2 0 12 –13 S E A S O N
The Moment that Magic Happens Welcome to our 90th Season, a season full of vocal glamour and theatrical brilliance.
DAVID GOCKLEY
Music Director Nicola Luisotti opens the 2012–13 Season with two incredible casts in our classic production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. He goes on to conduct NICOLA LUISOTTI Lohengrin, his first Wagner opera in San Francisco, before closing the fall season with not just one, but two, of today’s leading Toscas: Angela Gheorghiu and Patricia Racette. In the summer, he leads a bright, young ensemble cast in Così fan tutte. We look forward to another great season guided by his musical leadership. Other highlights include the extraordinary Natalie Dessay portraying all four heroines in The Tales of Hoffmann, as well as a beautiful new production of The Capulets and the Montagues with stunning costumes designed by French fashion icon Christian Lacroix and starring the incomparable Joyce DiDonato. I am also pleased to present Jake Heggie’s powerful new opera Moby-Dick, as well as the world premiere of Mark Adamo’s The Gospel of Mary Magdalene. The Secret Garden, our family co-production with Cal Performances, will be the perfect way to introduce young people to the opera. With each cast and production we endeavor to create something memorable, something magical. I hope you’ll join us!
Sincerely,
David Gockley, General Director
Subscribers Benefit Most AFFORDABILITY Savings up to 30% over regular ticket prices, plus Lohengrin tickets are priced $5–$45 lower when purchased as a part of a Full or Half Series. Also, ask about our extended payment plan.
ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY New this season! Full and Half Series subscribers can now arrange early ticket exchanges at the time of purchase (see page 13). GUARANTEE Your subscription seats are guaranteed for even the most popular performances; plus Full and Half Series subscribers enjoy the option to renew your same seats from season to season.
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2 0 12 –13 S E A S O N
RIGOLETTO
THE CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES
Giuseppe Verdi
Vincenzo Bellini’s ROMEO AND JULIET
LOHENGRIN
MOBY-DICK
Richard Wagner
Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer
TOSCA
THE TALES OF HOFFMANN
Giacomo Puccini
Jacques Offenbach
COSÌ FAN TUTTE
THE GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mark Adamo
WORLD PREMIERE
sfopera.com/rigoletto
ŽELJKO LUCIC
“The subject is grand, immense, and there is a character that is one of the greatest creations that the theatre can boast of, in any country and in all history.”–Giuseppe Verdi
2
sfopera.com/rigoletto
RIGOLETTO GIUSEPPE V ERDI · Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave One of opera’s most vivid and compelling characters, a vengeful court jester, desperately tries to protect his daughter from disaster in this heart-wrenching tragedy. The first of two world-class casts led by music director Nicola Luisotti stars Željko Luˇci´c, “whose vocal artistry is exceptional” (The New York Times); Aleksandra Kurzak, “a superstar in the making” (The Guardian, London); and, as the lecherous Duke, Francesco Demuro, “whose open, bright, superbly focused tone was reminiscent of Pavarotti” (Opera News). The equally impressive next cast stars Marco Vratogna, who, as the sinister Iago in Otello (2009), thrilled San Francisco Opera audiences with his “vocal power and theatrical electricity” (San Francisco Chronicle); Albina Shagimuratova, “a phenomenon that must be heard to be believed” (Opera News); and former Adler Fellow David Lomelí, a “breakout star with a honeyed sound” (The New Yorker). SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION
CAST
CAST
Rigoletto: Željko Lucic/Marco Vratogna† Gilda: Aleksandra Kurzak* The Duke of Mantua: Francesco Demuro* Maddalena: Kendall Gladen Count Monterone: Robert Pomakov* Sparafucile: Andrea Silvestrelli
Rigoletto: Marco Vratogna Gilda: Albina Shagimuratova The Duke of Mantua: David Lomelí Maddalena: Kendall Gladen Count Monterone: Robert Pomakov Sparafucile: Andrea Silvestrelli
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
SEPTEMBER 7 8pm · 11 8pm · 15 8pm 18 8pm · 21 8pm · 25 7:30pm†
SEPTEMBER 8 8pm · 12 7:30pm · 16 2pm 19 7:30pm · 23 2pm · 30 2pm
PRODUCTION
OperaVision in balcony. See page 23. OperaVision for the performance on September 15 will be shown in simulcast aspect ratio (widescreen format).
Luisotti
Lucic
Kurzak
Demuro
Gladen
Silvestrelli
of Rigoletto by Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera
Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Farrow, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata. Mr. Lucic’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
Lomelí
Photo: Željko Lucic´ and Diana Damrau in Metropolitan Opera production
Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn, and Mrs. Edmund W. Littlefield, are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey. Major support for this production also provided by the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund established by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Farrow.
Shagimuratova
*San Francisco Opera debut †Alternate cast
Approximate running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes including one intermission San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Vratogna
Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Stage Director: Harry Silverstein Set Designer: Michael Yeargan Costume Designer: Constance Hoffman
3
sfopera.com/capulets
THE
CAPULETS AND THE MONTAGUES
V INCENZO BELLINI’S ROMEO AND JULIE T The tragic tale of Romeo and Juliet inspired some of Shakespeare’s finest verse—and some of Bellini’s most beautiful melodies. “An opera of definite dramatic appeal” (The New York Times) awash in “music of extraordinary grace” (All Music Guide), this bel canto masterpiece features international stars Joyce DiDonato, a singer of “glamour, charisma, intelligence, grace and remarkable talent,” and Nicole Cabell, who “wields her radiant lyric soprano like a silken lasso” (The New York Times). Costumes are by world-renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix; set designer Vincent Lemaire has created “dramatically powerful visual statements” (Opera Today) for the production; director Vincent Boussard “effectively underscores the claustrophobic, helpless situation of both lovers” (Opera News). Riccardo Frizza, praised by The New Yorker for his “crisp and idiomatic conducting,” leads the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus. NEW PRODUCTION
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Giulietta (Juliet): Nicole Cabell* Romeo: Joyce DiDonato Tebaldo (Tybalt): Saimir Pirgu* Capellio: Eric Owens
SEPTEMBER 29 8pm OCTOBER 3 7:30pm · 11 7:30pm 19 8pm
· 14 2pm
· 16 8pm
OperaVision in balcony. See page 23.
PRODUCTION
Approximate running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Bavarian State Opera Sung in Italian with English supertitles
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza Director: Vincent Boussard* Set Designer: Vincent Lemaire* Costume Designer: Christian Lacroix*
This production is made possible, in part, by Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn. Ms. DiDonato’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
*San Francisco Opera debut
Owens
Pirgu
DiDonato
Cabell
4
Frizza
Photo: Bavarian State Opera production of The Capulets and the Montagues by Wilfried Hösl/Bavarian State Opera
BEN HEPPNER sfopera.com/mobydick
MOBY-DICK Music by JAK E
HEGGIE · Libretto by GENE SCHEER
“Achingly beautiful, magnificently sung and gorgeously staged…the audience responded with an eight-minute standing ovation” (Associated Press). Composer Jake Heggie, in his “finest creation since Dead Man Walking,” and librettist Gene Scheer adapt Herman Melville’s meditation on man and the sea into “a vibrant, compelling piece of musical theater” (San Francisco Chronicle). A cast of brilliant singing actors is led by Ben Heppner as the fierce, obsessive whaling-boat captain whose descent into madness puts his crew in mortal danger. “It would be difficult to imagine a performer better suited to convey Ahab’s complex mix of demoniac compulsion and fleeting heroism,” raved The New York Times, which also praised conductor Patrick Summers’ “lyrical flow and suitably stormy climaxes.” COMPANY PREMIERE
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Greenhorn (Ishmael): Stephen Costello* Captain Ahab: Ben Heppner/Jay Hunter Morris† Starbuck: Morgan Smith Queequeg: Jonathan Lemalu* Pip: Talise Trevigne* Flask: Matthew O’Neill Stubb: Robert Orth
OCTOBER 10 7:30pm · 13 8pm · 18 7:30pm 23 8pm · 26 8pm · 30 7:30pm†
PRODUCTION Conductor: Patrick Summers Director: Leonard Foglia Set Designer: Robert Brill* Costume Designer: Jane Greenwood Movement Director: Keturah Stickann*
OperaVision in balcony. See page 23. Approximate running time: 3 hours including one intermission Commissioned and produced by San Francisco Opera in partnership with The Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera, Calgary Opera, and the State Opera of South Australia. Sung in English with English supertitles
Trevigne
Lemalu
Smith
Morris
Photo: Ben Heppner and Morgan Smith in The Dallas Opera production of Moby-Dick by Karen Almond/The Dallas Opera
Heppner
Costello
NOVEMBER 2 8pm†
Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by the Carol Franc Buck Foundation, Leslie and George Hume, the Koret Foundation and Tad and Dianne Taube. Mr. Heppner’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
*San Francisco Opera debut †Alternate cast
Summers
· 21 2pm
sfopera.com/tosca
ANGELA GHEORGHIU
TOSCA GIACOMO PUCCINI · Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa Puccini’s masterful melodrama is a sexually charged, edge-of-your-seat thriller, in which a great singer, a rebellious painter and a corrupt police chief engage in a deadly test of wills. Music director Nicola Luisotti, “one of his generation’s most accomplished Puccini conductors” (Opera News), leads two astonishing casts. One stars Angela Gheorghiu, “in a part she seems to have been born to play” (Opera Today) and “who, like Tosca, is a born diva” (The Independent, London); Massimo Giordano, praised by The New York Times for his “ardent, expressive singing”; and veteran baritone Roberto Frontali, who brought “vocal brass and weight” (The Dallas Morning News) to San Francisco Opera’s The Girl of the Golden West (2010). SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION
The next cast stars Patricia Racette, who “tapped into Tosca’s combination of regal and all-toohuman traits and backed up her vibrant characterization with singing of considerable expressive fire” (Opera News); tenor Brian Jagde, lauded for his “beautiful singing, now nuanced, now ringing and forceful” (Washington Post); and Mark Delavan (Wotan in the Ring cycle, 2011), a singer of “ferocious power” (San Francisco Chronicle).
Two superstar sopranos and one fiery, impetuous diva: Puccini’s definitive tale of passion, corruption and betrayal.
6
PATRICIA RACETTE sfopera.com/tosca
CAST
CAST
Floria Tosca: Angela Gheorghiu Mario Cavaradossi: Massimo Giordano* Baron Scarpia: Roberto Frontali
Floria Tosca: Patricia Racette Mario Cavaradossi: Brian Jagde Baron Scarpia: Mark Delavan
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
NOVEMBER 15 7:30pm · 18 2pm 28 7:30pm
NOVEMBER 16 8pm · 20 8pm · 24 8pm
· 21 7:30pm · 25 2pm
· 27 8pm · 29 7:30pm
DECEMBER 2 2pm
DECEMBER 1 8pm OperaVision in balcony. See page 23. Approximate running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including two intermissions San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles
PRODUCTION Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Stage Director: Jose Maria Condemi Production Designer: Thierry Bosquet Lighting Designer: Christopher Maravich
Delavan
Frontali
Giordano
Racette
Gheorghiu
Luisotti
Photos: Angela Gheorghiu by Ken Howard Patricia Racette by Scott Suchman/ Washington National Opera
Jagde
This production is made possible, in part, by the Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Fund, the Koret Foundation and Tad and Dianne Taube. Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Farrow, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata. Ms. Gheorghiu’s and Ms. Racette’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
sfopera.com/lohengrin
BRANDON JOVANOVICH
LOHENGRIN RICHARD WAGNER · Libretto by the composer The prayers of a desperate woman are answered in the form of a noble warrior in Wagner’s most accessible opera, which contrasts the lust for power with the search for faith. The title role is sung by Brandon Jovanovich, “a first-rate Wagner tenor” (San Francisco Chronicle) who was an electrifying Siegmund in Die Walküre (2011). As his doubtplagued bride, soprano Camilla Nylund “evokes an affecting degree of dreamy distance in Elsa’s account of her mysterious savior” (Gramophone). Daniel Slater’s “thoughtful and tasteful” production (Associated Press) also features veteran Wagnerians Kristinn Sigmundsson, Gerd Grochowski and Petra Lang. Nicola Luisotti conducts his first Wagner opera for San Francisco Opera.
PRODUCTION NEW TO SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
Lohengrin tickets are priced $5–$45 lower when purchased as a part of a Full or Half Series.
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Lohengrin: Brandon Jovanovich Elsa von Brabant: Camilla Nylund* Ortrud: Petra Lang Friedrich von Telramund: Gerd Grochowski Heinrich der Vogler: Kristinn Sigmundsson King’s Herald: Brian Mulligan
OCTOBER 20 7pm · 24 7pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Director: Daniel Slater* Production Designer: Robert Innes Hopkins Lighting Designer: Simon Mills Movement Director: Leah Hausman
NOVEMBER 3 7pm · 6 7pm · 9 7pm OperaVision in balcony. See page 23. Approximate running time: 4 hours, 20 minutes including two intermissions Co-production of Houston Grand Opera and Grand Théâtre de Genève Sung in German with English supertitles This production is made possible, in part, by The Bernard Osher Endowment Fund. Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Farrow, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata.
Sigmundsson
Grochowski
Lang
Nylund
Jovanovich
Luisotti
· 31 7pm
Photo: Brandon Jovanovich in San Francisco Opera production of Die Walküre by Cory Weaver
*San Francisco Opera debut
8
· 28 1pm
NATALIE DESSAY sfopera.com/hoffmann
THE
TALES OF HOFFMANN
JACQUES OFFENBACH · Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré A sensitive poet searches for love and repeatedly finds it lies just beyond his reach in this marvelously melodic masterpiece. The always-astonishing Natalie Dessay, who triumphed in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor (2008), portrays the four very different women who capture Hoffmann’s heart. Tenor Matthew Polenzani, who “has long been admired for the refinement and expressivity of his singing” (The New York Times), sings the title role; mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, “unforgettable” and “brilliant” (Financial Times) in San Francisco Opera’s Werther (2010), is Nicklausse, The Muse; charismatic bass-baritone Christian Van Horn performs the villains who thwart Hoffmann’s desires. Laurent Pelly (The Daughter of the Regiment, 2009) directs a new production of this richly imaginative, psychologically astute gem. NEW PRODUCTION
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Hoffmann: Matthew Polenzani Olympia, Antonia, Giulietta, Stella: Natalie Dessay Nicklausse, The Muse: Alice Coote Coppélius, Dapertutto, Dr. Miracle, Lindorf: Christian Van Horn
JUNE 2013 5 7:30pm · 11 8pm · 14 8pm · 20 7:30pm 23 2pm · 27 7:30pm · 30 2pm
PRODUCTION
Approximate running time: 3 hours, 30 minutes including two intermissions Co-production with Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona) Sung in French with English supertitles
JULY 2013 3 7:30pm · 6 8pm OperaVision in balcony. See page 23.
Conductor: Patrick Fournillier Director: Laurent Pelly Set Designer: Chantal Thomas Associate Director: Christian Räth Dramaturg: Agatha Melinand
Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by The Bernard Osher Endowment Fund and The Thomas Tilton Production Fund. Ms. Dessay’s and Mr. Polenzani’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
*San Francisco Opera debut
Coote
Van Horn
Dessay
Polenzani
Fournillier
Photo: Natalie Dessay by Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera
9
sfopera.com/cosi
COSÌ FAN TUTTE WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZ ART · Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte Two young soldiers disguise their identities to test their lovers’ fidelity in this Mozart masterpiece, a sublime and sometimes startling mix of hilarious farce and poignant drama. John Cox’s production, which sets the action in Monte Carlo in 1915, makes for “deliciously vivid theater” (Dallas Morning News). The immensely talented young cast includes Ellie Dehn, “a charismatic soprano with great stage presence” (Wall Street Journal) who sang Donna Anna in Don Giovanni (2011) and Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro (2010); Heidi Stober, who “brought lustrous tone, technical precision and saucy humor” (San Francisco Chronicle) to her role in Xerxes (2011); and Francesco Demuro, “an artist not merely spectacular, but profound” (Seattle Times). Conducting will be music director Nicola Luisotti, “an inexhaustible, graceful conduit of music … always elegant, refined and precise” (Opera News). SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Fiordiligi: Ellie Dehn Dorabella: Christel Lötzsch* Despina: Heidi Stober/Susannah Biller† Ferrando: Francesco Demuro Guglielmo: Philippe Sly* Don Alfonso: Marco Vinco
JUNE 2013 9 2pm · 12 7:30pm · 18 8pm 26 7:30pm · 29 8pm†
PRODUCTION
Approximate running time: 3 hours, 25 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Opera Monte Carlo Sung in Italian with English supertitles
· 21 8pm
JULY 2013 1 7:30pm † OperaVision in balcony. See page 23.
Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Director: Jose Maria Condemi Production Designer: Robert Perdziola
This production is made possible, in part, by San Francisco Opera Guild. Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Farrow, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata.
*San Francisco Opera debut †Alternate cast
Vinco
Sly
Demuro
Stober
Lötzsch
10
Dehn
Luisotti
Photo: San Francisco Opera production of Così fan tutte by Terrence McCarthy
NATHAN GUNN sfopera.com/magdalene
THE
GOSPEL OF MARY MAGDALENE
M ARK A DA MO · Libretto by the composer She has long been condemned as a harlot, or dismissed as a minor player in a well-known sacred narrative, but ancient manuscripts discovered in recent decades tell a very different story, giving us a striking new viewpoint on Jesus’ message to humanity. Mary Magdalene takes her rightful, and righteous, place at the center of the story in this world premiere by Mark Adamo, a “brilliant theater composer” (The New Yorker) whose Little Women is the most frequently performed opera of the past 20 years. Kevin Newbury, lauded for his “imagination and emotional nuance” (The New York Times), directs a resplendent cast that includes Sasha Cooke, William Burden and Maria Kanyova. Nathan Gunn, who possesses “a voice of stunning authority” (The New York Times), sings the role of Yeshua. Michael Christie, in his San Francisco Opera debut, conducts. WORLD PREMIERE
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Mary Magdalene: Sasha Cooke* Miriam: Maria Kanyova Peter: William Burden Yeshua: Nathan Gunn
JUNE 2013 19 7:30pm · 22 8pm · 25 8pm · 28 8pm JULY 2013 2 7:30pm · 5 8pm
· 7 2pm
OperaVision in balcony. See page 23.
PRODUCTION
Approximate running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes San Francisco Opera production Commissioned by San Francisco Opera Sung in English with English supertitles
Conductor: Michael Christie* Director: Kevin Newbury* *San Francisco Opera debut
The world premiere of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is made possible, in part, by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Gunn
Burden
Kanyova
Cooke
Christie
Photo: Nathan Gunn in Pittsburgh Opera production of Billy Budd by David Bachman/Pittsburgh Opera
11
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS At Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley
OPERA FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
THE SECRET GARDEN WORLD PREMIERE
Music by Nolan Gasser Libretto by Carey Harrison Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett Co-production with Cal Performances MARCH 2013: 1 7:30pm · 2 7:30pm · 3 3pm 9 7:30pm · 10 3pm
FAMILY PRICING
Premium area:
ADULT
CHILD*
$80
$40
Seating area 1:
$70
$35
Seating area 2:
$60
$30
Seating area 3:
$50
$25
Seating area 4:
$40
$20
Seating area 5:
$30
*Children up to 18 Sung in English with English supertitles
$15
4B
5
2C 1B
4A
5 4A
2B 3A
1A
3A 3B
3B 2A
P
The beloved classic of children’s literature comes alive in a new opera created for the entire family. A pampered young girl born to privilege finds herself alone in a bleak and unfamiliar land, until she discovers the hidden wonder of an abandoned secret garden. Unexpected friendships and a new life blossom as she makes the garden flourish again, leading both young and old toward a path of healing and understanding.
2A
Stage Wheelchair seating areas
Sign up to receive E-Opera for updates regarding Exploration Workshops for the whole family in 2013. Visit sfopera.com/EOpera.
ZELLERBACH HALL
EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH An Opera in Four Acts by ROBERT WILSON – PHILIP GLASS Choreography by Lucinda Childs OCTOBER 2012: 26 6pm · 27 5pm · 28 3pm House opens 30 minutes prior to above times
Widely credited as one of the supreme artistic achievements of the 20th century, Einstein on the Beach is recognized as one of director/designer Robert Wilson and composer Philip Glass’s great masterpieces. New audiences and an entirely new generation will have the opportunity to experience the piece live as this reconstructed seminal work comes to Cal Performances as part of a major international tour, including the first fully staged performances west of the Mississippi. “An experience to cherish for a lifetime,” says The New York Times. Tickets: $35–$150; visit calperformances.org to order. To make a spectacular weekend, order the Oct. 27 Einstein from Cal Performances and San Francisco Opera’s Out of Town Series, OT2 (see page 21). 12
Photos: Einstein on the Beach © T. Charles Erickson 1992 Opposite page photo: The Dallas Opera production of Moby-Dick by Karen Almond/The Dallas Opera
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13
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T
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Lohengrin
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T
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W Jun 05 7:30pm
W Jun 12 7:30pm
Così
Magdalene
Hoffmann
T
W Jun 19 7:30pm
Th Jun 20 7:30pm
Magdalene
Così
Magdalene
T
W Jun 26 7:30pm
T
Sep 07 8pm Oct 16 8pm Oct 23 8pm Nov 06 7pm Nov 20 8pm Jun 11 8pm Jun 18 8pm Jun 25 8pm
You Pay
$146†
You Save
$43
You Pay
$148†
You Save
Jul 02
You Pay
R R+RBW
7:30pm You Save
$39
$160†
$45 $85
$180
$111
$184
$79
$208†
$365
$190
$370
$168
$400†
$180
$600
$184
$600
$167
$600
$167
$744
$216
$744
$199
$744
$199
$600
$189
$600
$167
$600
$167
$1,056
$322
$1,056
$279
$1,056
$279
$1,056†
$848
$1,056
$805
$1,056
$805
$1,736
$168
$1,736
$125
$1,736
$125
$2,256†
$201
$2,256
$158
$2,256
$158
Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections (for details, please see page 29). Renewing subscribers who request a series change are not guaranteed their current seats, even when changing from a Full Series to a Half Series. New subscriptions and renewals with a requested seating change are sold unseated. If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office. *Full and Half Series early exchanges and the Full Series drop one opera option are available only at the time of the initial order, by phone or in person only; not available by mail, fax or online. † Limited availability. Please provide alternate choice when ordering. English supertitles are visible from all sections.
15
HALF SE
SAVE UP TO 30% Subscribers save up to 30% off singleticket prices.
NO-FEE ADVANCE EXCHANGES
SAVE UP TO 35% ON FRIDAY NIGHTS
No-fee advance exchanges for Half Series subscribers; $10 per ticket for day-of exchanges
Only Full and Half Series subscribers receive Friday night subscription tickets at the lower weekday price.
(see page 26).
WEEKEND SERIES
FA L L 2 012 and S U M M E R 2 013
HALF SERIES PRICING
Fridays
Fridays
SERIES H
SERIES
5 Fri Eves
4 Fri Eves
5 Sat Eves
Rigoletto
Capulets
Rigoletto
F
F
S
Sep 21 8pm
Saturdays I
SERIES
Oct 19 8pm
K
Sep 08 8pm
Moby-Dick
Lohengrin
Moby-Dick
F
F
S
Oct 26 8pm
Nov 09 7pm
Oct 13 8pm
Tosca
Hoffmann
Lohengrin
F
F
S
Nov 16 8pm
Jun 14 8pm
Nov 03 7pm
Così
Magdalene
Così
F
F
S
Jun 21 8pm
Jun 28 8pm
Jun 29 8pm
Magdalene
Hoffmann
F
S
Jul 05
You Pay
8pm You Save
You Pay
You Save
Jul 06
You Pay
8pm You Save
Balcony Side (BLS)
$92†
$46
$72†
$41
Balcony Rear (BLR)
$114†
$211
$88
$173
$229
$101
Balcony Front (BLF)
$230†
$217
$180
$187
$315
$147
Balcony Circle or Dress Circle Rear (BC or DCR)
$375
$180
$300
$159
$445
$125
Dress Circle (DC)
$465
$200
$372
$175
$530
$150
Orchestra Ring (ORR)
$375
$205
$300
$179
$465
$130
Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)
$660
$380
$528
$319
$830
$225
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$660†
$695
$528
$600
$1,285
$114
Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP or GTP) $1,085
$270
$868
$260
$1,285
$114
Box Seats (BOX)
$290
$1,128
$277
$1,615
$130
$1,410
$112†
$31
Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections (for details, please see page 29). Renewing subscribers who request a series change are not guaranteed their current seats, even when changing from a Full Series to a Half Series.
16
New subscriptions and renewals with a requested seating change are sold unseated.
ERIES
WEEK ENDS s fo per a.com
(415) 86 4 -333 0 ·
EARLY TICKET EXCHANGES*
BEST AVAILABILIT Y
Half Series subscribers can exchange up to two performances when you renew or purchase your subscription (next exchange period opens July 2012).
Saturdays SERIES
L
4 Sat Eves
OPERAVISION
Select Series I, L and W for best seating availability.
High-definition screens visible from Balcony Side, Rear and Front. OperaVision surcharge is discounted for subscribers (see page 23).
Sunday Matinees
Sunday Matinees
SERIES N
SERIES O
Weekend Matinees
5 Sun Matinees
4 Sun Matinees
SERIES W 3 Sun Matinees
Capulets
Rigoletto
Capulets
Rigoletto
S
Su Sep 16 2pm
Su Oct 14 2pm
Su Sep 23 2pm
Lohengrin
Moby-Dick
Lohengrin
Tosca
S
Su Oct 21 2pm
Su Oct 28 1pm
Su Nov 25 2pm
Tosca
Tosca
Tosca
Hoffmann
S
Su Nov 18 2pm
Su Dec 02 2pm
Su Jun 30 2pm
Magdalene
Così
Hoffmann
S
Su Jun 09 2pm
Su Jun 23 2pm
Sep 29 8pm Oct 20 7pm Dec 01 8pm Jun 22 8pm
Magdalene Su Jul 07 You Pay
$88†
You Save
You Pay
2pm You Save
You Pay
You Save
You Pay
$70†
You Save
$25
$120†
$30
$96†
$29
$180
$81
$245†
$100
$196†
$85
$143
$59
$248
$119
$335†
$140
$268†
$127
$196
$82
$356
$103
$445
$110
$356
$103
$267
$66
$424
$123
$530
$135
$424
$123
$318
$81
$372
$107
$465
$115
$372
$107
$279
$69
$17
$664
$183
$830
$210
$664
$183
$498
$126
$1,028
$100
$1,285
$70
$1,028
$100
$771
$42
$1,028
$100
$1,285
$70
$1,028
$100
$771
$42
$1,292
$113
$1,615
$85
$1,292
$113
$969
$51
If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office. *Half Series early exchanges available only at the time of the initial order, by phone or in person only; not available by mail, fax or online. † Limited availability. Please provide alternate choice when ordering. English supertitles are visible from all sections.
17
HALF SE
SAVE UP TO 30% Subscribers save up to 30% off singleticket prices.
NO - FEE ADVANCE EXCHANGES
SAVE UP TO 35% ON FRIDAY NIGHTS
No-fee advance exchanges for Half Series subscribers; $10 per ticket for day-of exchanges (see page 26).
Only Full and Half Series subscribers receive Friday night subscription tickets at the lower weekday price.
MIXED DAYS SERIES
Mixed Days SERIES
FA L L 2 012 and S U M M E R 2 013
SERIES
X
3 Wed Eves, 2 Thu Eves
1 Tue Eve, 1 Wed Eve, 2 Thu Eves
Rigoletto
Capulets
Rigoletto
W Sep 19 7:30pm
Th Oct 11 7:30pm
S
Moby-Dick
Lohengrin
Moby-Dick
Th Oct 18 7:30pm
W Oct 31 7pm
T
Tosca
Hoffmann
Tosca
Th Nov 15 7:30pm
Th Jun 20 7:30pm
W Nov 28 7:30pm
Così
Magdalene
Hoffmann
W Jun 12 7:30pm
T
Th Jun 27 7:30pm
Jul 02
7:30pm
Sep 15 8pm Oct 30 7:30pm
Hoffmann
You Pay
Balcony Side (BLS)
$100†
Balcony Rear (BLR)
$130†
Balcony Front (BLF)
$250†
Balcony Circle or Dress Circle Rear (BC or DCR)
7:30pm You Save
You Pay
You Save
You Pay
$82†
You Save
$25
$80†
$25
$50
$104†
$45
$123
$49
$105
$200†
$96
$212
$89
$375
$95
$300
$91
$314
$79
Dress Circle (DC)
$465
$115
$372
$107
$385
$96
Orchestra Ring (ORR)
$375
$95
$300
$91
$318
$80
Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)
$660
$165
$528
$147
$562
$141
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$20
$660
$480
$528
$421
$653
$302
Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP or GTP) $1,085
$55
$868
$81
$908
$47
Box Seats (BOX)
$75
$1,128
$98
$1,169
$62
$1,410
Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections (for details, please see page 29).
If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office.
Renewing subscribers who request a series change are not guaranteed their current seats, even when changing from a Full Series to a Half Series.
*Half Series early exchanges available only at the time of the initial order, by phone or in person only; not available by mail, fax or online.
New subscriptions and renewals with a requested seating change are sold unseated.
† Limited availability. Please provide
18
SERIES
T
1 Tue Eve, 1 Wed Eve, 1 Thu Eve, 1 Sat Eve
W Jul 03
HALF SERIES PRICING
Mixed Days
Mixed Days RBW
S
alternate choice when ordering. English supertitles are visible from all sections.
Photo: Ken Friedman
ERIES
W E E K DAY S s fo per a.com
(415) 86 4 -333 0 ·
EARLY TICKET EXCHANGES*
Half Series subscribers can exchange up to two performances when you renew or purchase your subscription (next exchange period opens July 2012).
BEST AVAIL ABILIT Y
OPER AVISION High-definition screens visible from Balcony Side, Rear and Front. OperaVision surcharge is discounted for subscribers (see page 23).
Select Series B, F and X for best seating availability.
WEEKDAY SERIES
Tuesdays SERIES
Tuesdays
B A
SERIES
Wednesdays
C
SERIES
Mixed Days
E
SERIES
F
5 Tue Eves
5 Tue Eves
5 Wed Eves
1 Tue Eve, 3 Wed Eves
Rigoletto
Rigoletto
Rigoletto
Rigoletto
T
T
W Sep 12 7:30pm
T
Moby-Dick
Sep 18 8pm
Sep 11 8pm
Moby-Dick
Capulets
Capulets
T
T
W Oct 03 7:30pm
Oct 23 8pm
Oct 16 8pm
Lohengrin
Tosca
Tosca
T
T
W Nov 21 7:30pm
Nov 06 7pm
Nov 20 8pm
Tosca
Hoffmann
Hoffmann
T
T
W Jun 05 7:30pm
Nov 27 8pm
Jun 11 8pm
Così
Magdalene
Magdalene
T
T
W Jun 19 7:30pm
Jun 18 8pm
You Pay
You Save
$92†
Jun 25 8pm
You Pay
You Save
$90†
$26
$20
You Pay
You Save
$92†
Sep 25 7:30pm
W Oct 10 7:30pm
Lohengrin W Oct 24 7pm
Così W Jun 26 7:30pm
You Pay
You Save
$21
$74†
$22
$114
$51
$110
$45
$114
$46
$92
$42
$230
$109
$225
$95
$230
$97
$185
$90
$375
$110
$375
$95
$375
$95
$300
$91
$465
$130
$465
$115
$465
$115
$372
$107
$375
$110
$375
$95
$375
$95
$300
$91
$660
$180
$660
$165
$660
$165
$528
$147
$660†
$517
$660†
$480
$660
$480
$528
$421
$1,085
$92
$1,085
$55
$1,085
$55
$868
$81
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
$1,410
$75
$1,128
$98
RAINBOW SERIES RBW
SEE SERIES S FOR PRICING
Mixed Days
3 Wed Eves, 2 Thu Eves
Rigoletto W Sep 19* 7:30pm Moby-Dick Th Oct 18 7:30pm Tosca Th Nov 15 7:30pm Così W Jun 12* 7:30pm Hoffmann W Jul 03 7:30pm *Rainbow Series pre-performance reception nights.
The Rainbow Series provides patrons in the LGBT community with an opportunity to see world class operas and meet new opera-loving friends at the same time. With two receptions* this season––launching the fall and summer series— experience opera not only as an art form but also as a social and community celebration. Upgrade to Full Series R+RBW to see all eight operas, and still enjoy the two receptions before shared performances with Half Series RBW!
sfopera.com/rainbow
19
MINI SERIES SAVE UP TO 10%
Select a Mini Series and save up to 10% OR customize your Half Series (pp. 16–19) and save up to 30% when using the Half Series early exchange privileges.*
SERIES START AT $96
NO-FEE ADVANCE EXCHANGES
The Divas Mini Series starts at $96—that’s just $32 per ticket!
No-fee advance exchanges into another performance of the same opera, and only $10 for exchanges to a different opera or for day-of exchanges (see page 26 for details).
FA L L 2 012 and S U M M E R 2 013
Beginners’ Guide To Opera
Maestro Luisotti Conducts
MS1
MS3
Rigoletto Tosca Hoffmann Così
T Sep Th Nov W Jun M Jul
11 8pm 29 7:30pm 05 7:30pm 01 7:30pm
Rigoletto Lohengrin Tosca Così
Beginners’ Guide To Opera
Divas
MS2
MS4
Rigoletto S Sep 15 Tosca S Nov 24 Hoffmann S Jul 06
SECTION
8pm 8pm 8pm
MS1
MS2
T Sep W Oct T Nov W Jun
Capulets W Oct 03 7:30pm Tosca Th Nov 29 7:30pm Hoffmann Th Jun 27 7:30pm
MS3
MS4
T2
Balcony Side (BLS)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Balcony Rear (BLR)
$120
$182
$120
$96
$100
Balcony Front (BLF)
$242
$247
$247
$189
$199
Balcony Circle or Dress Circle Rear (BC or DCR)
$340
$300
$353
$255
$268
Dress Circle (DC)
$416
$360
$430
$312
$326
Orchestra Ring (ORR)
$340
$312
$353
$255
$268
Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)
$596
$561
$609
$447
$460
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$868
$771
$903
$651
$686
Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP or GTP)
$868
$771
$903
$651
$686
$1,128
$969
$1,164
$846
$882
Box Seats (BOX)
18 8pm 24 7pm 27 8pm 26 7:30pm
BRAVO! TRIO SERIES T 2 San Francisco Opera’s Young Professionals Group Join BRAVO! CLUB, a community of art lovers between the ages of 21 and 40, for complimentary receptions* prior to the BRAVO! Trio Series performances.
Capulets Th Oct 11 7:30pm Lohengrin W Oct 31 7pm Hoffmann Th Jun 20 7:30pm
Trio performance dates are shared with BRAVO! Full Series R and Half Series T—upgrade to see more opera and continue to enjoy the Trio receptions!
sfopera.com/bravo facebook.com/SFBRAVOCLUB
20
*You must be a BRAVO! CLUB member to attend receptions.
OUT OF TOWN SERIES
3 OPERAS IN 3 DAYS
SAVE ON HOTELS AND MUSEUMS
Series start at just $92!
Take advantage of special discounts with partnering hotels and museums. Visit sfopera.com/perks for more information.
Fall 2012 Weekend Getaway
Summer 2013
OT1
OT3
Capulets F Oct 19 Lohengrin S Oct 20 Moby-Dick Su Oct 21
8pm 7pm 2pm
OT4
Special Fall 2012 Weekend OT2
Moby-Dick F Oct 26 Lohengrin Su Oct 28
8pm 1pm
To make a spectacular weekend, order the Oct. 27 Einstein on the Beach from Cal Performances. Einstein tickets are available through calperformances.org. See page 12 for more information.
SECTION
Così T Jun 18 8pm Magdalene W Jun 19 7:30pm Hoffmann Th Jun 20 7:30pm Così M Jul 01 7:30pm Magdalene T Jul 02 7:30pm Hoffmann W Jul 03 7:30pm OT5
Così F Jun 21 Magdalene S Jun 22 Hoffmann Su Jun 23
8pm 8pm 2pm
OT6
Magdalene F Jun 28 Così S Jun 29 Hoffmann Su Jun 30
OT1†
OT2 †
OT3
OT4
8pm 8pm 2pm
OT5 †
OT6 †
Balcony Side (BLS)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Balcony Rear (BLR)
$182
$124
$92
$96
$178
$174
Balcony Front (BLF)
$256
$177
$184
$189
$242
$237
Balcony Circle or Dress Circle Rear (BC or DCR)
$313
$213
$255
$255
$300
$300
Dress Circle (DC)
$373
$253
$312
$312
$360
$360
Orchestra Ring (ORR)
$326
$222
$255
$255
$312
$312
Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)
$575
$388
$447
$447
$561
$561
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$813
$556
$651
$651
$771
$771
Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP or GTP)
$813
$556
$651
$651
$771
$771
$1,012
$689
N/A
$846
$969
$969
Box Seats (BOX)
Mini and Out of Town Series are seated after Full and Half Series. Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections (for details, please see page 29). New subscriptions and renewals with a requested seating change are sold unseated. If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office.
(415) 86 4 -333 0 ·
*Half Series early exchanges available only at the time of the initial order, by phone or in person only; not available by mail, fax or online. English supertitles are visible from all sections. Design Your Own Series are available beginning May 16, 2012. † Limited availability
s fo per a.com
21
COMPLETE YOUR SEASON
Subscribers have priority access to purchase additional tickets months before tickets go on sale to the general public. Purchase tickets to operas not included in your subscription series, or treat friends and family to any of the season’s performances at discounted subscriber-only prices. As an added benefit, subscribers may exchange additional (add-on) tickets using subscriber exchange privileges.
SUBSCRIBER ADD-ON SECTION
Main Stage Operas Except Lohengrin M–TH
Lohengrin
F–SU
M–TH
F–SU
Balcony Side (BLS)*
$22 / $24
$27 / $29
$27 / $29
Balcony Rear (BLR)
$28 / $32
$61 / $65
$33 / $37
$66 / $70
Balcony Front (BLF)
$61 / $66
$85 / $90
$73 / $78
$100 / $105
$32 / $34
Balcony Circle or Dress Circle Rear (BC or DCR)
$90
$106
$105
$121
Dress Circle (DC)
$111
$128
$126
$143
Orchestra Ring (ORR)
$90
$111
$105
$126
Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)
$159
$202
$174
$217
Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2)
$222
$265
$259
$309
Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP or GTP)
$222
$265
$259
$309
Box Seats (BOX)
$287
$330
$325
$375
*Limited availability in Balcony Side, please provide alternate choice dates and sections.
Cast, programs, prices and schedule are subject to change. Prices shown are valid through May 12, 2012.
OperaVision performances include a discounted per-ticket surcharge for subscriber add-on tickets (Balcony Side $2, Balcony Rear $4 and Balcony Front $5) to offset the cost of this service.
Tickets are subject to availability. Subscriber add-on orders will be given the best available seats after subscription orders have been filled. Subscribers are not guaranteed their subscription seats or adjacent seats on additional ticket purchases. Tickets will be mailed in July. Limited availability for Opening Night (September 7, 2012).
Deposited monies do not guarantee seating selections (for details, please see page 29).
English supertitles are visible from all sections.
22
Photo: San Francisco Opera production of Rigoletto by Ken Friedman
GET CLOSER
TO OPERA
Enrich your experience by learning more about the operas in your series. SFOPERA.COM Visit our website to read program notes and plot synopses, listen to audio clips and watch current production video available prior to each opera’s opening night.
PRE-OPERA TALKS Before every performance, charismatic music scholars present a 25-minute overview of the opera, with insights on the music, composer and historical background. Talks begin 55 minutes prior to curtain (except Opening Night, September 7, 2012). Visit sfopera.com/operatalks.
INSIGHT PANELS Renowned artists and personalities from the world of opera, and often cast members and directors from the shows, share behind-the-scenes insights and experiences during informal panel discussions. Visit sfopera.com/insights.
PREVIEW LECTURES Opera Guild Preview Lectures bring renowned musicologists to communities throughout the greater Bay Area, offering an in-depth look into the season’s upcoming operas. Visit sfopera.com/previews.
BRAVO! CLUB Join BRAVO! CLUB and meet other operaloving young professionals. BRAVO! CLUB members enjoy events throughout the year and subscribe to series R, T or the BRAVO! Trio (p. 20), which features fun pre-performance gatherings with other members. For complete BRAVO! CLUB membership and subscription details, visit sfopera.com/bravo.
Photo: Cory Weaver
OPERAVISION IN THE BALCONY Select performances feature high-definition video projection screens on the Balcony level, bringing audiences closer to the action on stage. Subtitles are shown at the bottom of each screen. Visit sfopera.com/operavision. To experience OperaVision at every opera in your series, choose Series M, R, R+RBW, RBW, N, O, S or T (look for the symbol). OperaVision is made possible, in part, by the Koret-Taube Media Suite. Series pricing with OperaVision performances include a discounted per-ticket surcharge (Balcony Side $2, Balcony Rear $4 and Balcony Front $5) to offset the cost of this service.
ENGLISH SUPERTITLES Like the subtitles that accompany foreign language films, all of our operas are performed with supertitles—English paraphrases of the text projected on a screen above the stage.
KQED TV BROADCASTS Check local listings in summer 2012 for select San Francisco Opera performances from recent seasons on KQED TV.
RADIO BROADCASTS
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
San Francisco Opera performances from recent seasons air the first Sunday of every month on Classical KDFC 90.3/89.9 FM. In the summer and early fall, broadcasts also air on the WFMT Radio Network across the country. Visit sfopera.com/broadcast.
San Francisco Opera and the Opera Guild provide programs for K–12 students and educators, helping to keep the arts alive. The Opera also provides programs for university students, families and Overture: Workshops for Adults. Visit sfopera.com/education. 23
BECOME AN OPERA INSIDER
Contribute to San Francisco Opera and come closer to this amazing art form. By choosing to invest in San Francisco Opera, you help assure that we will continue to deliver world-class performances, train the stars of tomorrow, bring opera education to local schools and present free community events. Great opera can enrich your life and transform our community. Help us continue this tradition by joining our family of generous contributors. For details about giving levels and donor benefits, please call (415) 565-3212 or visit sfopera.com/support. 24
PATRONS ($75–$2,999)
Gain deeper insights into the season with exclusive publications and our popular annual preview CD. Attend rehearsals and learn about opera from leading singers and production artists at panel discussions. Enjoy a first glimpse of the new class of Adler Fellows—our internationally renowned young artist training program.
MEDALLION SOCIETY ($3,000–$24,999)
Join our most involved group of patrons, and become part of a community of insiders. Enjoy exclusive receptions and conveniences including reserved parking, free ticket exchanges and special seating priority. Join the opera family and meet fellow opera devotees at our annual luncheon, during intermission in the Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Intermezzo Lounge, or at one of our intimate artistic demonstrations.
LEADERSHIP GIVING ($25,000 AND ABOVE)
Leadership donors believe that opera transforms people and invigorates communities. Join our innermost circle of supporters and make a meaningful investment in the Opera’s future. Receive personalized service, access the artistic process, and enjoy private performances and exclusive events.
Other Ways to Get Involved CAMERATA ($75,000+ ABOVE ANNUAL SUPPORT)
Join our visionary group of donors who give above and beyond their annual support to fund strategic projects and initiatives, including bold signature productions, the Great Singers Fund, Amici di Nicola and next-generation audience development. Call Andrew Morgan at (415) 565-3266 for details.
DESIGNATED GIVING ($5,000–$25,000+)
Direct your annual support to things you are most passionate about: media outreach, opera education or Adler Fellowships. Become an affiliate sponsor and fund an artistic component of a single production: costumes, chorus, orchestra and more. Call Judith Frankel at (415) 551-6226 for details.
LEGACY GIVING Remember San Francisco Opera in your estate plan. Endowment and planned giving can provide financial advantages to you, while helping to ensure the future of the opera, and provide a cushion of support during challenging economic times. Call Mark Jones at (415) 565-3206 for details. For details about giving levels and donor benefits, go to sfopera.com/support.
In keeping with IRS regulations, the fair-market value of certain membership benefits and privileges may reduce tax deductibility. The value of these benefits will be noted in San Francisco Opera’s acknowledgement of your gift. Per IRS guidelines, contributions received through IRAs or donor advised funds are not eligible for benefits. Please call Andy Maguire at (415) 551-6318 with any questions.
Photos: Drew Altizer; Kristen Loken; Scott Wall
25
sfopera.com/calendar
2012–13 CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2012 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT 1
2
9
16 M, N
3
Opera in the Park 1:30pm
4
10
Rigoletto 17 2pm
5
11
Rigoletto 12
C
8pm
18
Rigoletto 19
B
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
Rigoletto 24
25
W
2pm
F
D, E
Rigoletto
A
8pm
14
8
Rigoletto
J, K
8pm
15 X Rigoletto AT&T Park
7:30pm
Simulcast
Rigoletto 20
8pm R,S,RBW
21
7:30pm
Rigoletto 26
G, H
8pm
Rigoletto 22 8pm
27
28
29
7:30pm
J, L
EREV YOM KIPPUR
FPO
Rigoletto 13
7
ROSH HASHANAH
23
30
6
Capulets 8pm
YOM KIPPUR
Rigoletto 2pm
OCTOBER 2012 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
1
2
3 D, E
7
8
9
10 D, F
14 M, O 21 M, N 28 M, O
Capulets 15 2pm
Moby-Dick 22 2pm
Lohengrin 29 1pm
16 A, C 23 A, B
Capulets
FRI
SAT
4
5
6
7:30pm
Moby-Dick 11 7:30pm
Capulets 17
Capulets 12
R, T 18
8pm
D, F
30
Moby-Dick 31
X
7:30pm
R, T
Lohengrin 25 7pm
13
7:30pm
J, K
Moby-Dick 19
R,S,RBW
Moby-Dick 24 8pm
THU
7:30pm
G, I 26 G, H
Capulets 20 8pm
J, L
Moby-Dick 8pm
Lohengrin 7pm
Moby-Dick 27 8pm
Lohengrin 7pm
Fast, Easy Exchanges New Full and Half Series exchange benefit: At the time of the initial subscription purchase, Full Series subscribers may arrange early exchanges for up to three performances per subscription; Half Series subscribers may arrange
early exchanges for up to two performances per subscription. Available only at the time of initial order, by phone or in person; not available by mail, fax or online.
The general exchange period opens in July 2012: • All subscribers: no-fee exchanges for • Subscribers may exchange tickets over the subscription tickets or add-on tickets to phone (please have your tickets in hand). another performance of the same opera. • Exchange tickets at least 24 hours prior to the • Full and Half Series subscribers: exchange to performance, subject to availability. There is a a different opera with no fee. All other series $10 fee for exchanges made on the day of the subscribers: exchange to a different opera performance for all subscribers. for $10 per ticket, compared to $25 for nonsubscribers.
26
(415) 86 4 -333 0 ·
s fo per a.com
RIGOLETTO
CAPULETS
MOBY-DICK
TOSCA
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2012 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
1
2
SAT Moby-Dick
FPO 4
5
6
Lohengrin
A, B 11
12
7
8
9
7pm
13
14
15
Tosca 19
M, N
20
2pm
Tosca 21
A, C
8pm
Tosca 22
D, E
7pm
Tosca 16 7:30pm
Lohengrin
K 7pm
Lohengrin 10
G, I
R,S,RBW
18
8pm
3
Tosca 17
G, H
8pm
23
24
7:30pm
Tosca
FPO
8pm
THANKSGIVING
25
Tosca 26
W
27
2pm
Tosca 28
B
8pm
Tosca 29
X
7:30pm
FPO
Adler Gala Concert
Tosca 30 7:30pm
Herbst Theatre
DECEMBER
1
7:30pm
Tosca
J, L 2
Tosca
O
2pm
3
4 5 Hall, UC Berkeley 6 The Secret Garden at Zellerbach
7
8pm
8
MARCH 2013: 1 7:30pm · 2 7:30pm · 3 3pm · 9 7:30pm · 10 3pm
J U N E – J U LY 2 0 1 3 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT 1
2
3
4
5
Hoffmann
D, E 9
Così 10
11
M, N
2pm
A, C
8pm R,S,RBW
18
Così 19
A, B
8pm
16
17
23
Hoffmann 24
M, O
25
2pm
Hoffmann 12
8pm
7
Così 13
8
14
7:30pm
G, I
Magdalene 20
D, E
7:30pm
Magdalene 26
A, C
6
7:30pm
R, T
Così 27
D, F
7:30pm
X
Hoffmann 21 7:30pm
G, H
Hoffmann 28 7:30pm
G, I
Hoffmann 15 8pm
Così 22 8pm
Magdalene
J, L
8pm
Magdalene 29 8pm
Così
J, K
8pm SF PRIDE
30
Hoffmann
W
2pm
JULY
1
Così
2
Magdalene
3
Hoffmann
4
5
Magdalene
H
8pm
6
Hoffmann
SF PRIDE
FPO 7
Magdalene
M, N
8
7:30pm
R, T
7:30pm
9
S,RBW
7:30pm
10
11
8pm
13
2pm Front cover photos: Angela Gheorghiu/Sasha Gusov; Brandon Jovanovich/Cory Weaver; Moby-Dick/Karen Almond/The Dallas Opera; Natalie Dessay/Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera Page 1 photos: Rigoletto/Terrence McCarthy/San Francisco Opera; The Capulets and the Montagues/Christian Leiber/Opéra National de Paris; Brandon Jovanovich/Dario Acosta; Moby-Dick/Karen Almond/ The Dallas Opera; Patricia Racette/Scott Suchman/Washington National Opera; Così fan tutte/Terrence McCarthy/San Francisco Opera; Nathan Gunn/David Bachman/Pittsburgh Opera Calendar spread photos: see pp. 2–11 Back cover photos: Marco Vratogna/Brescia/Amisano © Teatro alla Scala; Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy Design: Mission Minded · www.Mission-Minded.com
Letters denote subscription series (A, B, C, D, E, F…). Highlighted boxes denote opening performances. High-definition video projection screens are featured on the balcony level for this performance. Visit sfopera.com/operavision. OperaVision for Rigoletto performance on September 15 will be shown in simulcast aspect ratio (widescreen format). For the most up-to-date calendar of events, visit sfopera.com/calendar.
LOHENGRIN
12
J, K
HOFFMANN
COSÌ
MAGDALENE
SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS Opening Night · September 7, 2012 The City’s Most Magical Evening OPERA BALL 2012
BRAVO! CLUB GALA
San Francisco Opera Guild Event Chairs Cathy MacNaughton and Diane Rubin invite you to celebrate the opening night of San Francisco Opera’s 90th season. Pre-performance cocktails and a sumptuous dinner are followed by a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, after which guests will enjoy dancing and further celebration. Advance reservations are essential for this perennially sold-out evening. Please call (415) 565-3204.
Event chairs Eva Binda and Gianna Cardinale invite you to the BRAVO! CLUB’s annual black-tie gala, with cocktails and dinner prior to Verdi’s Rigoletto, followed by dancing into the wee hours. Tickets sell out every year. For tickets and membership information, email bravoclub@ sfopera.com or visit sfopera.com/bravo.
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA CENTER
MEROLA OPERA PROGRAM
SCHWABACHER DEBUT RECITAL SERIES
MEROLA’S SCHWABACHER SUMMER CONCERT
Daniel Curran, tenor Adam Lau, bass Robert Mollicone, piano Performing works by Bolcom, Duke, Duparc, Loewe, Tosti and Rachmaninoff Sunday, April 22, 2012, 5:30pm
War Memorial Veterans Building Herbst Theatre Thursday, July 5, 2012, 7:30pm
Nadine Sierra, soprano Tamara Sanikidze, piano Performing works by Bernstein, Grieg, Rachmaninoff and Villa-Lobos Sunday, April 29, 2012, 5:30pm Temple Emanu-El’s Martin Meyer Sanctuary, 2 Lake St. at Arguello Blvd. For more information or for tickets call the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330. THE FUTURE IS NOW: ADLER FELLOWS GALA CONCERT
War Memorial Veterans Building Herbst Theatre Friday, November 30, 2012, 7:30pm
FREE SIMULCAST AT AT&T PARK WEBCOR BUILDERS PRESENTS OPERA AT THE BALLPARK Rigoletto Saturday, September 15, 2012, 8pm sfopera.com/simulcast
GRAND OPERA CINEMA SERIES Enjoy San Francisco opera performances, recorded in high-definition, at a movie theater near you! Sign up for E-Opera to receive updates. sfopera.com/cinemaseries 28
MEROLA SUMMER OPERA
Postcard from Morocco by Dominick Argento Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason Center Thursday, July 19, 2012, 8pm Saturday, July 21, 2012, 2pm La finta giardiniera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason Center Thursday, August 2, 2012, 8pm Saturday, August 4, 2012, 2pm MEROLA GRAND FINALE
War Memorial Opera House Saturday, August 18, 2012, 7:30pm For tickets, call the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330 beginning in March 2012.
FREE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES MEROLA’S SCHWABACHER SUMMER CONCERT
Yerba Buena Gardens Saturday, July 7, 2012, 2pm OPERA AT STERN GROVE
Sigmund Stern Grove Sunday, August 19, 2012, 2pm SAN FRANCISCO OPERA IN THE PARK
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park Sunday, September 9, 2012, 1:30pm sfopera.com/park
HOW TO
ORDER
Use this checklist to prepare your order for the 2012–13 Season when ordering by phone, online or in person. 1. Select your Full, Half, Mini or Out of Town series: Alternate series: 2. Select your seating section: Alternate section: Seating sections for certain subscription series sell quickly. Please select an alternate series or section, in case your first choice is not available. Full and Half Series advance exchanges and the Full Series “drop one opera” option are available only at the time of the initial order, by phone or in person only; not available by mail, fax or online. Performances dropped or exchanged will be permanently released from your series for this season; please provide alternate choices. See page 13 for more information.
3. Add tickets to other performances not in your subscription at the discounted subscriber add-on price (see page 22). 4. Make a contribution. When you become a member of San Francisco Opera, you ensure the future of this extraordinary art form in San Francisco. Your contribution also brings you closer to inspired performances, opens the Opera House doors to children and families, and helps keep ticket prices affordable. Please consider making the most generous annual gift you can.
5. Place your order. A note about how we process your order: 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. Please note that we will do our best to accommodate seating requests, however 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.
ONLINE sfopera.com PHONE (415) 864-3330
IN PERSON San Francisco Opera War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509
Seating priority is based upon subscription and contribution history, with greater consideration given to contributions. For information, please call (415) 551-6320. New subscriptions and renewals with a requested seating change are sold unseated. 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 us at (415) 864-3330 (Mon 10am–5pm, Tue–Fri 10am–6pm).
BOX OFFICE HOURS Mon 10am–5pm Tue–Fri 10am–6pm Sat 10am–6pm (during performance season)
Design Your Own Series (which are not discounted at the subscriber rate) will be available May 16, 2012. Sennheiser amplification devices for hearing-impaired patrons are available. Headsets are available at the South Promenade coat check room. Cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change. All orders are final. No refunds or returns. A $10 handing fee is charged per order.
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COMPANY SPONSORS Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Franklin and Catherine Johnson Mrs. Edmund W. Littlefield Bernard and Barbro Osher Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Farrow
Music Director
N I CO L A LU I S OT T I
General Director
DAV I D G O C K LE Y
$72
CORPORATE PARTNERS
San Francisco Opera is sponsored, in part, by a grant from Grants for the Arts/ San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund.
JOIN US!
4 - OPER A PACK AGES START AT
SEASON SPONSOR
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