sf opera

Showcasing the talented young artists from San Francisco Opera Center’s prestigious young artists training program, The Future is Now: Adler Fellows Gala Concert, presents the final Adler Fellowship concert of the 2009 season. The show will feature opera scenes and arias, including works by Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti and Berlioz, and will be conducted by San Francisco Opera Center Director of Musical Studies Mark Morash.

Pick up a prop at the opera's costume shop sale. Get a unique piece of opera memorabilia or impress your friends with the ultimate Halloween costume.For only the fourth time in its history, the SF Opera will open its costume warehouse to the public. This rare sale offers hundreds of items, including hats, masks, fabrics and shoes, as well as handmade costumes spanning a wide variety of styles and periods for men, women and children. Prices range from $1 to $750. Cash/credit card are accepted. All sales are final and benefit the San Francisco Opera.

Based on the play by Oscar Wilde, Richard Strauss' "Dance of the Seven Veils" adaptation was provocative at the time of its premiere a century ago and still retains its scandal and luster today. Imagine a love triangle set in Biblical times—the persecuted John the Baptist, a lecherous King Herod and the monarch's pathologically seductive stepdaughter, Salome. Spicey.

Discover Puccini's three one-act operas with Il Trittico. From heart-wrenching tragedy to sparkling comedy, this triptych presents something for everyone's taste. Soprano Patricia Racette will debut in each part of the trio consisting of Il Tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. Backing her up will be acclaimed Italian baritone Paolo Gavanelli and tenor Brandon Jovanovich, plus celebrated contralto Ewa Podleś. Don't miss this unique opportunity—Il Trittico hasn't shown here since 1952.

Welcoming in the 87th season, the SF Opera is still going strong with an opening all-star performance. Acclaimed Italian director, Nicola Luisotti will be guiding Verdi's "Il Trovatore." There will also be a variety of exctiing events throughout the week including the Ball, Opera in the Park and Opera at the Ballpark. Check out one or choose to attend them all.

A timeless story of a conflicted courtesan, her devoted lover and his disapproving father, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata comes to the War Memorial Opera House. This version produced by Plácido Domingo updates the classic with art deco costumes and sets it in the Roaring Twenties. Don't miss the critically-acclaimed performance.

Sung in Italian with English supertitles, there will be nine performances of the opera.

It's not the first time we've heard turbulent stories of love found and lost, so add this one to your list. Porgy and Bess, the Gershwin's quintessential American masterpiece set amidst the squalor of Catfish Row, rings with familiar tones. We know you've heard “Summertime,” “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’,” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” Based on Dubose and Dorothy Heyward's play, this is the tale of Porgy, a crippled beggar, and Bess, the beautiful and headstrong woman he loves.