History
San Francisco Opera was founded by the Neapolitan conductor Gaetano Merola. Under Merola, the Company built the War Memorial Opera House, which opened on October 15, 1932. Upon Merola's death in August 1953, chorus director Herbert Adler was named artistic director. During his 28-year tenure, Adler expanded the repertoire and presented new talent, furthering the Company's reputation as a place to hear outstanding singers. He also founded the Merola Opera Program, a training program for young artists, the first of its kind in America. After Adler, each of the Company's directors brought their own talents to further the success of the Company: Terence McEwen, with his commitment to developing young talent; Lotfi Mansouri, who expanded the Company's repertoire; Pamela Rosenberg's programming of U.S. debuts and world premieres; David Gockley, dedicated to building audiences and an American canon of opera; and now Matthew Shilvock, who is poised to lead the Company into a bold new era.
Specialties
We have been thrilling audiences in San Francisco since 1923. We are known for commissioning numerous world premieres, training some of opera's greatest young artists and being one of the world's leading opera companies. Come visit us during our fall season (September - early December) or our summer season (late May - early July) and enjoy an incredible night out.We have been thrilling audiences in San Francisco since 1923. We are known for commissioning numerous world premieres, training some of opera's greatest young artists and being one of the world's leading opera companies. Come visit us during our fall season (September - early December) or our summer season (late May - early July) and enjoy an incredible night out.