Astounding
Amazing
Alive!
2013-14Season
AWAITS YOU
2013-14 Season MEPHISTOPHELES
FALSTAFF
Arrigo Boito
THE Giuseppe Verdi
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
FLYING DUTCHMAN
Richard Wagner
Gioachino Rossini
NICOLA LUISOTTI Music Director
WORLD PREMIERE
DOLORES CLAIBORNE
SHOW BOAT
Tobias Picker
Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II
LA TRAVIATA
MADAME BUTTERFLY
Giuseppe Verdi
Giacomo Puccini
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MEPHISTOPHELES ARRIGO BOITO
An emotionally thrilling, philosophically rich version of the Faust story— the timeless tale of a scholar who sells his soul to the Devil—comes to resplendent life in this opulent production. The cast includes Ramón Vargas, a tenor “in ravishing voice” (Financial Times), as the tormented philosopher who succumbs to the Devil’s temptation; the “luminous, compelling” Patricia Racette (Washington Post) as the woman he desires; and, in the vividly menacing title role, the “seductively malevolent” Ildar Abdrazakov, a “full-bodied bass-baritone” renowned for his “wonderfully evil portrayals” (The New York Times). Music Director Nicola Luisotti, acclaimed for his “passionate conducting” (San Francisco Examiner), is at the podium. SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Mephistopheles: Ildar Abdrazakov Marguerite, Elena: Patricia Racette Faust: Ramón Vargas
SEPTEMBER 6 8pm · 11 7:30pm · 14 8pm · 17 7:30pm 20 8pm · 24 8pm · 29 2pm
PRODUCTION
OCTOBER 2 7:30pm
Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Production: Robert Carsen Director: Laurie Feldman Designer: Michael Levine Lighting Designer: Gary Marder* Choreographer: Alphonse Poulin *San Francisco Opera debut
OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 3 hours, 30 minutes including two intermissions Production co-owned with the Metropolitan Opera Sung in Italian with English supertitles
sfopera.com/mephistopheles
Angelic choruses of cherubs, a witches’ Sabbath and the most striking portrait of the Devil in the entire musical repertoire!
A monumental work of “choral grandeur and melodic richness” (The New York Times) in one of the most impressive productions ever seen at the War Memorial Opera House. Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey, The Thomas Tilton Production Fund and Thomas F. and Barbara A. Wolfe. 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. Abdrazakov’s, Ms. Racette’s and Mr. Vargas’ appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
PATRICIA RACETTE
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DOLORA ZAJICK
DOLORES CLAIBORNE
An opera by TOBIAS PICKER Libretto by J. D. McCLATCHY · By arrangement with ANDREW WELCH
·
Based on the novel Dolores Claiborne by STEPHEN
KING
Commissioned by SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
Stephen King’s impassioned heroine, a Maine housekeeper with a dark secret, comes to vivid life in this world premiere.
Desperate. Passionate. Trapped. Dolores Claiborne is willing to do whatever it takes to save herself and her daughter—even if that means taking a life. The feisty Maine housekeeper—one of the most compelling characters to emerge from Stephen King’s imagination—and King’s haunting novel are reconceived in a powerful theatrical presentation. American composer Tobias Picker, who “embraces opera as a populist art form” and “does so with undeniable skill” (The New York Times), teams with renowned poet J. D. McClatchy to bring King’s chilling work to the opera stage. George Manahan conducts a superb cast led by Dolora Zajick, a masterful performer “with a beautiful, house-filling voice. Every note she sings, every syllable she utters has been thought about profoundly” (The Wall Street Journal). WORLD PREMIERE
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Dolores Claiborne: Dolora Zajick Vera Donovan: Elizabeth Futral Selena St. George: Susannah Biller Joe St. George: Wayne Tigges Detective Thibodeau: Greg Fedderly
SEPTEMBER 18 7:30pm · 22 2pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: George Manahan* Director: James Robinson Set Designer: Allen Moyer Costume Designer: James Schuette* Lighting Designer: Christopher Akerlind Projection Designer: Greg Emetaz* *San Francisco Opera debut Production contains adult language and themes.
· 25 7:30pm
· 28 8pm
OCTOBER 1 8pm · 4 8pm OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes including one intermission San Francisco Opera production Sung in English with English supertitles The world premiere of Dolores Claiborne is made possible, in part, by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Koret Foundation and Tad and Dianne Taube. Additional support is provided by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Ms. Zajick’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
BRYN TERFEL sfopera.com/falstaff
FALSTAFF
GIUSEPPE VERDI
Superstar Bryn Terfel, the “definitive” Falstaff of our day, returns in one of his legendary roles. –Chicago Tribune
Warmth, wit and wisdom abound in Verdi’s autumnal masterpiece, a tale of a foolish old man who enjoys a good prank—even when he is the target. Based on Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV, this delightful comedy stars Bryn Terfel, who “commands the stage…making him the kind of irascible charmer you’d like to have a beer with” (The New York Times). Music Director Nicola Luisotti leads a splendid cast including Ainhoa Arteta, the “vocally alluring” Roxane (San Francisco Chronicle) in Cyrano de Bergerac (2010); the “impressive” Meredith Arwady (The New York Times); the “robust, warm voiced” Fabio Capitanucci (The New York Times); the “wonderfully lyrical” Francesco Demuro (MusicalCriticism.com) and Heidi Stober, whose “lustrous tone, technical precision and saucy humor” (San Francisco Chronicle) triumphed in Xerxes (2011) and The Magic Flute (2012). Presented in celebration of the Verdi bicentennial year. PRODUCTION NEW TO SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Sir John Falstaff: Bryn Terfel Mistress Alice Ford: Ainhoa Arteta Nannetta: Heidi Stober Mistress Quickly: Meredith Arwady Fenton: Francesco Demuro Ford: Fabio Capitanucci* Mistress Meg Page: Renée Rapier
OCTOBER 8 8pm · 11 8pm · 15 7:30pm · 20 2pm 24 7:30pm · 27 2pm · 30 7:30pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Director: Olivier Tambosi Production Designer: Frank Philipp Schlössmann Lighting Designer: Christine Binder *San Francisco Opera debut
NOVEMBER 2 8pm OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 3 hours i ncluding two intermissions Lyric Opera of Chicago production Sung in Italian with English supertitles Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by Leslie and George Hume and The Bernard Osher Endowment Fund. Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata. Mr. Terfel’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
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THE
GREER GRIMSLEY
FLYING DUTCHMAN
RICHARD WAGNER A haunting tale of a cursed ship captain in desperate search of true love set to Wagner’s beautiful and most accessible music.
A condemned ship captain endlessly travels the seas in search of true love in Wagner’s hypnotic, achingly resonant tale. Patrick Summers, beloved by San Francisco audiences for his “eloquent musical leadership” (San Francisco Chronicle), will conduct an impressive cast led by Greer Grimsley, a veteran Wagnerian with “a sumptuously beautiful voice, smooth as silk, precise of text” (Opera News) and Petra Maria Schnitzer, who sings with “creamy tone, lyrical grace (a rarity in Wagner) and earthy top notes” (The New York Times). Petrika Ionesco, who brought “a handsome combination of grandeur and expressive intimacy” (San Francisco Chronicle) to Cyrano de Bergerac (2010), directs a production he has also designed. Presented in celebration of the Wagner bicentennial year.
NEW PRODUCTION
CAST
PERFORMANCES
The Dutchman: Greer Grimsley Senta: Petra Maria Schnitzer Erik: Ian Storey Daland: Kristinn Sigmundsson
OCTOBER 22 8pm · 26 8pm · 31 7:30pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: Patrick Summers Director: Petrika Ionesco Set Designer: Petrika Ionesco Costume Designer: Lili Kendaka Lighting Designer: Gary Marder Projection Designer: S. Katy Tucker
NOVEMBER 3 2pm · 7 7:30pm
· 12 7:30pm
· 15 8pm
OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 3 hours i ncluding one intermission Co-production with Opéra Royal de Wallonie (Liège, Belgium) Sung in German with English supertitles This production is made possible by the Phyllis C. Wattis Fund for New Productions.
NICOLA LUISOTTI sfopera.com/requiem
THE
VERDI REQUIEM
Conducted by NICOL A LUISOT TI Celebrate Verdi’s bicentennial year with Maestro Nicola Luisotti and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus!
Music Director Nicola Luisotti, whose “focused and energetic conducting” propels Verdi’s music with “a breathless urgency” (San Francisco Chronicle), will celebrate the Italian master with a performance of his Requiem, a sublime, thrilling work of high drama and deep solemnity. The San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus will be joined by a quartet of superb soloists: Leah Crocetto, “a major operatic star with a sumptuous vocal tone, regal phrasing and technical agility” (San Francisco Chronicle); Margaret Mezzacappa, 2012 winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions; Michael Fabiano, who “has been praised for reigniting some of the magic of old-time Italian tenors” (Opera News); and the “thrillingly robust and commanding” Vitalij Kowaljow (San Francisco Chronicle). Conductor: Nicola Luisotti Soprano: Leah Crocetto Mezzo-Soprano: Margaret Mezzacappa Tenor: Michael Fabiano Bass: Vitalij Kowaljow San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus This performance 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. Mr. Kowaljow’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel. Cast and prices subject to change.
PERFORMANCE OCTOBER 25 8pm Approximate running time: 90 minutes with no intermission
This performance is available only as an “add-on” purchase to a 2013–14 subscription package; not available separately. For pricing and availability, please call the Box Office (415) 864-3330.
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THE BARBER OF SEVILLE GIOACHINO ROSSINI
Love—with the help of a cunning barber—conquers all! In this brilliant, joyous comedy featuring Rossini’s wittiest and most charming score, a strong-willed young woman outwits a lecherous old man with the help of a wily, jack-of-all-trades barber. Two charismatic casts will be led by Resident Conductor Giuseppe Finzi. One features the “lively” Isabel Leonard with “a radiant lyric voice” (The New York Times); Lucas Meachem, who displayed “vocal brilliance” and “theatrical panache” (San Francisco Chronicle) as Don Giovanni (2011); and Javier Camarena, praised by Opera News for his “exquisite finesse.” The other cast features Daniela Mack, who sings Rossini “with technical command and expressive ease” (Opera News); the “smooth-voiced” Audun Iversen and Alek Shrader, whose “bright singing” is matched with “matinee-idol good looks” (The New York Times).
NEW PRODUCTION
CAST
CAST
Figaro: Lucas Meachem Rosina: Isabel Leonard* Count Almaviva: Javier Camarena* Doctor Bartolo: Alessandro Corbelli Don Basilio: Andrea Silvestrelli Berta: Catherine Cook
Figaro: Audun Iversen* Rosina: Daniela Mack Count Almaviva: Alek Shrader Doctor Bartolo: Maurizio Muraro* Don Basilio: Andrea Silvestrelli Berta: Catherine Cook
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
NOVEMBER 13 7:30pm · 16 8pm
NOVEMBER 14 7:30pm · 17 2pm
DECEMBER 1 2pm
· 19 8pm · 22 8pm · 26 8pm
· 20 7:30pm · 23 8pm · 29 8pm
*San Francisco Opera debut OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14.
sfopera.com/barberfamilies
Rossini’s exuberant comic masterpiece is laugh-out-loud fun with one of opera’s most iconic melodies—“Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!”
PRODUCTION Conductor: Giuseppe Finzi Director: Emilio Sagi Set Designer: Llorenç Corbella* Costume Designer: Pepa Ojanguren* Lighting Designer: Gary Marder
Approximate running time: 3 hours i ncluding one intermission Co-production with Lithuanian National Opera Sung in Italian with English supertitles Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. This production is made possible, in part, by San Francisco Opera Guild and Chevron.
SPECIAL FAMILY PRESENTATION
The Barber o Seville orFamilies Bring the whole family! A perfect opera for families and new operagoers of all ages, The Barber of Seville for Families is a two-hour version of this season’s exciting new production, sung in English with English supertitles. Exploration Workshops for Families will be presented by the San Francisco Opera Education Department prior to each performance. Sign up for E-Opera (monthly e-newsletter) at sfopera.com/eopera to receive notification of schedule and pricing.
PERFORMANCES NOVEMBER 24 2pm · 30 2pm Approximate running time: 2 hours including one intermission Sung in English with English supertitles
Box Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium Orchestra or Grand Tier Dress Circle Balcony
ADULT CHILD** $90 $45 $60 $30 $45 $20 $35 $15 $25 $10 **18 and under
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SHOW BOAT
Music by JEROME KERN · Book and lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II Based on the novel Show Boat by EDNA FERBER
From “Ol’ Man River” to “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man” to “Make Believe” to “You Are Love” … “No one should miss it!” –Chicago Sun-Times
A classic of American musical theater gets the operatic treatment it so richly deserves! Few musicals have produced as many great songs as Show Boat, and none has proven more important, influential or eternally fresh. A moving saga of tender romance and poignant reconciliation, Show Boat is “full of opportunities for an ensemble of first-rate singers, actors and dancers to do justice to the magnificent Jerome KernOscar Hammerstein II score.... And what a luxury to have a lush-sounding opera orchestra playing the original Robert Russell Bennett orchestrations” (Chicago Tribune). Francesca Zambello’s “smartly staged and handsomely designed” production (Chicago Tribune) brings to glorious life Edna Ferber’s classic tale. John DeMain conducts a dazzling cast led by Patricia Racette, Heidi Stober and Nathan Gunn. COMPANY PREMIERE
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Magnolia Hawks: Heidi Stober Gaylord Ravenal: Nathan Gunn Julie La Verne: Patricia Racette Joe: Morris Robinson Queenie: Angela Renée Simpson
JUNE 2014 1 2pm · 3 8pm · 10 7:30pm · 13 8pm 19 7:30pm · 22 2pm · 26 7:30pm · 28 8pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: John DeMain Director: Francesca Zambello Set Designer: Peter J. Davison Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell Lighting Designer: Mark McCullough Sound Designer: Tod Nixon Choreographer: Michele Lynch* *San Francisco Opera debut
JULY 2014 1 8pm · 2 7:30pm OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Washington National Opera and Houston Grand Opera; presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals. Sung in English with English supertitles Company Sponsors John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn are proud to support this production. Mr. Nathan Gunn’s and Ms. Racette’s appearances are made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
SONYA YONCHEVA sfopera.com/traviata
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LA TRAVIATA GIUSEPPE V ERDI Verdi’s ever-popular, touching tale of a conflicted courtesan, her devoted lover and his disapproving father.
Violetta Valéry may be the most heart-wrenching character in all of opera: a high-spirited but deceptively delicate woman who unexpectedly finds, and then selflessly gives up, the love of her all-too-short life. Two extraordinary casts bring to life this unforgettable tragic tale of love and loss. June features the “dusky and sensual” Sonya Yoncheva, who “oozes star quality” (The Independent, London); Saimir Pirgu, whose depiction of Alfredo is “right on vocally as well as dramatically” (Associated Press); and Vladimir Stoyanov, praised for his “warm, attractive voice” (The New York Times). The July cast is led by Ailyn Pérez, whose performance of the role was hailed as “an unalloyed triumph” (The Guardian, London); Stephen Costello, “an ascending voice in opera” (Philadelphia Inquirer); and the “triumphant” and “splendid” Quinn Kelsey (San Francisco Chronicle).
CLASSIC SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PRODUCTION
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Violetta Valéry: Sonya Yoncheva*/Ailyn Pérez† JUNE 2014 11 7:30pm · 14 8pm · 17 8pm · 20 8pm Alfredo Germont: Saimir Pirgu/Stephen Costello† Giorgio Germont: Vladimir Stoyanov*/Quinn Kelsey† 25 7:30pm · 29 2pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: Nicola Luisotti/Giuseppe Original Director: John Copley Director: Laurie Feldman Set Designer: John Conklin Costume Designer: David Walker Lighting Designer: Gary Marder *San Francisco Opera debut
Finzi†
JULY 2014 5 8pm† · 8 7:30pm† · 11 8pm† · 13 2pm† OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 3 hours i ncluding two intermissions San Francisco Opera production Sung in Italian with English supertitles Company Sponsor Mrs. Edmund W. Littlefield is proud to support this production. 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.
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MADAME BUTTERFLY GIACOMO PUCCINI Puccini’s heartbreaking tale of innocence, betrayal and sacrifice returns in a strikingly bold production by Jun Kaneko.
The young geisha Cio-Cio-San, known as Butterfly, falls for American naval lieutenant Pinkerton, who breaks her heart. Renowned visual artist Jun Kaneko (The Magic Flute, 2012) brings a fresh production, acclaimed as “visually daring while remaining true to the essence of the music and drama” (Opera Magazine), to this ever-popular tragic love story. Patricia Racette is “exceptional…robust, nuanced and passionate” (The New York Times). “In her total dramatic identification with the role, she simply was Butterfly” (Seattle Times). Brian Jagde, whose “large, well-placed tenor sounded supple…virile…and tender” (Opera News) opposite Racette in Tosca (2012), is Pinkerton. The “effortless” Elizabeth DeShong (Financial Times) and “vivid, strong-toned” Brian Mulligan (San Francisco Chronicle) round out a superb cast. PRODUCTION NEW TO SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
CAST
PERFORMANCES
Cio-Cio-San (Madame Butterfly): Patricia Racette Lt. B. F. Pinkerton: Brian Jagde Sharpless: Brian Mulligan Suzuki: Elizabeth DeShong
JUNE 2014 15 2pm · 18 7:30pm · 21 8pm · 24 8pm 27 8pm
PRODUCTION Conductor: Nicola Luisotti/Giuseppe Finzi† Director: Leslie Swackhamer* Production Designer: Jun Kaneko Lighting Designer: Gary Marder *San Francisco Opera debut
JULY 2014 3 7:30pm · 6 2pm† · 9 7:30pm† OperaVision in Balcony. See page 14. Approximate running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes including one intermission Co-production with Opera Omaha Sung in Italian with English supertitles Nicola Luisotti’s appearance made possible by Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, Chairs, Amici di Nicola of Camerata. Ms. Racette’s appearance is made possible by a gift to the Great Singers Fund by Joan and David Traitel.
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TO ORDER Tickets go on sale online, by phone and at the Opera Box Office window on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 10am. ONLINE sfopera.com BY PHONE (415) 864-3330 BY MAIL OR IN PERSON Opera Box Office War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509 BOX OFFICE HOURS
Special hours for Monday, July 8 only: 10am–6pm
Monday 10am–5pm Tuesday–Friday 10am–6pm Also Saturday 10am–6pm (during performance season)
2013–14 SINGLE TICKET PRICES† SECTION
WAR MEMORIAL OPERA HOUSE English supertitles are visible from all sections.
MAIN STAGE OPERAS Except The Flying Dutchman M–TH / * F–SU / *
The Flying Dutchman M–TH / * F–SU / *
Balcony Side (BLS)*
$23 / $26*
$28 / $31*
$27 / $30*
$32 / $35*
Balcony Rear (BLR)*
$33 / $38*
$67 / $72*
$36 / $41*
$69 / $74*
Balcony Front (BLF)*
$67 / $74*
$92 / $99*
$76 / $83* $103 / $110*
Balcony Circle (BC)
$99
$117
$109
$126
Dress Circle 2 (DC2)
$99
$140
$109
$148
$122
$140
$131
$148
$99
$122
$109
$131
Orchestra or Grand Tier (ORC or GT)
$173
$218
$180
$223
Orchestra Premium or Grand Tier Premium (ORP or GTP)
$239
$285
$265
$315
Box Seats (BOX)
$312
$357
$335
$385
Dress Circle (DC) Orchestra Ring (ORR)
An $11 handling fee is charged per single ticket order, unless purchased in person.
Wheelchair access and locations are available for purchase at the Box Office or online. For information, please call (415) 864-3330.
† Subscribers to our 2013–14 Season (including Design Your Own
Assistive listening devices (Sennheiser model) for hearing-impaired patrons are available at North and South Lobby coat checks.
Series) receive a discount on single-ticket purchases for most performances. * Tickets for performances featuring OperaVision include a surcharge to help offset the cost of this service. (Balcony Front $7, Balcony Rear $5 and Balcony Sides $3)
Tickets will be mailed beginning in August. All orders are final. No refunds or cancellations. Cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change.
Prices listed above are guaranteed through August 1, 2013.
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, when offered for evening performances, go on sale online and at the Opera Box Office at 11am on the day of the performance. When offered for matinees, rush tickets are sold in person only at 11am on the day of the performance. Student: $25; Senior or Military: $30. Limit two tickets per person with valid ID. Rush is subject to availability and may cease to be offered at the discretion of the Box Office. In-person registration required in advance for online rush purchases. 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 Opera Box Office at 10am on the day of each performance. Limit two tickets per person.
Contributions When you contribute you 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.
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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 HD video projection screens on the Balcony Level, with supertitles shown at the bottom of the screen, bringing Balcony Front, Balcony Rear and Balcony Side 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.
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. sfopera.com/insights
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.
NEW TO OPERA? Visit our “New to Opera?” webpage for a user-friendly introduction to opera and the answers to frequently asked questions. sfopera.com/newtoopera
Before every performance (except Opening Night, September 6, 2013), 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
CONNECT WITH US sfopera.com/blog
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.
INSIGHT PANELS
SFOPERA.COM
FREE PRE-OPERA TALKS
E-NEWSLETTERS
OPERA PREVIEWS Opera Guild Previews feature renowned musicologists and other experts who offer fresh, in-depth looks into the season’s upcoming operas to communities around the Bay Area. sfopera.com/previews
EDUCATION PROGRAMS San Francisco Opera and the Opera Guild provide programs for K–12 classrooms and educators. The Opera also provides programs for universities, adults and families. sfopera.com/education Overture: Opera Workshops for Adults offers 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.
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WAYS TO SAVE SAVINGS UP TO 30%, CUSTOMIZE YOUR PACKAGE, NO-FEE EXCHANGES AND MORE! PICK A SERIES, Make It Perfect
DESIGN YOUR OWN SERIES
• Save up to 30% off of single ticket prices. Our 4-opera Half-Series packages start at $78 and 8-opera Full Series packages start at $152.
• Start from scratch and build your own series by choosing the operas you want to see, when you want to see them.
• Customize. At the time of purchase you have the option for early ticket exchanges. Plus, for even more flexibility, you can “drop one opera” from your package—you choose the opera, and we adjust the price.†
• Select 3 operas and save up to 10%
• No-fee exchanges. No-fee, advance exchanges for Full and Half Series subscribers, and just $10 per ticket for day-of exchanges.
• Add a fourth and save up to 15% • Make it 5 or more and save up to 20% • No-fee exchanges for the same opera; or exchange into a different opera, or make day-of-performance exchanges, for a $10 per-ticket fee. Use the order form at the back of this brochure or visit sfopera.com/dyo
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.
BRAVO! CLUB
BRING A GROUP
For Opera-Lovers Ages 21– 40
And Save Up to 30%*
Join BRAVO! CLUB and be eligible for discounted tickets* and other benefits:
Groups of 10 or more enjoy benefits including:
• BRAVO! Tix are $35 for Dress Circle and $50 for Orchestra seats**
• Discounts up to 30%; plus one free ticket for groups of 40+ • Seating benefits, including Select Your Own Seat
• Enjoy free 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
It’s easy to get started. Call (415) 621-4403 or email groupsales@sfopera.com
• Opera Shop 10% discount
†Applies to Full and Half Series only. Please call the Box Office for details. * All discounts subject to availability. ** Except Opening Night, September 6, 2013.
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.
16
2013–14 CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2013 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
1
2
3
4
5
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
8
Opera in the Park
9
10
FRI
ROSH HASHANAH
11 Mephistopheles 12
6
Mephistopheles
A
8pm
13
7:30pm D, E
1:30pm
SAT 7
14 Mephistopheles EREV YOM KIPPUR
J, K
YOM KIPPUR
8pm
LABOR DAY
15
16
17 Mephistopheles 18
R, S RBW
22
Claiborne 23
M, O
7:30pm
24 Mephistopheles 25
C
2pm
D, F
8pm
R, T
Claiborne 19
20 Mephistopheles 21
8pm G, H
7:30pm
Claiborne 26
27
28
Claiborne
J, L
7:30pm
8pm
29 Mephistopheles 30
M, N
2pm
OCTOBER 2013 SUN
MON
TUE 1
A, B 6
7
8
A, C 13
20
14
Falstaff 21
M, N
2pm
27
Falstaff 28
W
2pm
WED Claiborne
2 Mephistopheles
8pm
X
Falstaff
9
Falstaff 16 7:30pm
29
3
4
G, I
7:30pm 10
11
G, H
D, E
A, B
FRI
8pm
15
22
THU
Dutchman 23 8pm
17
18
24
Falstaff 25
R, S
7:30pm
RBW
30
Falstaff 31
X
7:30pm
SAT Claiborne
5
8pm
Falstaff 12 8pm 19
Verdi 26 Dutchman Requiem 8pm 8pm J, K
Dutchman
D, F
7:30pm
The Future Is Now:
ADLER FELLOWS GALA CONCERT WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA Wednesday, November 27, 7:30pm Scottish Rite Masonic Center 2850 19th Avenue, San Francisco Pricing: $65/$45/$30; $15 Students with valid ID, subject to availability 16 Photo: Scott Wall
sfopera.com/operacenter
17
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
2
Falstaff
J, L 3
Dutchman
M, N 10
5
6
7
Barber
M, O
18
12
Dutchman 13
X
7:30pm
19
Barber 20
A, C
2pm Barber for Families
Dutchman
R, T 11
17
24
4
2pm
25
26
B
2pm
8pm
Barber 14
R, S RBW
F
Barber 27 8pm
9
7:30pm
Barber 15
D, E
7:30pm
8
7:30pm
Dutchman 16
G, I
8pm
Barber 21
22
7:30pm
G, H
Adler 28 Gala Concert 7:30pm
8pm
Barber
J, K
8pm
Barber 23
29
8pm
8pm
Barber 30 8pm
THANKSGIVING
Barber
L
Barber for Families
2pm
DECEMBER
1
Barber
W
2pm
J U N E – J U LY 2 0 1 4 SUN 1
MON Show Boat
M, O
2
3
A, C
2pm
8
TUE
9
10
R, S RBW
15
Butterfly 16
M, N 22
Show Boat 23
W
2pm
29
Traviata 30
M, O
6
PRIDE
24
A, C
2pm
Butterfly
17
A, B
2pm
7
Show Boat
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
4
5
6
7
8pm
Show Boat 11 7:30pm
Traviata 18 8pm
Traviata 12
D, E
G, I
Butterfly 19
D, F
7:30pm
Butterfly 25 8pm
13
7:30pm
X
Traviata 26
R, T
7:30pm
D, E
Show Boat 20 7:30pm
G, H
Show Boat 27 7:30pm
G, H
Show Boat 14 8pm
Traviata
J, L
8pm
Traviata 21 8pm
Butterfly 28 8pm
Butterfly
J, K
8pm
Show Boat
J, K
8pm
JULY
1
Show Boat
2
Show Boat
B
8pm
T
7:30pm
8
Traviata
9
7:30pm
W
2pm
X
13
Traviata 14
15
3
R, S RBW
Butterfly 10 7:30pm
16
17
Butterfly
4
7:30pm
5
8pm
INDEPENDENCE DAY
11
Traviata 12
I
8pm
18
Traviata
19
2pm
Letters denote subscription series (A, B, C, D, E, F…). High-definition video projection screens are featured on the Balcony level for this performance. Visit sfopera.com/operavision.
Highlighted boxes denote opening performances. 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.
Photos by: cover/Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera production of The Damnation of Faust, Philip Groshong/Cincinnati Opera production of La Traviata, Ken Howard/ Metropolitan Opera production of Falstaff; pp. 2–3/Mephistopheles © Beth Bergman; p. 3/San Francisco Opera production of Faust/Cory Weaver; p. 4/Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera production of Il Trovatore; p. 5/Brett Coomer/Houston Grand Opera production of Falstaff; p. 6/Rozarii Lynch/Seattle Opera production of The Flying Dutchman; p. 7/Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy; pp. 8–9 and mail panel/Marie-Noëlle Robert/Théâtre du Châtelet/Teatro Real production of The
Barber of Seville; p. 10/Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago; p. 11/© Alain Hanel Photography; p. 12/Tim Matheson/Vancouver Opera/Opera Omaha production of Madame Butterfly. The production of Falstaff is owned by the Lyric Opera of Chicago and is made possible by a generous and deeply appreciated gift from Abbott Laboratories. Design: Mission Minded · www.Mission-Minded.com
PLACE 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
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 Verdi Requiem, Adler Fellows Gala Concert or The Barber of Seville for Families.
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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 seats are not available).
3. MAKE A CONTRIBUTION Engage with this amazing art form on a deeper level. Your investment helps us deliver world-class performances, train the stars of tomorrow, bring opera education to local schools and present free community events.
CONTRIBUTION
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RETURN THIS FORM TO SAN FRANCISCO OPERA By Mail:
Opera Box Office 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509
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.
OPERA IN THE COMMUNITY
Photo: Cory Weaver
FREE PERFORMANCES
KQED TV BROADCASTS
MEROLA’S SCHWABACHER SUMMER CONCERT
Check local listings on KQED-TV in summer 2013 for specific fall broadcast dates and times for the following San Francisco Opera performances: Aida, Porgy and Bess, Boris Godunov and Lucrezia Borgia. kqed.org
Yerba Buena Gardens Saturday, July 20, 2013, 2pm merola.org OPERA AT STERN GROVE
Sigmund Stern Grove Sunday, August 18, 2013, 2pm sterngrove.org SAN FRANCISCO OPERA IN THE PARK
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park Sunday, September 8, 2013, 1:30pm sfopera.com/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
MEROLA OPERA PROGRAM
FREE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
MEROLA’S SCHWABACHER SUMMER CONCERT
War Memorial Opera House Saturday, November 9, 2013, 10:30am–2:30pm The Open House is an introduction to the world of opera and stage production featuring musical events and activities for all ages. Sign up for E-Opera to receive updates at sfopera.com/eopera.
Everett Middle School Auditorium (450 Church Street, San Francisco) Thursday, July 18, 2013, 7:30pm
FREE SIMULCAST AT AT&T PARK
The Rape of Lucretia by Benjamin Britten Thursday, July 11, 2013, 7:30pm Saturday, July 13, 2013, 2pm
Opera at the Ballpark Summer 2014 sfopera.com/simulcast
RADIO BROADCASTS San Francisco Opera performances from recent seasons air the first Sunday of every month on KDFC 90.3/89.9/104.9 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
MEROLA SUMMER OPERAS
Everett Middle School Auditorium (450 Church Street, San Francisco)
Le nozze di Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Thursday, August 1, 2013, 7:30pm Saturday, August 3, 2013, 2pm MEROLA GRAND FINALE
War Memorial Opera House Saturday, August 17, 2013, 7:30pm merola.org/calendar
For tickets, call the Opera Box Office at (415) 864-3330.
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 CK LE Y
SEASON SPONSOR
sfopera.com 路 (415) 864-3330
War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-4509
CORPORATE PARTNERS San Francisco Opera is supported, in part, by a grant from Grants for the Arts/ San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund.
Tickets start at $23!
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE LA TRAVIATA MADAME BUTTERFLY and more!
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION