2012-13 San Francisco Opera Single Ticket Brochure

DON’T MISS THE

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

2 0 12 –13 S E A S O N

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

2 0 12 –13 S E A S O N VOCAL glamour.

THEATRICAL brilliance.

Be here when the magic happens!

David Gockley, General Director DAVID GOCKLEY

NICOLA LUISOTTI

SEDUCTION, DECEPTION AND VENGEANCE

RIGOLETTO Giuseppe Verdi THE PASSION AND PAIN OF STAR-CROSSED LOVERS

THE capULETS AND THE monTAGUES Vincenzo Bellini’s ROMEO AND JULIET “ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL… GORGEOUSLY STAGED!” –Associated Press

MOBY-DICK Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer

A SEXUALLY CHARGED THRILLER WITH TWO EXTRAORDINARY CASTS

TOSCA Giacomo Puccini A FAIRY-TALE EPIC IMBUED WITH TRANSCENDENT MUSIC

LOHENGRIN Richard Wagner “MARVELOUS AND ALLURING!”

–San Francisco Chronicle

CO S Ì FAN TU T TE Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart A RICHLY IMAGINATIVE MELODIC TOUR DE FORCE

THE TALES OF HOFFMA NN Jacques Offenbach WORLD PREMIERE FROM A “BRILLIANT THEATER COMPOSER.”

–The New Yorker

THE GOSPeL OF ARY

m

MAGDALeNE Mark Adamo

RIGOLETTO GI USEPPE V ER D I

One of opera’s most vivid and compelling characters, a vengeful court jester, desperately tries to protect his daughter from a lascivious duke in this heart-wrenching tragedy. Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts two superb casts: Portraying the hunchbacked court jester are Željko Luˇci´c, “one of today’s pre-eminent Verdi baritones” (Financial Times, London), and the “arrestingly dark and charismatic” Marco Vratogna (San Francisco Chronicle); appearing as Rigoletto’s innocent daughter Gilda are Aleksandra Kurzak, who is rising “to the stratospheric heights of opera superstardom” (The Guardian, London), and Albina Shagimuratova, whose “radiant soprano dispatches the gorgeous lines and elaborate ornamentation with agility and flair, glistening in her top notes” (The Houston Chronicle); and singing the lecherous Duke are Francesco Demuro, “whose open, bright, superbly focused tone was reminiscent of Pavarotti” (Opera News), and David Lomelí, whose “sound is sweet and penetrating …and golden-toned” (The New York Times).

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION

“The subject is grand, immense, and has a character that is one of the most important creations of the theatre, of all countries and all ages.” – Giuseppe Verdi

2

Verdi’s passionate masterpiece is packed with memorable melodies that heighten the poignant drama, most memorable of all the tenor showpiece “La donna è mobile.”

CAST

CAST

Rigoletto: Željko Luci ˇ c/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 14. OperaVision for the performance on September 15 will be shown in simulcast aspect ratio (widescreen format).

Conductor: Nicola Luisotti/Giuseppe Finzi† Stage Director: Harry Silverstein Set Designer: Michael Yeargan Costume Designer: Constance Hoffman Lighting Designer: Christopher Maravich

Approximate running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes including one intermission San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles

*San Francisco Opera debut †Alternate cast/conductor 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 Shrem.

Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata.

Mr. Luci ˇ c’s ´ appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

Photo: Željko Lucic´ and Diana Damrau in Metropolitan Opera production of Rigoletto by Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera Photo: Ken Friedman/San Francisco Opera

sfopera.com/rigoletto

5 3

THE

capULETS AND THE monTAGUES

VINCENZO BELLINI’S ROMEO AND JULIET

This bel canto masterpiece illuminates the passion and pain of star-crossed lovers with rich beauty and dramatic musical prowess.

The heartbreaking story of Romeo and Juliet is retold through Bellini’s exquisite, gracefully flowing music. Portraying the ill-fated young lovers from feuding families are two remarkable international stars: Grammy® Award winner Joyce DiDonato, a singer admired for her “glamour, charisma, intelligence, grace and remarkable talent” (The New York Times), and BBC Singer of the World competition winner Nicole Cabell, who “wields her radiant lyric soprano like a silken lasso” (The New York Times). Riccardo Frizza, praised by The New Yorker for his “crisp and idiomatic conducting,” leads the orchestra. With dramatic set designs by Vincent Lemaire and lavish costumes by world-renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix, this “wholly absorbing production” (Opera Today) promises to be a sumptuous visual treat.

NEW PRODUCTION

CAST

PERFORMANCES

Giulietta (Juliet): Nicole Cabell* Romeo: Joyce DiDonato Tebaldo (Tybalt): Saimir Pirgu* Lorenzo: Ao Li Capellio: Eric Owens

SEPTEMBER 29 8pm

PRODUCTION Conductor: Riccardo Frizza Director: Vincent Boussard* Set Designer: Vincent Lemaire* Costume Designer: Christian Lacroix* Lighting Designer: Guido Levi* *San Francisco Opera debut

4

sfopera.com/capulets

OCTOBER 3 7:30pm · 11 7:30pm 19 8pm

· 14 2pm

· 16 8pm

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

Approximate running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Bavarian State Opera Sung in Italian with English supertitles 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.

Photo: Wilfried Hösl/Bavarian State Opera

MOBY-DICK Music by JAKE HEGGIE · Libretto by GENE SCHEER

“Achingly beautiful, magnificently sung and gorgeously staged… the audience responded with an eight-minute standing ovation!”

–Associated Press

A masterpiece of American literature is transformed into “a vibrant, compelling piece of musical theater” (San Francisco Chronicle) by Dead Man Walking composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. Leading a brilliant cast is the superb heldentenor Ben Heppner as the vengeful and obsessive whaling-boat captain Ahab, 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 Principal Guest Conductor Patrick Summers’ “lyrical flow and suitably stormy climaxes.” Jay Hunter Morris sings the final two performances: the “fiery brilliance of his resplendent upper range captured both Ahab’s inner strength and demonic possession” (Kenneth Herman, sandiego.com).

COMPANY PREMIERE

CAST

PERFORMANCES

Captain Ahab: Ben Heppner/Jay Hunter Morris† Greenhorn (Ishmael): Stephen Costello* 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 Projection Designer: Elaine McCarthy* Movement Director: Keturah Stickann* *San Francisco Opera debut

†Alternate cast

· 21 2pm

NOVEMBER 2 8pm† OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

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 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.

Photo: Karen Almond/the Dallas Opera

sfopera.com/mobydick

5

ANGELA GHEORGHIU

TOSCA GI ACO M O PU CCINI

In this powerful love triangle, a celebrated singer, a rebellious painter and a corrupt police chief engage in a deadly test of wills. Puccini’s masterful melodrama features some of his most dramatic and lyrical music, including the heartbreaking “Vissi d’arte.”

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION

Music Director Nicola Luisotti, “one of his generation’s most accomplished Puccini conductors” (Opera News), conducts two brilliant casts in this sexually charged, edge-of-your-seat thriller. The title role is shared by superstars Angela Gheorghiu, who inspired a London Times critic to write “I don’t think I have heard Tosca’s love music more beautifully sung in the theater,” and Patricia Racette, “a versatile, dramatically astute performer with a proven knack for Puccini” (The New York Times).

Massimo Giordano, “a tenor with a true Italianate sound” whose portrayal of Tosca’s lover Cavaradossi is one of “dramatic beauty” (Opera News), shares the role with Brian Jagde, lauded for his “beautiful singing, now nuanced, now ringing and forceful” (Washington Post). Roberto Frontali (Sheriff Jack Rance in The Girl of the Golden West, 2010), who sings with “plenty of dark color and dramatic intensity” (San Francisco Chronicle), and Mark Delavan (Wotan in the Ring cycle, 2011), a singer of “ferocious power” (San Francisco Chronicle), will portray the malevolent Scarpia.

Two superstar sopranos as one fiery, impetuous diva: Puccini’s definitive tale of passion, corruption and betrayal.

6

PATRICIA RACETTE

Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts two magnificent casts poised to take Puccini’s gripping tale to new heights!

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†

PRODUCTION Conductor: Nicola Luisotti/Giuseppe Finzi† Stage Director: Jose Maria Condemi Production Designer: Thierry Bosquet Lighting Designer: Christopher Maravich *San Francisco Opera debut †Alternate conductor Photos: Angela Gheorghiu by Ken Howard; Patricia Racette by Scott Suchman/Washington National Opera

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

Approximate running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including two intermissions San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles This production is made possible, in part, by the Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Fund, the Koret Foundation, Tad and Dianne Taube and United. Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, 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/tosca

7

BRANDON JOVANOVICH

LOHENGRIN R I CH A R D WAGNER

This romantic, fairy-tale epic features some of the composer’s most lyrical and accessible music—it’s Wagner for everyone!

The prayers of a young noblewoman, falsely accused of murdering her brother, are answered in the form of a gallant knight in this transcendent tale of human frailty and divine intervention. Brandon Jovanovich, “a first-rate Wagner tenor” (San Francisco Chronicle) who was an electrifying Siegmund in San Francisco Opera’s Die Walküre (2011), sings the title role. Portraying his doubt-plagued new wife is Camilla Nylund, a “sensuous, ethereal Elsa, her substantial, creamy soprano soaring powerfully in ensembles” (Opera News).

Daniel Slater’s “thoughtful and tasteful” production (Associated Press) also features veteran Wagnerians Kristinn Sigmundsson, Gerd Grochowski and Petra Lang. Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts his first Wagner opera for the Company.

PRODUCTION NEW TO SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

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 *San Francisco Opera debut

8

sfopera.com/lohengrin

· 28 1pm

· 31 7pm

NOVEMBER 3 7pm · 6 7pm · 9 7pm OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

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 Shrem, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata.

Photo: Brandon Jovanovich in Die Walküre by Cory Weaver/ San Francisco Opera

MATTHEW POLENZANI

THE TALES OF HOFFMA NN JACQUES OFFENBACH

The always-astonishing Natalie Dessay and the incomparable Matthew Polenzani star in this richly imaginative and psychologically probing romantic classic.

In this marvelously melodic masterpiece, a sensitive poet searches for love and repeatedly finds it lies just beyond his reach. Natalie Dessay, “one of the most sought-after sopranos in the world” (The New York Times), displays her remarkable versatility portraying the four very different women who capture Hoffmann’s heart. Matthew Polenzani, a tenor with a “trademark sweet sound and tenderness” who can “ring out with unabashed operatic fervor and big top notes” (The New York Times), sings the title role. Alice Coote, who “gave an arresting, vocally robust performance” (San Francisco Chronicle) as Charlotte in Werther (2010), returns as The Muse and Nicklausse. Christian Van Horn brings his “sonorous” and “ringing vocalism” (Opera News) to the roles of the four villains.

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 Conductor: Patrick Fournillier Director: Laurent Pelly Set Designer: Chantal Thomas Associate Director: Christian Räth Dramaturg: Agathe Mélinand *San Francisco Opera debut

JULY 2013 3 7:30pm · 6 8pm OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

Approximate running time: 3 hours, 30 minutes including two intermissions Co-production with Gran Teatre del Liceu (Barcelona) Sung in French 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 Bernard Osher Endowment Fund, The Thomas Tilton Production Fund and Chevron.

Ms. Dessay’s and Mr. Polenzani’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.

Photo: Matthew Polenzani by Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

sfopera.com/hoffmann

9

CO S Ì FAN TU T TE WOLFGANG A M A DEUS MOZ ART

Mozart’s sublime essay on flirtation and fidelity is filled with enchanting ensembles, elegant arias and sparkling wit.

“Marvelous and alluring…staged with intelligence and flair.”

–San Francisco Chronicle

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION

In Mozart’s ingenious mix of hilarious farce and poignant drama, two young soldiers disguise their identities to test their fiancées’ fidelity—with an outcome that teaches them all a lesson about love.

Music Director Nicola Luisotti, “a supremely stylish Mozartian” (The Classical Review), conducts a dynamic young ensemble cast: Ellie Dehn, “a charismatic soprano with great stage presence” (Wall Street Journal); Heidi Stober, who possesses “rare vivacity of voice and personality” (Houston Chronicle); Francesco Demuro, “an artist not merely spectacular, but profound” (Seattle Times); and Philippe Sly, a winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2011 National Council Auditions. Marco Vinco, who wowed audiences with his “virtuoso display of darkly gleaming tone and comedic resourcefulness” (San Francisco Chronicle) as Leporello in Don Giovanni (2011), returns as Don Alfonso.

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 Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Director: Jose Maria Condemi Production Designer: Robert Perdziola *San Francisco Opera debut

†Alternate cast

JULY 2013 1 7:30pm † OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

Approximate running time: 3 hours, 25 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Opéra de Monte-Carlo Sung in Italian with English supertitles This production is made possible, in part, by San Francisco Opera Guild. Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata.

Photo: Terrence McCarthy/San Francisco Opera

10

sfopera.com/cosi

· 21 8pm

NATHAN GUNN

THE GOSPeL OF

mARY MAGDALeNE

M A RK A DA M O

The absorbing story of Jesus and Mary Magdalene is reimagined in this world premiere by acclaimed American composer Mark Adamo.

Drawing from modern scholarship, composer/librettist Mark Adamo re-imagines the story of Jesus and the people closest to him—including the misunderstood woman who loved him most dearly and heard his message most clearly.

A “brilliant theater composer” (The New Yorker) whose Little Women is one of the most frequently performed new operas of the past 20 years, Adamo “writes music that is lush but transparent, full of arching vocal phrases and deftly blended ensembles” (San Francisco Chronicle).

WORLD PREMIERE

Kevin Newbury directs and Michael Christie conducts a resplendent cast, including risingstar Sasha Cooke, praised “for her convincing operatic portrayals and her rich expressive voice” (The New York Times), in the title role, and Nathan Gunn, “a voice of stunning authority” (The New York Times), who sings the role of Yeshua ( Jesus); with “burnished tenor” William Burden (The New York Times) as Peter and Maria Kanyova, “a superb singing actress” (Opera News), as the mother of Jesus, Miriam.

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

PRODUCTION Conductor: Michael Christie* Director: Kevin Newbury* Set Designer: David Korins* Costume Designer: Constance Hoffmann Lighting Designer: Christopher Maravich *San Francisco Opera debut

JULY 2013 2 7:30pm · 5 8pm

· 7 2pm

OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.

Approximate running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including one intermission San Francisco Opera production Commissioned by San Francisco Opera Sung in English with English supertitles The world premiere of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene is made possible, in part, by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Photo: Nathan Gunn in Billy Budd by David Bachman/Pittsburgh Opera

sfopera.com/magdalene

11

SPECIAL FAMILY PRESENTATION At Cal Performances, Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley

OPERA FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

THE SECRET GARDEN

Music by NOLAN GASSER · Libretto by CAREY HARRISON

Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this beloved classic of children’s literature comes alive in a new opera created for the whole family—sung in English with English supertitles! 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.

WORLD PREMIERE

PRODUCTION Conductor: Sara Jobin Director: Jose Maria Condemi Visual Designer: Naomie Kremer Costume Designer: Kristi Johnson Lighting Designer: Christopher Maravich

PERFORMANCES MARCH 1 7:30pm · 2 7:30pm · 3 3pm 9 7:30pm · 10 3pm Approximate running time: 2 hours including one intermission Commissioned by San Francisco Opera Co-production with Cal Performances The Edmund and Jeannik Littlefield Foundation is proud to support this production.

FAMILY PRICING

ADULT

CHILD*

Premium area:

$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

$15

4B

5

2C 1B

4A

5 4A

2B 3A

1A

3A 3B

3B P

2A

2A

Stage Wheelchair seating areas

ZELLERBACH HALL *Children up to 18

EXPLORATION WORKSHOP: INSIDE THE SECRET GARDEN! Prepare for the opera in an interactive, multigenerational workshop based on the opera’s themes, story, characters and music.

MARCH 2 AND 9 3:30–4:30pm and 5–6pm Toll Room, Alumni House, UC Berkeley Workshop tickets: $5 per person. Recommended for families with children ages 6 and older. sfopera.com/gardenworkshop

The Secret Garden image by Visual Designer Naomie Kremer

12

sfopera.com/garden

TO ORDER Tickets go on sale online, by phone and at the Opera Box Office window on Monday, July 2, 2012, 10am–6pm.

ONLINE sfopera.com

BY PHONE (415) 864-3330

HOURS

BY MAIL OR IN PERSON

Monday 10am–5pm Tuesday–Friday 10am–6pm Also Saturday 10am–6pm

Opera Box Office War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509

(during performance season)

BY FAX (415) 626-1729 If you fax your order, please do not also mail it.

WAR MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE English supertitles are visible from all sections.

2012–13 SINGLE TICKET PRICES† (Pricing per ticket)

MAIN STAGE OPERAS Except Lohengrin

Lohengrin

M–TH/ *

F–SU/ *

M–TH/ *

F–SU/ *

Balcony Side (BLS)*

$22/$25*

$27/$30*

$27/$30*

$32/$35*

Balcony Rear (BLR)*

$31/$36*

$64/$69*

$36/$41*

$69/$74*

Balcony Front (BLF)*

$64/$71*

$88/$95*

$76/$83* $103/$110*

$94*

$111*

$109*

$126*

$116*

$133*

$131*

$148*

SECTION

Balcony Circle or Dress Circle Rear (BC or DCR) Dress Circle (DC) Orchestra Ring (ORR)

$94*

$116*

$109*

$131*

Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)

$165*

$208*

$180*

$223*

Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP/GTP)

$228*

$271*

$265*

$315*

Box Seats (BOX)

$297*

$340*

$335*

$385*

A $10 handling fee is charged per order, unless purchased in person. † Subscribers to our 2012–13 Season (including Design Your Own

Series) receive an additional discount on single-ticket purchases for most performances. * Tickets for performances featuring OperaVision surcharge to help offset the cost of this service.

include a

Tickets will be mailed beginning in August.

Prices listed are guaranteed through September 1, 2012; cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change.

All sections subject to availability.

Wheelchair access and locations are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call the Box Office at (415) 864-3330 or visit sfopera.com.

Assistive listening devices (Sennheiser model) for hearing-impaired patrons are available at the North and South lobby coat check.

All orders are final. No refunds or cancellations.

Ticket Exchanges

Rush Tickets for Student, Senior and Military

Exchange your tickets for another performance, subject to availability, for a fee of $25 per ticket plus any price differential. Tickets must be received by the Opera Box Office no later than two hours prior to the performance. No refunds are available.

Rush tickets, if available, go on sale online and at the Box Office at 11am on the day of each performance; except matinees, sold in person only. Call the Box Office, or visit sfopera.com/rush, the day prior to the performance to check availability. Students, $25; senior and military, $30. Limit two tickets per person with valid ID. Advance registration is required for online rush purchases; show proof of eligibility at the Box Office to sign up. sfopera.com/rush

Ticket Donations Consider donating your tickets if you can’t attend a performance or exchange them. Prior to the performance, simply return them to the Opera Box Office, or call (415) 864-3330. Your donation is fully taxdeductible but does not apply toward Opera membership benefits.

Standing Room Standing Room tickets are available for each mainstage performance starting at $10 each, cash only. Tickets go on sale at the Box Office at 10am on the day of each performance. Limit two tickets per person.

Contributions When you contribute you help keep this extraordinary art form alive.

You also enjoy special behind-the-scenes opportunities not available to the general public. Ticket prices cover less than half of our production costs, so your tax-deductible donation to San Francisco Opera is greatly appreciated. Donors are given priority ticket consideration, as available, according to level of support. Please call (415) 565-6416 for more information.

sfopera.com/magdalene

13

ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE YOU CAN UNDERSTAND OPERA! All of our operas are performed with English supertitles projected on a screen above the stage, visible from all seating sections.

OPERAVISION IN THE BALCONY Select performances (look for the symbol) feature high-definition video projection screens on the Balcony level, with supertitles shown at the bottom of the screen, bringing Balcony Side, Balcony Rear and Balcony Front audiences closer to the action on stage. Prices for OperaVision performances include a per-ticket surcharge; see page 13.

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

SFOPERA.COM Visit our website to read plot synopses and program notes, listen to audio clips and watch current production videos available prior to each opera’s opening performance.

CONNECT WITH US

E-NEWSLETTERS Our e-newsletters keep you informed of all the latest events, news and behind-the-scenes happenings at the Opera. Sign up today at sfopera.com/eopera.

GUILD INSIGHT PANELS Renowned artists and personalities from the opera world, often cast members and directors, share behind-the-scenes insights and experiences during informal panel discussions. sfopera.com/insights

sfopera.com/blog

PREVIEW LECTURES

NEW TO OPERA?

Opera Guild Preview Lectures bring musicologists to communities throughout the greater Bay Area, offering an in-depth look into the season’s upcoming operas. sfopera.com/previews

Visit “New to Opera?” online for a user-friendly introduction to opera and the answers to frequently asked questions. sfopera.com/newtoopera

FREE PRE-OPERA TALKS Before every performance (except Opening Night, September 7, 2012), music scholars present a 25-minute overview of the opera, with insights on the music, composer and historical background.

Talks begin 55 minutes before curtain. FREE to ticket-holders. sfopera.com/operatalks

EDUCATION PROGRAMS San Francisco Opera and the Opera Guild provide programs for K–12 classrooms and educators as well as programs for universities, adults and families. sfopera.com/education Overture: Opera Workshops for Adults offer interactive workshops exploring how operas are created. sfopera.com/workshops

ATTENDING THE OPERA GETTING TO THE OPERA HOUSE The War Memorial Opera House is located at 301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street, in San Francisco’s Civic Center across from City Hall. It is easily accessible by public transportation, car or taxi.

BY CAR Visit maps.google.com for detailed driving directions, using 301 Van Ness Avenue as the destination address.

For Bay Area traffic conditions, visit 511.org. Parking is available in nearby lots, including Civic Center Garage (1), Performing Arts Garage (2) and Opera Plaza (3).

PARKING LOTS

BY TAXI For return trips, patrons may reserve a cab with the usher at the Grove Street entrance before the end of intermission.

WAYS TO SAVE SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR SAVINGS, FAST, EASY EXCHANGES, AND MORE! SAVE UP TO 30% With a Subscription Package

DESIGN YOUR OWN SERIES For Ultimate Flexibility

• Half Series (3, 4 or 5 operas) start as low as $88 • Full Series (8 operas) start at only $176

• Choose just 3 operas on dates that work for you and save up to 10%; add a fourth and save up to 15%

• Mini Series (3 or 4 operas) offer perfect samplers with savings up to 10%

• Select 5 or more and enjoy discounts of up to 20%

• Out of Town Series (3 operas in 3 days) save up to 10%

Use the order form at the back of this brochure, visit sfopera.com/dyo, or call (415) 864-3330.

To see all subscription series options and benefits, visit sfopera.com.

Call (415) 864-3330 to set up a payment plan or discuss available seating.

BRING A GROUP And Save Up to 30%*

BRAVO! CLUB For Opera-Lovers Ages 21– 40

Groups of 10 or more enjoy benefits including:

Join BRAVO! CLUB and be eligible for discounted tickets* and other benefits:

• Discounts up to 30%; plus one free ticket for groups of 40+

• BRAVO! Tickets** at $35 for Dress Circle and $50 for Orchestra seats

• Seating benefits, including Select Your Own Seat

• Enjoy social and educational events with other opera-lovers

• Flexible payment options

BRAVO! CLUB is a group of young adults dedicated to building a new audience for San Francisco Opera. A season’s membership is only $60. Restrictions apply. sfopera.com/bravo

• Opera Shop 10% discount It’s easy to get started. Call (415) 621-4403 or email groupsales@sfopera.com

* All discounts subject to availability. ** Except Opening Night, September 7, 2012

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The Opera House is a short walk from BART (Civic Center station), MUNI trolleys (Civic Center or Van Ness station) and buses (#5 Fulton, #21 Hayes, #47 Van Ness, #49 Van Ness-Mission). For information or alternate routes, visit 511.org.

LOOK CLOSER WITH OPERA GLASSES Opera glasses may be rented for $5 in the North lobby coat check. ID deposit is requested.

OPERA SHOP A wide selection of opera CDs, DVDs, books and gift items are available for purchase at the Opera Shop on the South Mezzanine level.

DINE AT THE OPERA HOUSE OR IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD The Patina Group serves an elegant hot buffet in the lower lounge of the Opera House beginning two hours before every evening performance Tuesday through Saturday and every Sunday matinee.

Reservations are recommended.

Lighter fare is served before performances and during intermissions at Patina’s Café Express and Dress Circle Café.

For reservations or to pre-order: (415) 861-8150 Within easy walking distance of the Opera House is a wide variety of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Visit sfopera.com/dine for suggested listings.

15

2012–13 CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2012 SUN

MON

TUE

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2012 WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

1

THU

FRI

1

2

SAT Moby-Dick

FPO 2

3

9

10

4

5

6

7

Rigoletto

A

8pm

8

Rigoletto

J, K

4

5

6

11

12

18

Tosca 19

8pm

7

8

13

14

15

20

Tosca 21

Lohengrin

A, B

8pm

9

7pm

3

Lohengrin

K 7pm

Lohengrin 10

G, I

7pm

LABOR DAY

Opera in the Park 1:30pm

16

11

Rigoletto 12

C

8pm

Rigoletto 17

18

Rigoletto 19

2pm

B

M, N

EREV ROSH HASHANAH

D, E

15 X

14

7:30pm

Rigoletto 20

8pm R,S,RBW

Rigoletto

AT&T Park

Simulcast

21

7:30pm

G, H

8pm

Rigoletto 22 8pm

M, N

Rigoletto 24

25

2pm

F

Rigoletto 26

27

28

29

7:30pm

Capulets

25

8pm

W

J, L

EREV YOM KIPPUR

8pm

D, E

8pm 24

7:30pm

Tosca 26

27

2pm

Tosca 28

B

8pm

Tosca 29

X

7:30pm

FPO

Tosca 30 7:30pm

Adler Gala Concert

Herbst

Theatre

DECEMBER

1

7:30pm

MON

TUE

WED

1

2

3

8

9

10 D, F

Capulets 15

M, O

2pm

Moby-Dick 22

M, N

2pm

Lohengrin 29

M, O

1pm

16 A, C 23 A, B 30 X

Capulets

2

Tosca

O

2pm

D, F

Moby-Dick 31 7:30pm

FRI

SAT

4

5

6

7:30pm

Capulets 12

R, T 18

R, T

Lohengrin 25 7pm

13

7:30pm

4

5

6

7

8pm

8

The Secret Garden at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

J U N E – J U LY 2 0 1 3

7:30pm

Moby-Dick

J, K

Moby-Dick 19

R,S,RBW

Moby-Dick 24 8pm

THU

Moby-Dick 11

8pm

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).

1

G, I 26 G, H

Capulets 20 8pm

Lohengrin

J, L

7pm

Moby-Dick 27

9

Così 10

M, N

2pm

16

8pm

7:30pm

Hoffmann 12

Così 13

A, C

8pm R,S,RBW

18

Così 19

A, B

8pm

7:30pm

G, I

Magdalene 20

D, E

14

7:30pm

R, T

Hoffmann 21 7:30pm

G, H

Hoffmann 15 8pm

Così 22 8pm

Magdalene

J, L

8pm

FATHER’S DAY

Hoffmann 24

M, O

7pm

11

17

23

Lohengrin

Hoffmann

D, E

8pm

25

2pm

Magdalene 26

A, C

8pm

D, F

Così 27 7:30pm

X

Hoffmann 28 7:30pm

G, I

Magdalene 29 8pm

Così

J, K

8pm SF PRIDE

Highlighted boxes denote opening performances.

30

Hoffmann

W

2pm

JULY

1 FPO

All casts, prices, programs and schedules are subject to change.

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

Sign up for our e-newsletters at sfopera.com/eopera to receive all the latest updates.

Così

2

Magdalene

3

Hoffmann

4

5

Magdalene

H

8pm

6

Hoffmann

SF PRIDE

7

Magdalene

M, N

8

7:30pm

R, T 9

7:30pm

S,RBW

10

7:30pm 11

12

J, K

8pm

13

2pm

NICOLA LUISOTTI

The Future Is Now:

ADLER FELLOWS GALA CONCERT

AND THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT AT CAL PERFORMANCES

WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA

Friday, May 17, 8pm Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley

Friday, November 30, 7:30pm Herbst Theatre War Memorial Veterans Building

Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Puccini: Capriccio Sinfonico Rota: Piano Concerto in C Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90

Pricing: $25/$40/$50/$60; $15 Students with valid ID, subject to availability 16

3

7:30pm

Capulets 17

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

Photo: Scott Wall

Tosca

MARCH 2013: 1 7:30pm · 2 7:30pm · 3 3pm · 9 7:30pm · 10 3pm

D, E 7

8pm

J, L

2pm

SUN

Tosca

FPO

YOM KIPPUR

OCTOBER 2012

28

A, C

G, H 23

Rigoletto

FPO

21

2pm

7:30pm

Tosca 22

Tosca 17

THANKSGIVING

W

14

Tosca 16

R,S,RBW

ROSH HASHANAH

23

30

Rigoletto 13

Pricing: $20/$36/$52/$58/$64/$80 See seating chart on page 12.

sfopera.com/operacenter Photo: Cory Weaver

OPERA IN THE COMMUNITY

MAIL OR FAX YOUR ORDER TODAY Please use a ballpoint pen.

1. FILL IN YOUR MAILING INFORMATION Mr./Mrs./Ms.

Name:

Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Evening Phone: Daytime Phone: Email: (Include your email address to receive special ticket offers and event updates through our E-Opera newsletter. San Francisco Opera will never share or rent your email address.)

2. SELECT YOUR OPERAS, PERFORMANCE DATES AND SEATING SECTION, OR ENTER DESIGN YOUR OWN SERIES** SELECTIONS

ALT. PRICE** OPERA DATE ALT. DATE* SECTION SECTION* # TICKETS (1ST CHOICE) TOTAL

FREE PERFORMANCES

KQED TV BROADCASTS

MEROLA’S SCHWABACHER SUMMER CONCERT

San Francisco Opera performances captured in highdefinition will air on KQED TV Thursdays at 8pm: Mozart’s The Magic Flute September 13 Strauss’s Salome September 20 Puccini’s Il Trittico September 27 Verdi’s Otello October 4 Please check local listings as specific dates may change and visit kqed.org for more information.

Yerba Buena Gardens Saturday, July 7, 2pm merola.org OPERA AT STERN GROVE

Sigmund Stern Grove Sunday, August 19, 2pm sterngrove.org SAN FRANCISCO OPERA IN THE PARK

Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park Sunday, September 9, 1:30pm sfopera.com/park FREE SIMULCASTS AT AT&T PARK

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

Webcor Builders Presents Opera at the Ballpark Rigoletto Saturday, September 15, 8pm sfopera.com/simulcast

MEROLA OPERA PROGRAM

CARMEN FOR FAMILIES—THE MOVIE!

Herbst Theatre, War Memorial Veterans Building Thursday, July 5, 7:30 pm

A FREE one-hour movie for families with children, featuring a live introduction, will be presented.

Details will be announced in e-newsletters; sign up at sfopera.com/eopera.

RADIO BROADCASTS San Francisco Opera performances from recent seasons air the first Sunday of every month at 8pm on KDFC 90.3 FM, kdfc.com and Comcast Cable 981. In the summer and early fall, broadcasts also air on the WFMT Radio Network nationally. sfopera.com/broadcast Photo: Cory Weaver

MEROLA’S SCHWABACHER SUMMER CONCERT

MEROLA SUMMER OPERAS

SUBTOTAL

* Please list an alternate date and section in case your first choice is not available. ** For Design Your Own discounted pricing, please call the Box Office or visit sfopera.com/dyo.

Design Your Own series does not include The Secret Garden, Adler Fellows Gala Concert or Nicola Luisotti Concert.

I will accept higher-priced seats up to $______________________.

I will accept lower-priced seats down to $______________________.

This is a Design Your Own subscription order (minimum 3 operas; same number of tickets and seating section for all performances; BLS and BOX seats are not available).

3. 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 gift you can.

CONTRIBUTION

4. COMPLETE YOUR PAYMENT INFORMATION

HANDLING FEE

Check enclosed, made payable to Opera Box Office Please charge my credit card: American Express

Visa

Mastercard

Signature (required):

Date Signed (mo/yr):

La finta giardiniera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Card No.:

Exp. Date (mo/yr):

War Memorial Opera House Saturday, August 18, 7:30pm

For tickets, call the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330.

10.00

GRAND TOTAL

Discover

Cardholder’s Name:

MEROLA GRAND FINALE

$

$

Postcard from Morocco by Dominick Argento Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason Center Thursday, July 19, 8pm Saturday, July 21, 2pm Cowell Theatre, Fort Mason Center Thursday, August 2, 8pm Saturday, August 4, 2pm

$

$

RETURN THIS FORM TO SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

By Mail:

By Fax:

Opera Box Office 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509

(415) 626-1729 If you fax your order, please do not also mail it.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER All orders are final. No refunds or cancellations.

Cast, programs, prices and schedule are subject to change.

All sections subject to availability.

Front Cover Photos: Angela Gheorghiu/Sasha Gusov; The Capulets and the Montagues/Wilfried Hösl/Bavarian State Opera; Natalie Dessay/ Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera; Moby-Dick/Karen Almond/the Dallas Opera; Rigoletto/Terrence McCarthy/San Francisco Opera.

Back cover: Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy. Design: Mission Minded, www.Mission-Minded.com

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 Shrem

Music Director

N I CO L A LU I S OT T I

General Director

DAV I D G O C K LE Y

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Order Today San Francisco Opera is sponsored, in part, by a grant from Grants for the Arts/ San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund.

RIGOLET TO · TOSCA MOBY-DICK · AND MORE

DON’T MISS THIS MAGICAL SEASON

SEASON SPONSOR

sfopera.com · (415) 864-3330

War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION