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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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.
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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
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