$327

$747

$817

Orchestra (ORC) or Grand Tier (GT)

$747

$436

Orchestra Ring (ORR)

$439

$249

Dress Circle (DC)

$537

$223

Dress Circle 2 (DC2)

$439

$321

Balcony Circle (BC)

$439

$205

Balcony Front (BLF)

$290

$248

Balcony Rear (BLR)

$152

$240

$120

$55

Balcony Side (BLS)

†

Half Series Weekday Box Seats (BOX)

B

†

4 Operas

You Save

$1,264†

$68

Orchestra Premium (ORP) or Grand Tier Premium (GTP)

$968

$52

Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2) or Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)

$592

$428

A $1 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony Front, Rear and Side section prices; all other sections include a $2 per-ticket facility fee.

Orchestra (ORC) or Grand Tier (GT)

$592

$148

Orchestra Ring (ORR)

$344

$84

Series pricing with OperaVision performances in the Balcony include a discounted per-ticket surcharge (BLF $7, BLR $5 and BLS $3).

Dress Circle (DC)

$424

$104

Dress Circle 2 (DC2)

$344

$84

Balcony Circle (BC)

$344

$84

Balcony Front (BLF)

$204

$84

English supertitles are visible from all sections.

Balcony Rear (BLR)

$104

$40

A $12 handling fee is charged per order.

Balcony Side (BLS)

$84

$20

New subscriptions and renewals with a requested seating change will be assigned seats after the renewal deadline.

If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office.

Limited availability. Please provide alternate choice when ordering. †

18

†

5 Operas

H

Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2) or Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)

Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections.

See page 29 for details.

You Save

Box Seats (BOX)

Orchestra Ring (ORR)

War Memorial Opera House

9 Operas

(415) 864-3330

· sfopera.com

†

†

& Half Series D

9 Operas

9 Operas

You Save

R+RBW

G

9 Operas

You Save

J

9 Operas

You Save

M

9 Operas

You Save

$154

$2,867

$154

$2,867

$591

$3,286

$172

$3,286

$172

$2,205

$118

$2,205

$118

$2,205

$579

$2,647

$137

$2,647

$137

$1,339

$984

$1,339

$984

$1,339

$1,445

$2,647

$137

$2,647

$137

$1,339

$334

$1,339

$334

$1,339

$780

$1,702

$417

$1,702

$417

$783

$191

$783

$191

$783

$433

$976

$240

$976

$240

$961

$236

$961

$236

$961

$399

$1,088

$272

$1,088

$272

$783

$191

$783

$191

$783

$577

$925

$435

$925

$435

$783

$191

$783

$191

$783

$369

$925

$227

$925

$227

$494

$196

$529

$201

$508

$442

$651

$267

$700

$274

$256

$95

$281

$100

$266

$426

$474

$194

$509

$201

$204

$50

$219

$55

$210

$97

$234

$57

$255

$64

†

$325

$1,838

$96

$1,810

$95

$1,838

$96

$1,810

$95

$1,086

$57

$1,210

$315

$1,487

$77

$1,450

$75

$1,487

$77

$1,450

$75

$870

$45

$740

$785

$1,487

$77

$1,450

$75

$1,487

$77

$1,450

$75

$870

$45

L

5 Operas

N

5 Operas

You Save

†

$1,580

5 Operas

You Save

†

You Save

K

You Save

†

5 Operas

O

5 Operas

You Save

W

3 Operas

You Save

$740

$430

$950

$233

$940

$230

$950

$233

$940

$230

$564

$138

$430

$230

$552

$136

$530

$130

$552

$136

$530

$130

$318

$78

$530

$220

$608

$152

$600

$150

$608

$152

$600

$150

$360

$90

$430

$320

$517

$243

$510

$240

$517

$243

$510

$240

$306

$144

$430

$205

$517

$127

$510

$125

$517

$127

$510

$125

$306

$75

$276

$243

$357

$149

$364

$147

$392

$154

$385

$150

$217

$88

$145

$233

$260

$108

$265

$107

$285

$113

$280

$110

$158

$64

$114

$53

$128

$31

$131

$32

$143

$36

$140

$35

$78

$19

†

C

R

$2,867

†

I

You Save

FALL 2015 AND SUMMER 2016

5 Operas

You Save

E

†

5 Operas

You Save

†

F

4 Operas

†

You Save

S& RBW 5 Operas

You Save

T

†

4 Operas

You Save

X

†

5 Operas

You Save

$1,603†

$86

$1,603

$86

$1,264

$68

$1,603

$86

$1,264

$68

$1,626

$87

$1,237

$66

$1,237

$66

$968

$52

$1,237

$66

$968

$52

$1,258

$67

$747

$556

$747

$556

$592

$428

$747

$556

$592

$428

$882

$443

$747

$186

$747

$186

$592

$148

$747

$186

$592

$148

$780

$194

$439

$107

$439

$107

$344

$84

$439

$107

$344

$84

$450

$110

$537

$132

$537

$132

$424

$104

$537

$132

$424

$104

$544

$134

$439

$107

$439

$107

$344

$84

$439

$107

$344

$84

$446

$132

$439

$107

$439

$107

$344

$84

$439

$107

$344

$84

$446

$109

$262

$108

$283

$111

$211

$85

$297

$113

$232

$88

$281

$114

$132

$51

$147

$54

$109

$41

$157

$56

$124

$44

$160

$62

$108

$26

$117

$29

$87

$21

$123

$31

$96

$24

$112

$27

†

†

†

†

†

†

19

Mini Series

Out of Town Series

Enjoy seats in the same section for each performance.

Enjoy seats in the same section for each performance.

No-fee advance exchanges into another performance of the

Save on hotel and museums with special discounts from our Subscriber Perk Partners. sfopera.com/perks

3 or 4 operas with discounts up to 10%

2 or 3 operas with discounts up to 10%

same opera, and only $10 for exchanges into a different opera or for day-of-performance exchanges.

Join the National Patrons Club with a contribution of $2,000 or more and receive exclusive benefits. sfopera.com/nationalpatrons

FALL 2015 AND SUMMER 2016

MS1 SERIES

MS2 SERIES

MS3 SERIES

MS4 SERIES

MS5 SERIES

MS6 SERIES

FALL 2015 AND SUMMER 2016

BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO OPERA (TUESDAYS)

OT1

Flute

Barber

Carmen

T Oct 20 7:30pm

T Dec 1 7:30pm

T May 31 7:30pm

SERIES

BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO OPERA (SATURDAYS)

OT2

Flute

Barber

Carmen

S Nov 14 7:30pm

S Dec 5 7:30pm

S May 28 7:30pm

SERIES

SINGING IN ITALIAN (WEDNESDAYS)

OT3

Luisa Miller

Lucia

W Sep 16 7:30pm

W Oct 21 7:30pm

Barber

Don Carlo

W Nov 25 7:30pm

W Jun 15 7pm

SERIES

OT4

DIVAS AND DIVOS (TUESDAYS)

SERIES

Sweeney

Lucia

Carmen

T Sep 15 7:30pm

T Oct 13 7:30pm

T May 31 7:30pm

OT7

SUMMER TRIO (WEDNESDAYS)

SERIES

Carmen

Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

W Jun 1 7:30pm

W Jun 15 7pm

W Jun 22 7:30pm

OT8

SUMMER TRIO (SATURDAYS)

SERIES

Carmen

Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

S May 28 7:30pm

S Jun 18 7pm

S Jun 25 7:30pm

OT9 SERIES

Section

20

MS1

Box Seats (BOX)

$948

Orchestra Premium (ORP) or Grand Tier Premium (GTP)

†

MS2

MS3

MS4

$1,086

$1,264

$948

$726

$870

$968

Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2) or Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)

$726

$870

Orchestra (ORC) or Grand Tier (GT)

$501

Orchestra Ring (ORR)

†

MS5

MS6

SEPTEMBER WEEKDAY Sweeney

Luisa Miller

T Sep 15 7:30pm

W Sep 16 7:30pm

SEPTEMBER WEEKEND Sweeney

Luisa Miller

F Sep 18 7:30pm

S Sep 19 7:30pm

OCTOBER WEEKEND Lucia

Flute

S Oct 24 7:30pm

Su Oct 25 2pm

NOVEMBER WEEKDAY Flute

Meistersinger

T Nov 17 7:30pm

W Nov 18 6pm

SUMMER WEEKDAY Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

Carmen

T Jun 21 7pm

W Jun 22 7:30pm

Th Jun 23 7:30pm

SUMMER WEEKEND Carmen

Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

F Jun 17 7:30pm

S Jun 18 7pm

Su Jun 19 2pm

SUMMER WEEKEND Don Carlo

Jenu˚fa

Carmen

F Jun 24 7pm

S Jun 25 7:30pm

Su Jun 26 2pm

OT1

OT2

OT3

OT4

OT7 †

OT8

OT9

$1,086

$1,086

$948

$1,086

$632

$724

$724

$655

$948

$726

$726

$870

$484

$580

$580

$511

$726

$870

$870

$968

$726

$726

$870

$484

$580

$580

$511

$726

$870

$870

$633

$668

$501

$501

$633

$334

$422

$422

$341

$501

$633

$633

$291

$357

$388

$291

$291

$357

$194

$238

$238

$203

$291

$357

$357

Dress Circle (DC)

$357

$405

$476

$357

$357

$405

$238

$270

$270

$246

$357

$405

$405

Dress Circle 2 (DC2)

$291

$405

$388

$291

$291

$405

$194

$270

$270

$203

$291

$405

$405

Balcony Circle (BC)

$291

$345

$388

$291

$291

$345

$194

$230

$230

$203

$291

$345

$345

Balcony Front (BLF)

$202

$267

$281

$202

$209

$274

$137

$192

$185

$139

$209

$281

$281

Balcony Rear (BLR)

$104

$195

$147

$104

$109

$200

$71

$140

$135

$68

$109

$205

$205

To view additional Out of Town Series subscriptions, visit sfopera.com/outoftown.

Mini and Out of Town Series will be assigned seats after Full and Half Series.

Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections. See page 29 for details.

† Limited availability. Please provide alternate choice when ordering.

A $1 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony Front, Rear and Side section prices; all other sections include a $2 per-ticket facility fee.

Save on Additional Tickets Subscribers have priority access to purchase additional tickets months before tickets go on sale to the general public.

Now through March 31, pay the discounted subscription prices listed below.

SUBSCRIBER ADD-ON PRICES Main Stage Operas Except Die Meistersinger

Section

Die Meistersinger

M–F

S–SU

M–F

S–SU

Box Seats (BOX)

$316

$362

$339

$390

Orchestra Premium (ORP) or Grand Tier Premium (GTP)

$242

$290

$269

$327

Orchestra Premium 2 (ORP2) or Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)

$148

$290

$155

$327

Orchestra (ORC) or Grand Tier (GT)

$148

$188

$155

$198

Orchestra Ring (ORR)

$86

$106

$95

$128

Dress Circle (DC)

$106

$120

$113

$128

Dress Circle 2 (DC2)

$86

$102

$95

$109

Balcony Circle (BC)

$86

$102

$95

$109

Balcony Front (BLF)

$51 / $58

$70 / $77

$58 / $65

Balcony Rear (BLR)

$26 / $31

$51 / $56

$28 / $33

$77 / $84 $56 / $61

Balcony Side (BLS) †

$21 / $24

$25 / $28

$24 / $27

$28 / $31

Prices guaranteed through March 31, 2015.

For seating chart and OperaVision surcharges, please see page 18.

A $1 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony Front, Rear and Side section prices; all other sections include a $2 per-ticket facility fee. †

Limited availability. Please provide alternate choice when ordering.

Exchange Privileges Need to exchange an opera or date after placing your subscription order?

Starting mid-June 2015, subscribers can call or visit the Box Office to process any exchanges.

• Full and Half Series Subscribers: Exchange into a different performance of the same opera or a different opera, all for free at least 24 hours in advance.

• Mini and Out of Town Series Subscribers: Exchange into a different performance of the same opera for free, or into a different opera for a $10 fee, at least 24 hours in advance.

• Student and Teacher Subscribers: Exchange into a weeknight performance of the same opera for free at least 24 hours in advance. For details, visit sfopera.com/edu.

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.

(415) 864-3330

· sfopera.com

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 25.

21

Go Deeper Deepen your relationship with San Francisco Opera by joining our family of generous contributors. Your support brings the world’s leading performers to our stage, trains the stars of tomorrow, provides opera education to local schools and shares the joy of opera with our community.

WHAT YOUR INVESTMENT MAKES POSSIBLE Adler Fellows Young Artist Training The Adler Fellowship Program trains and nurtures some of the most promising young artists of our time. Many Adler Fellows have gone on to distinguished international careers, including Mark Delavan, Patricia Racette, Elza van den Heever, Deborah Voigt and Dolora Zajick. More recent graduates who are now receiving significant acclaim include Leah Crocetto, Brian Jagde, Daniela Mack, Alek Shrader and Nadine Sierra, all of whom return to our stage in the 2015–16 Season.

ENJOY REWARDING BENEFITS From backstage tours and working rehearsals to panel discussions with artists and production staff, your support of San Francisco Opera brings rewarding benefits that deepen your engagement with our Company.

We invite you to make the most generous gift you can with your subscription order. Join or renew your support at the $200 Patron level or higher, and receive an exclusive invitation to a final dress rehearsal during the 2015–16 Season. For more details about giving levels and benefits call (415) 565-3212 or visit sfopera.com/membership.

Learning and Engagement

BECOME A MONTHLY GIVER

Thousands of students, educators, adults, families and seniors participate in our education programs each year. Our acclaimed in-school programs create extended collaborations with educators in local public school classrooms, integrating opera into their year-round curriculum.

New! Become a recurring donor with an ongoing monthly gift.

Learn more at sfopera.com/membership.

Free Community Performances From live simulcasts at AT&T Park to Opera in the Park during the season’s opening weekend, our performances and programs in the community provide opportunities for tens of thousands of people to experience the thrill of live opera for free.

Media Programs Millions of opera fans locally, nationally and internationally enjoy our radio, television and HD cinema broadcasts each year. Recent DVD releases of signature productions such as I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Lucrezia Borgia, Moby-Dick, Mefistofele and Porgy and Bess offer opera lovers around the world the opportunity to experience the emotional power of this grand art form.

Photos (opposite page, clockwise from top left): 2014 Adler Fellows, San Francisco Opera stage crew changes sets, Opera at the Ballpark, West Portal Elementary School students present their own opera performance, 2013 Community Open House; (this page): Music Director Nicola Luisotti.

23

The Wilsey Center for Opera “ Creating this wonderful asset will be our generation’s most important legacy for the Company and the community.”

– David Gockley, General Director San Francisco Opera is thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera in late winter 2016. We look forward to sharing this dynamic hub for exciting operatic works and opera education with our subscribers.

Located on the top floor of the historic Veterans Building, adjacent to the War Memorial Opera House, the Wilsey Center will include the Atrium Theater, John M. Bryan Education Studio and San Francisco Opera Archive, along with a new costume shop and administrative offices.

Atrium Theater Experience opera within feet of the action in this intimate 299-seat theater. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound, lighting and projection systems, the space will be the Company’s home to foster and cultivate innovative repertoire. From February through April during the break between fall and summer mainstage performances, patrons will enjoy contemporary, rarely performed Baroque and family-oriented productions by emerging and established artists.

24

John M. Bryan Education Studio The Company’s first-ever dedicated space for its rich education programs, the Education Studio will host master classes, lectures, screenings and other events for students, educators, young artists, families and adults throughout the Bay Area.

San Francisco Opera Archive Previously uncatalogued and never-before available to the public, the Company’s extensive archive will provide students, scholars and opera lovers the opportunity to further their knowledge through on-site artifacts, photographs, audio-visual recordings and more. Throughout the year patrons will be able to view exhibitions of photographs, costumes, props and other historic materials by appointment.

To learn how to become a founding contributor to our remarkable new center, visit sfopera.com/wilseycenter.

Get Closer to Opera sfopera.com

KDFC and WFMT Radio Broadcasts

Delve deeper into each opera! Read program notes and plot synopses, listen to audio clips and watch videos. Plus, find directions to the War Memorial Opera House, parking information and dining options.

Tune into Classical KDFC 90.3, 89.9, 104.9, 92.5 FM and Comcast Cable 981, or listen online at kdfc.com the first Sunday of each month to hear recent and archival performances. In fall, broadcasts also air on the WFMT Radio Network across the country. sfopera.com/broadcast

E-Opera Sign up for the Opera's monthly e-newsletter to learn about special offers, upcoming events and more. sfopera.com/eopera

Pre-Opera Talks

KQED TV Broadcasts Relive some of San Francisco Opera’s best productions from past seasons on KQED TV during the 2015–16 Season. Check your local listings for a complete schedule.

Before every performance, charismatic music scholars present a 25-minute overview of the story, characters and music, with insights on the composer and historical background. Talks begin 55 minutes prior to curtain (except Opening Night, Sep 11). sfopera.com/operatalks

Grand Opera Cinema Series

Interact With Us

English Supertitles

Follow us and access exclusive content, from behind-the-scenes photos to artist interviews.

Similar to the subtitles that accompany foreign language films, all of our operas are performed with supertitles—English paraphrases of the text projected above the stage.

BRAVO! CLUB: Opera Lovers Ages 21–40 Join BRAVO! CLUB and meet other opera-loving, young professionals ages 21–40. Members enjoy educational and social events, as well as ticket discounts throughout the year. sfopera.com/bravo

Insight Panels Engage with renowned artists and personalities during these informal panel discussions presented by the Opera Guild. sfopera.com/insights

Watch San Francisco Opera performances, recorded in high-definition, at a movie theater near you. sfopera.com/cinemaseries

OperaVision in the Balcony Select performances feature HD video projection screens on the Balcony level. Look for the symbol next to performance dates. Subtitles are shown at the bottom of each screen.

Surcharge applies; see page 18.

OperaVision is made possible by the Koret-Taube Media Suite.

Opera Guild Previews Enjoy fresh, in-depth looks at the season’s operas presented by renowned music scholars and other experts. Talks take place around the Bay Area. sfopera.com/previews

Education Programs Through award-winning programs for K–12 and university classes, San Francisco Opera and the Opera Guild bring the excitement of this wonderful art form straight to the classroom. sfopera.com/education San Francisco Opera also offers a variety of programs yearround for adults and families throughout the Bay Area. Sign up for E-Opera for more information. sfopera.com/eopera

25

Luisa Miller

2015–16 Calendar SEPTEMBER 2015 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

6

7

8

9

10

11 Luisa Miller 12 A

Sweeney Todd

Opera in the Park 1:30pm

13

14

EREV ROSH HASHANAH

ROSH HASHANAH

Sweeney 21

20 M, N

2pm

15

Sweeney 16

R, S RBW

7:30pm

22

Luisa Miller 28

M, O

2pm

7:30pm

Luisa Miller 23

R, T

7:30pm

D, E

EREV YOM KIPPUR

27

Luisa Miller 17

D, F

29 A, B

Sat 8pm

18

Sweeney 19

G, H

7:30pm

Sweeney 24

25

7:30pm

G, I

Sweeney

J, K

7:30pm

Luisa Miller

J, L

Luisa Miller 26 7:30pm

X

7:30pm

Sweeney 7:30pm

YOM KIPPUR

Sweeney 30 7:30pm

OCTOBER 2015 Lucia di Lammermoor

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

4

5

6

7

8 R, S RBW

11 M, N

Lucia 12 2pm

18

13 A, C

19

M, O

Flute 26 2pm

27 R, S RBW

15

16 G, H

Flute 21 7:30pm

D, E

Flute 28 7:30pm

X

Lucia 22

23

7:30pm

Lucia 29 7:30pm D, F

Sat 10

7:30pm

7:30pm

20 A, B

25

Lucia 14

Fri Lucia 9

Lucia 17 7:30pm

24 J, K

Flute 30

Lucia 7:30pm

31

7:30pm

HD video projection screens are featured on the balcony level for this performance. sfopera.com/operavision

Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

For the most up-to-date calendar of events, visit sfopera.com/calendar.

Highlighted boxes denote opening performances.

THE FUTURE IS NOW

ADLER FELLOWS GALA CONCERT The Magic Flute

WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA

Saturday, December 12, 2015, 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 2015 Adler Fellows, in their final concert of the year.

26

sfopera.com/operacenter

Letters denote subscription series (A, B, C, D, E, F…).

The Barber of Seville

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2015 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

1

2

3

4

Thu

Fri

Sat

6

7

Flute 13

14

Flute 5 7:30pm

8

Flute 9

W

10

11

12

2pm

15

X

16

17 C

22

23

7:30pm

Flute 18 Meistersinger 19 7:30pm

D, E

A, C

6pm

20

6pm

24 Meistersinger 25

G, I

Barber 26

R, T

J, L

Flute 7:30pm

Flute 21 Meistersinger 7:30pm

J, K

6pm

The Fall of the House of Usher

27 Meistersinger 28

7:30pm

G, H

6pm

THANKSGIVING

29

Barber 30

W

2pm

DECEMBER 1

Barber 2 Meistersinger 3 7:30pm R, S RBW

6 Meistersinger 7

8

M, N

1pm

A, B

13

Usher 14

15

M, O

2pm

4

6pm

Usher 9

Barber 10

7:30pm X

7:30pm

16

Usher 11

D, F

7:30pm

17

G, I

5

Barber

J, L

7:30pm

Usher 12 7:30pm

18

Adler Gala Concert 7:30pm

19

Carmen

MAY–JULY 2016 Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

22

23

24

25

26

27 G, H

29

Carmen 30

M,N

31

2pm

A A,B

Carmen 7:30pm

MEMORIAL DAY

8

Sat Carmen 28 7:30pm

J, K

9

10

11

Carmen 2

3

4

Carmen 7:30pm

JUNE 1 D, F

7:30pm

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Don Carlo 13

14

Jenu˚ fa 15

Don Carlo 16

17

Carmen 18

A, C

7:30pm

Don Carlo M, O

19

1pm

Jenu˚ fa 20

M, N

2pm

21 A, C

26

Carmen 27

W

2pm

28 R, T

R, S RBW

Don Carlo 22 7pm D, E

Jenu˚ fa 29 7:30pm

D, E

7pm

I

Jenu˚ fa 23 7:30pm

R, T

3

Carmen 4

5

6

G, H

Carmen Don Carlo 30 Carmen 7pm X

PRIDE

O

Carmen 24 7:30pm

7

7:30pm 7:30pm

7:30pm

J, K

Don Carlo 25 7pm

J, L

Don Carlo 7pm

Jenu˚ fa 7:30pm

2 JULY 1

Jenu˚ fa 2

Carmen

G, I

7:30pm L

7:30pm

8

9

2pm INDEPENDENCE DAY

Jenu˚fa

Photos by: cover/Diana Damrau and Piotr Beczala/Metropolitan Opera production of Lucia di Lammermoor/Ken Howard; inside spread/English National Opera production of Carmen/Alastair Muir; p. 2/Leah Crocetto/Kristin Hoebermann, Michael Fabiano/Metropolitan Opera production of Otello/Ken Howard, San Francisco Opera production of Luisa Miller/Ken Friedman; p. 3/Théâtre du Châtelet production of Sweeney Todd/Marie-Noëlle Robert; p. 4/Diana Damrau and Piotr Beczala/Metropolitan Opera production of Lucia di Lammermoor/Ken Howard; p. 5/Lyric Opera of Chicago production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg/Robert Kusel, Greer Grimsley/San Diego Opera production of Faust/Cory Weaver; pp. 6–7/San Francisco Opera production of The Magic Flute/Cory Weaver; p. 8/Daniela Mack and Lucas Meachem/San Francisco Opera production of The Barber of Seville/Cory Weaver; p. 9/Welsh National Opera production of The Fall of the House of Usher/Stephen Cummiskey; pp. 10–11/English National Opera production of Carmen/Alastair Muir; p. 12/René Pape/Wiener Staatsoper production of Don Carlo and Krassimira Stoyanova/Wiener Staatsoper production of Anna Bolena/Michael Poehn; p. 13/Karita Mattila/Metropolitan Opera production ˚ of Jenufa/photo©Beatriz Schiller; p. 22/2014 Adler Fellows/Scott Wall, Opera House stage crew/Ed Anderson, West Portal Elementary School students/All rights reserved, Opera at the Ballpark/Edgar Lee, 2013 Community Open House/Kristen Loken; p. 23/Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy; p. 24/Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera/Jacobs Illustration; p. 25/OperaVision/Cory Weaver; p. 26/2014 Adler Fellows/Scott Wall; p. 28/Opening Night/Drew Altizer, Audience/Getty Images, Opera in the Park/Cory Weaver; renewal back cover/Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy; acquisition back cover/English National Opera production of Carmen/Alastair Muir. War Memorial Opera House exterior photo/Ken Friedman; War Memorial Opera House interior photos David Wakely and Cory Weaver.

Design: Mission Minded.

27

Special Events Opening Night

•

September 11, 2015

The City’s Most Magical Evening OPERA BALL 2015 San Francisco Opera Guild Event Chairs Karen Kubin and Jane Mudge invite you to celebrate the opening night of San Francisco Opera’s 93rd season. Pre-performance cocktails and a sumptuous dinner are followed by a performance of Verdi’s Luisa Miller, 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 San Francisco Opera Guild at (415) 565-3204 or sfopera.com/operaball2015.

BRAVO! CLUB GALA Event chairs Laurie Diab and Shannon Eliot invite you to BRAVO! CLUB’s annual black-tie gala.

Celebrate San Francisco Opera’s 93rd season with other young opera lovers. Enjoy an elegant champagne reception prior to Verdi’s Luisa Miller, followed by dancing at Jardinière restaurant into the wee hours. Last year’s event sold out! For tickets and membership information, visit sfopera.com/bravo.

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA CENTER Schwabacher Debut Recitals 2015 Four exciting recitals at Temple Emanu-El February–May 2015 sfopera.com/operacenter

The Future Is Now: Adler Fellows Gala Concert Herbst Theatre Saturday, December 12, 2015, 7:30pm

FREE SIMULCAST AT AT&T PARK Opera at the Ballpark The Marriage of Figaro Friday, July 3, 2015, 7:30pm sfopera.com/simulcast

FREE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES Merola’s Schwabacher Summer Concert Yerba Buena Gardens Saturday, July 11, 2015, 2pm

San Francisco Opera in the Park Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park Sunday, September 13, 2015, 1:30pm sfopera.com/park 28

MEROLA OPERA PROGRAM Merola’s Schwabacher Summer Concert Location to be announced.

Thursday, July 9, 2015, 7:30pm

Merola Summer Opera A DOUBLE BILL Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini The Medium by Gian Carlo Menotti Location to be announced.

Thursday, July 23, 2015, 7:30pm Saturday, July 25, 2015, 2pm Don Pasquale by Gaetano Donizetti Location to be announced.

Thursday, August 6, 2015, 7:30pm Saturday, August 8, 2015, 2pm

Merola Grand Finale War Memorial Opera House Saturday, August 22, 2015, 7:30pm For tickets, call the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330 beginning in March 2015. merolaopera.com

How to Order 1 2

SELECT YOUR SERIES AND SEATING SECTION

SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Choose from Series and Prices on pages 15–20.

Phone (415) 864-3330

CALL THE BOX OFFICE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SEASON Customize Your Full or Half Series with early exchanges or the drop-one-opera option. These benefits are only available at the time of order by phone or in person, and are not available by mail, fax or online. Sorry, the drop-one-opera option is not available for Series W.

Arrange a Payment Plan and secure your seats with

3 4

sfopera.com/subscribe

Mail or In Person San Francisco Opera War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509

as little as 25% down.

Box Office Hours

Add Tickets to other performances not in your subscription.

Mon 10am–5pm Tue–Fri 10am–6pm Sat 10am–6pm (phones only, except during performance season)

Order by March 31 and save up to 30%. See page 21.

Online

SUPPORT US Engage with this amazing art form on a deeper level! Contribute today and help us deliver world-class performances, train the stars of tomorrow, bring opera education to local schools and present free community events.

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.

If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office.

New subscriptions, subscription change requests, early exchanges and add-on tickets are assigned seats after the renewal deadline, March 9, not at the time of order. Seats are not likely to be the same as your original subscription seats. Performances dropped or exchanged at the time of order will be permanently released from your series.

Sennheiser amplification devices for hearing-impaired patrons and Text-to-Voice Supertitles: Live Titles, headsets that provide a spoken version of the projected supertitles, are available at all performances.

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.

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 $1 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony Front, Rear and Side section prices; all other sections include a $2 per-ticket facility fee.

A $12 handing fee is charged per order.

Design Your Own Series will be available in May 2015.

Seating priority is based upon subscription and contribution history, with greater consideration given to contributions.

For information, please call (415) 551-6318.

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 路 (415) 864-3330 DAV I D G O CK LE Y

N I CO L A LU I S OT T I

General Director

Music Director

Join Us! 4-Opera Packages start at $

84

COMPANY SPONSORS Norby Anderson Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Franklin and Catherine Johnson Edmund W. and Jeannik M茅quet Littlefield Fund

SEASON SPONSOR Steven M. Menzies Bernard and Barbro Osher Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Phyllis C. Wattis Endowment Funds Diane B. Wilsey

CORPORATE PARTNERS San Francisco Opera is supported, in part, by a grant from Grants for the Arts/ San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund.