FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S
NOTE
Nicole Paiement FOUNDER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
We can probably all agree that opera is the art form par excellence for digging deep into the human experience and that storytelling is a powerful tool to inspire self-reflection.
Departing a bit from the frequent operatic focus on love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and even murder, we explore, this season, the universal theme of “doubt”—how questioning can be a positive vehicle for fostering alternative perspectives and growth.
We begin the season with the world premiere of our commissioned Hands-OnOpera Hello, Star by composer Carla Lucero and librettist Jarrod Lee The work, based on a book by Stephanie Lucianovic, brings to life a young girl captivated by a bright dying star and her burgeoning desire to become an astronaut. The score and libretto beautifully paint her struggle to attain this goal. Will her self-doubts get the best of her, or will she overcome her insecurities and realize possibilities that transcend even her greatest dreams?
In February, we are thrilled to partner with Cal Performances to present a reworking of our celebrated production of La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), by Philip Glass, originally presented at SFJAZZ in 2022. In this timeless story, La Bête doubts that he will ever find a person with the capacity to see his inner beauty, yet La Belle’s compassion and willingness to look past his superficial appearance elevates this union to an ineffable conclusion. The poetic design by Creative Director Brian Staufenbiel weaves live opera with Jean Cocteau’s masterful film, allowing the audience to also travel in a state of uncertainty between the real and the surreal.
We end the season with the world premiere of Douglas J. Cuomo’s new chamber version of the opera Doubt, based on librettist John Patrick Shanley’s famous play and film. This opera explores in a more direct way the complexities of moral certainty. Like the play, the opera does not offer us any conclusive answers but rather uses ambiguity to explore how we deal with belief and assumptions. The impact of this new chamber version will be amplified in our production as we involve the audience as members of the congregation, challenging them perhaps more viscerally to consider alternative perspectives and keep an open mind about our protagonist’s behavior.
We are excited to bring these various perspectives on “doubt” to the Bay Area and hope that our productions will inspire all to examine more critically our biases and fears—remembering that art is an effective instrument for understanding the world, and our place in it.
See you in the halls,
Photo by Cory Weaver
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Daniel Harvey EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This season marks a pivotal new chapter for Opera Parallèle—and for me—as I step into the role of Executive Director and invite you to celebrate our 16th season. I am thrilled to share this milestone with you, our audience, partners, and artists, and to continue advancing the company’s commitment to working in parallel—building collaborations that spark creativity, amplify unheard voices, and bring to life stories that resonate profoundly. Having called OP my artistic home for the past eight years, I am inspired every day by the boldness, imagination, and vision of the artists and colleagues around me.
Our partnerships this year exemplify that collaborative spirit. We begin with a residency at 836M, whose gallery will serve as our rehearsal space and host community programs for the world premiere of Hello, Star—a new work cocommissioned with The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to nurturing new voices in opera, fostering creativity, and inviting audiences to experience the artistic process up close.
We are also delighted to work with the industry-leading presenter Cal Performances for the return of our acclaimed La Belle et la Bête, and with the historic Presidio Theatre for the world premiere of a newly reimagined Doubt. These productions—alongside our ongoing partnership with The Transgender District for Expansive each August—showcase how opera can engage with meaningful questions and universal themes, connecting deeply with our communities and challenging us to see the world in new ways. Looking ahead, these collaborations are only the beginning. Even in a time of significant challenge for the arts, our commitment to creating work that reflects the world—and offers spaces of joy, reflection, and connection—feels more vital than ever. We are building a future where opera is accessible, adventurous, and firmly rooted in community, sparking dialogue, inspiring curiosity, and expanding the possibilities of this remarkable art form.
None of this would be possible without you—our most essential partner. Your support allows us to bring daring new works to the stage, share transformative experiences, and continue reimagining what opera can be. Thank you for joining us this season. I can’t wait to see where we go next, together.
Photo by Better Rugged Photography
A Hands-On-Opera World Premiere
COMPOSER
Carla Lucero
LIBRETTIST
Jarrod Lee
BASED ON THE BOOK BY
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
Opera Parallèle and The Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.†
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 2 p.m.
Pre-show talks at 1 p.m.
Creativity Theater
Children’s Creativity Museum
221 Fourth Street, San Francisco
Approx. 50 minutes without intermission Sung in English with English supertitles
CAST
Christabel Nunoou Adult Celeste
Aniyjah Garrett* Young Celeste
Aisha Campbellu Mother/Trainer
Bradley Kynard Big Star
With the participation of the USF University Choir, Director Rebecca P.N. Seeman
836M Residency Events
All events are free and open to the public; advance registration is recommended at 836M.org.
Creators Conversation & Residency Launch Reception
Thursday, September 25, 7 p.m.
Oh, Let Us Shine: Choral Singing for Wellness and Wonder
Saturday, September 27, 2–4 p.m
Open Rehearsal
Saturday, October 11, 2:30–4 p.m.
Happy Hour & Open Rehearsal
Friday, October 17, 5–7 p.m.
A young girl is captivated by a call from a bright dying star. With curiosity as her leader and her Mother as guide, she questions her ability to meet the star before it fades away. A multigenerational opera that celebrates the contributions of Black women to science.
Tickets $15 / $30 / $60 operaparallele.org/hellostar
Nicole Paiement Conductor
L.Peter Callender Stage Director
Rebecca P.N. Seeman* Associate Conductor
Alia Brown* Costume and Hair & Makeup Designer
Kevin Myrick Lighting Designer
Giulio Cesare Perrone* Scenic Designer
Ramiro Segura* Projection Designer
Dianne Harrison* Props Artisan
* OP Debut u Principal Artist † Rebecca P.N. Seeman Conducts
This production of Hello, Star received funding from and was made possible through the Residency program of 836M and OPERA America’s Opera Fund. Based on the book Hello, Star, written by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Vashti Harrison, and published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
Jean Cocteau
Friday, March 13, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Zellerbach Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
Approx. 90 minutes without intermission
Sung in French with English supertitles
CAST
* OP Debut
Hadleigh Adamsu La Bête/Le Prince/Avenant/L’Officier
Chea Kangu La Belle
Aurelien Fangau* Le Père/Ludovic/L’Usurier
Sophie Delphis Félicie/Adélaïde
u Principal Artist
© 1994 Dunvagen Music Publishers Inc. Used by permission.
A revival of Opera Parallèle’s celebrated production of La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), a surrealist fairy tale brought to life through a fusion of live performance with Cocteau’s original 1946 film and Glass’s mesmerizing 1994 score.
Tickets start at $55 operaparallele.org/labelle-labete
CREATIVE TEAM
Nicole Paiement Conductor
Brian Staufenbiel Director & Production Concept
David Murakami
Projection Designer & Director of Photography
Y.Sharon Peng Wig & Makeup Designer
Jessica Ann Drayton
Lighting Designer
Jay Cruz
Sound Designer & Programmer
Photo by Cory Weaver
PRESENT
A New Chamber Orchestra Version
The original version of Doubt was commissioned by Minnesota Opera and given its world premiere by Minnesota Opera in January 2013. Doubt is produced by arrangement with European American Music Distributors Company, sole US and Canadian agent for Schott Music Corporation, New York, publisher and copyright owner.
Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Presidio Theatre
99 Moraga Ave, San Francisco
Approx. 100 minutes without intermission
Sung in English with English supertitles
CAST
Matthew Worthu
Father Flynn
Rhoslyn Jonesu*
Sister Aloysius
Naomi Steeleu*
Sister James
Deborah Nansteel*
Mrs. Miller
A gripping tale of moral uncertainty, suspicion, and power dynamics in a Catholic school is brought to life with the world premiere of a new chamber orchestration and an immersive, multi-sensory production conceived by Brian Staufenbiel.
Tickets start at $66 operaparallele.org/doubt
CREATIVE TEAM
Nicole Paiement Conductor
Brian Staufenbiel Director & Production Concept
Y.Sharon Peng Costume, Hair, and Makeup Designer
* OP Debut u Principal Artist
Photos by Better Rugged Photography
SUPPORT OPERA PARALLÈLE
Regular annual giving from individuals is the main financial foundation on which OP’s artistic excellence is built, enabling OP to sustain our creative and community relationships as we navigate a changing performing arts landscape.
Giving plays a vital role in helping OP bring the very best talents to our stage by supplying resources that enable OP to cover travel, housing, performance costs, and fees for our creatives. Donors also enjoy behind-the-scenes access and benefits like attending rehearsals, meet & greets, program recognition, post-performance events, and more.
INDIVIDUAL GIVING LEVELS
$1,000+
Telegraph Hill Sponsor
$2,500
Russian Hill Sponsor
$5,000
Nob Hill Sponsor
$10,000 Twin Peaks Sponsor
$25,000
Mount Davidson Sponsor
» Special recognition as an Annual Sponsor in the program book (subject to availability, deadlines, and space limitations)
» Invitations to Annual Sponsor meet & greet and open working rehearsals
» Access to exclusive member content
» Advance notice of special ticketed events and performance on-sale dates
» Website recognition
» All Telegraph Hill benefits, plus:
» Invitation to one dress rehearsal
» All Russian Hill benefits, plus:
» Invitation to a company meeting with artists
» Concierge ticket service for all productions
» Personalized benefits (e.g., cast gatherings, behind-the-scenes looks)
» All Nob Hill benefits, plus:
» Special Production or Artist Sponsor recognition in website, programs, supertitles, and press releases (subject to print deadlines)
» Additional custom benefits like personal meetings with artists or creatives, or opportunities to join Nicole Paiement or Brian Staufenbiel for national and international appearances.
» Invitation to two dress rehearsals
» All Twin Peaks benefits, plus:
» Recognition as a Season Sponsor in website, programs, and various marketing material
» Invitation to a season preview of upcoming productions, exclusive to Mount Davidson members
» Invitation to attend all opening and/or closing night receptions and cast parties
» Reserved seating at all open rehearsals and in-person Bullhorn events
» Two complimentary tickets to each OP production
» Tickets to national and international performances featuring Nicole Paiement or Brian Staufenbiel, when available
Make your pledge today at operaparallele.org/donate or contact development@operaparallele.org for more information.
Opera Parallèle is a sponsored, in part, by grants from
OPERA PARALLÈLE’S 2026 BENEFIT DINNER: DANGEROUS LIAISONS
HONORING CLIFFORD “KIP” CRANNA
Honorary Co-Chairs: John Adams & David Gockley
Thursday, March 26, 2026, 6 p.m.
City Club of San Francisco
Opera Parallèle is delighted to invite you to a joyous celebration in honor of renowned opera scholar and dramaturg Clifford “Kip” Cranna. The soirée kicks off with a champagne reception followed by a sumptuous, seated, four-course dinner. The evening concludes with memorable performances that illustrate Kip’s remarkable impact on contemporary opera.
Sponsorships starting at $1,000 are available now. To reserve a pair of the best seats or a premium table, please email development@operaparallele.org. Seating is extremely limited. If available, single tickets will go on sale by the end of January 2026 at $350 per guest.
Photos of 2025 Benefit by Drew Altizer Photography
A Hands-On-Opera World Premiere
Carla Lucero, Composer Jarrod Lee, Librettist
October 25 & 26, 2025
Creativity Theater
Cal Performances, UC Berkeley and Opera Parallèle present
Presidio Theatre and Opera Parallèle present
An opera by Philip Glass Based on the film by Jean Cocteau
March 13 & 14, 2026
Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley
Douglas J. Cuomo, Composer John Patrick Shanley, Librettist
May 29–31, 2026
Presidio Theatre
Doubt by Better Rugged Photography
La Belle et la Bête by Cory Weaver