THE MUSIC THAT MOVES THE CITY

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2 DEAR SUBSCRIBERS, Something very exciting is happening in San Francisco. The City is in a great period of growth and innovation, and standing at the center of this swirling energy is the War Memorial Opera House a home for dynamic, vital artistry for 94 years. I am so proud of the important role the Opera plays in the cultural life of our City. We bring together artists, artisans and technicians, and join with you, the audience, to share in transformative works that shape our sense of self and society. The Season is no exception. We invite you to delve into the truths of the human condition through nine incredible journeys, including a visceral production of Richard Strauss s, the world premiere of John Adams and Peter Sellars s Girls of the and Richard Wagner s epic Ring cycle. As we enter our 95th Season, I m particularly grateful to our Music Director Nicola Luisotti whose exciting tenure comes to a close at the end of the season. Nicola has brought unbridled passion and artistry to the Company and has breathed new life into our work. Thank you for being such an important part of this Company. I am very excited to share this season with you. With warmest wishes, MATTHEW SHILVOCK, GENERAL DIRECTOR THE MUSIC THAT MOVES THE CITY

3 DEAR FRIENDS, Something very exciting is happening in San Francisco. The City is in a great period of growth and innovation, and standing at the center of this swirling energy is the War Memorial Opera House a home for dynamic, vital artistry for 94 years. I am so proud of the important role the Opera plays in the cultural life of our City. We bring together artists, artisans and technicians, and join with you, the audience, to share in transformative works that shape our sense of self and society. The Season is no exception. We invite you to delve into the truths of the human condition through nine incredible journeys, including a visceral production of Richard Strauss s, the world premiere of John Adams and Peter Sellars s Girls of the and Richard Wagner s epic Ring cycle. As we enter our 95th Season, I m particularly grateful to our Music Director Nicola Luisotti whose exciting tenure comes to a close at the end of the season. Nicola has brought unbridled passion and artistry to the Company and has breathed new life into our work. Thank you for being such an important part of this Company. I am very excited to share this season with you. With warmest wishes, MATTHEW SHILVOCK, GENERAL DIRECTOR THE MUSIC THAT MOVES THE CITY

4 URAN OT I ve attended opera performances at all of the biggest houses across the U.S. and in Europe but I always come home to San Francisco Opera! Floyd R., subscriber since 1967 GIACOMO PUCCINI What is like ice, but burns like fire? a cold-hearted but exquisitely beautiful princess who challenges her suitors to a deadly game of wits. Only Calaf, an exiled prince, is hot-blooded enough to break through her icy veneer. A selfless sacrifice by Calaf s faithful servant ultimately awakens true emotions in, proving that in the game of love you can t win the top prize without giving away your heart. Puccini s magnificent final opera transports us to another time and place, a world of heightened spectacle where myth comes to life through music, culminating with the glorious Nessun dorma. Designed by visionary artist David Hockney and conducted by Nicola Luisotti, with two casts featuring Martina Serafin and Nina Stemme º, this is a feast for the senses. sfopera.com/turandot #SF SEP 8, 12, 15, 21, 24m, 30 NOV 18 º, 25 º, 28 º DEC 3m º, 6 º, 9 º With Martina Serafin/Nina Stemme º, Maria Agresta * /Toni-Marie Palmertree /Leah Crocetto º, Brian Jagde, Raymond Aceto/Soloman Howard *º ; Conductor Nicola Luisotti/Christopher Franklin *º ; Director Garnett Bruce. 3 hours including two intermissions. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. Co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago. *San Francisco Opera debut. Alternate cast. ºNov/Dec cast. This production is made possible, in part, by Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey. Additional support is provided by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; Bernard and Barbro Osher; The Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Fund; San Francisco Opera Guild; United Airlines; Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Conductors Fund and the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund; and Joan and David Traitel, through the Great Singers Fund. 2 3

5 LEK STRAUSS What would you do if you knew who murdered your father? For, the answer is clear. RARICHARD In the wake of the Trojan War, s mother, Klytemnestra, has killed her father, Agamemnon, and s world has come unmoored. When her desire for justice becomes a blood lust, pushes her fractured family to the brink of destruction. Through her terrifying descent we experience how a legacy of violence political and personal, physical and emotional can linger inside our very souls. A trio of powerhouse women Christine Goerke, Stephanie Blythe and Adrianne Pieczonka leads this new production of Richard Strauss s astonishing one-act tragedy, directed by Keith Warner with a contemporary lens on Greek history. sfopera.com/elektra #SF SEP 9, 13, 17m, 19, 22, 27 With Christine Goerke, Stephanie Blythe, Adrianne Pieczonka, Robert Brubaker, Alfred Walker * ; Conductor Henrik Nánási * ; Production Keith Warner; Revival Director Anja Kühnhold *. 1 hour, 40 minutes, with no intermission. Sung in German with English supertitles. Co-production with Prague National Theatre and Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe. *San Francisco Opera debut. This production is made possible in part by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; and Joan and David Traitel, through the Great Singers Fund. 4 5

6 A RAV IATA GIUSEPPE VERDI Passion that knows no boundaries. Rediscover the spirit and ardor of true romance in one of the most adored operas of all time. Aurelia Florian is Violetta Valéry, the glamorous but fragile seductress, and Atalla Ayan is Alfredo Germont, her admirer from afar. When they find love, it seems as if nothing could keep them apart. But the rules of society and the complexities of family expectations betray them, and Violetta s fate takes a tragic turn. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or revisiting it once more, Verdi s classic tale of a courtesan who loses everything only to find grace will make you fall in love all over again. sfopera.com/traviata #SF SEP 23, 26, 28 OCT 1m, 3, 6, 8m, 11, 14, 17 With Aurelia Florian *, Atalla Ayan *, Artur Ruciński * ; Conductor Nicola Luisotti; Original Director John Copley; Director Shawna Lucey. 3 hours including two intermissions. Sung in Italian with English supertitles. San Francisco Opera production. *San Francisco Opera debut. This production is made possible, in part, by: Chevron; and Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Conductors Fund and the Great Interpreters of Italian Opera Fund. 6 7

7 ANON JULES MASSENET Bright lights, lavish parties and the height of fashion at every turn. But at what price? Composed at the height of the Belle Époque, Jules Massenet s bright, sensual opera follows a pair of not-so-innocent young lovers as they tangle with the toast of Paris, inviting dangerous consequences. At the center of it all is beautiful, wide-eyed and insatiable. Tempted by luxury but driven by passion for a penniless man, she ricochets from one impossible situation to the next in search of happiness. With soprano sensation Nadine Sierra as and star tenor Michael Fabiano as Des Grieux, is a quintessential French portrait of a city and a woman no one can resist. sfopera.com/manon #SF NOV 4, 7, 10, 16, 19m, 22 I m so grateful to San Francisco Opera. They put their belief in me as a young singer earlier than others. With Nadine Sierra, Michael Fabiano, David Pershall, Robert Brubaker, Timothy Mix, James Creswell; Conductor Patrick Fournillier; Director Vincent Boussard. 3 hours, 30 minutes including two intermissions. Sung in French with English supertitles. Co-production with Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Israeli Opera. Michael Fabiano This production is made possible, in part, by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn and Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Emerging Stars Fund. 8 9

8 WORLD PREMIERE GIRLS OF THE MUSIC BY JOHN ADAMS LIBRETTO BY PETER SELLARS, COMPILED FROM ORIGINAL SOURCES COMMISSIONED BY SAN FRANCISCO OPERA, THE DALLAS OPERA, DUTCH NATIONAL OPERA AND TEATRO LA FENICE OLDEN EST You have no idea of this wild and barbarous life. Dame Shirley This world premiere opera follows four remarkable characters who flock to Gold Country hoping to strike it rich but are quickly caught up in the optimism, greed and prejudices of a rapidly changing world. Dame Shirley is an East Coast transplant chronicling life in the camp. Ah Sing, a Chinese immigrant, works as a prostitute but dreams of striking it rich. Ned Peters is a black, violin-playing cowboy and ex-slave who never quite feels safe. And Josefa is a young Mexican barmaid whose act of self-preservation will change them all forever. Composer John Adams and writer/director Peter Sellars, the team behind Doctor Atomic and Nixon in China, bring us this San Francisco Opera commission. The title is a nod to Puccini s The Girl of the, but this new opera tells the story of the unsung pioneers of the Gold Rush in their own words offering contemporary audiences a powerful reflection on the everyday people who set out to build new lives in a wild, beautiful land. sfopera.com/goldenwest #GoldenWestSF NOV 21, 24, 26m, 29 DEC 2, 5, 7, 10m With Julia Bullock *, Hye Jung Lee, J Nai Bridges, Paul Appleby, Davóne Tines *, Elliot Madore, Ryan McKinny * ; Conductor Grant Gershon * ; Director Peter Sellars. 3 hours, 15 minutes including one intermission. Sung in English with English supertitles. *San Francisco Opera debut. This production is made possible, in part, by: John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; Jane Bernstein and Bob Ellis; Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Emerging Stars Fund; and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts

9 RICHARD WAGNER SUMMER 2018 Donald Runnicles, one of the world s leading interpreters of Wagner, returns to conduct an extraordinary international cast and the incomparable San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus. CAST PRODUCTION Through myth we find humanity. Charting an epic course from the birth of nature to the fall of the gods and the dawn of a new age, the most monumental work of art ever created returns to San Francisco. In a single week, immerse yourself in a transformative journey through a world unhinged by corruption and politics, ravaged by greed and neglect, and where the one true power is the redeeming force of love. As Wagner s majestic music humanizes the mythic figures of legend giants, dragons, gods and heroes the timeless tale unfolds in San Francisco Opera s visually spectacular production directed by Francesca Zambello. BRÜNNHILDE EVELYN HERLITZIUS * WOTAN GREER GRIMSLEY SIEGFRIED DANIEL BRENNA * SIEGLINDE KARITA MATTILA SIEGMUND / FROH BRANDON JOVANOVICH LOGE STEFAN MARGITA ALBERICH FALK STRUCKMANN * HAGEN / FASOLT ANDREA SILVESTRELLI FRICKA / WALTRAUTE JAMIE BARTON MIME DAVID CANGELOSI HUNDING / FAFNER RAYMOND ACETO GUNTHER / DONNER BRIAN MULLIGAN ERDA / 1ST NORN RONNITA MILLER GUTRUNE MELISSA CITRO CONDUCTOR DONALD RUNNICLES DIRECTOR FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO *San Francisco Opera debut Sung in German with English supertitles Co-production with Washington National Opera Don t miss this life-changing experience! Add the Ring cycle to your season today. sfopera.com/ring The Ring is made possible, in part, by: Dr. and Mrs. William M. Coughran; Keith and Priscilla Geeslin; John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn; Edmund W. and Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund; Bernard and Barbro Osher; Betty and Jack Schafer; Barbara A. Wolfe; United Airlines; and Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem, through the Emerging Stars Fund

10 TUESDAY DAS RHEINGOLD In the cycle s prelude, greed and vengeance trigger a chain of events fraught with corruption and struggle. Scorned by three beautiful Rhinemaidens, the dwarf Alberich renounces love and steals the Rhine s magical gold to forge a ring granting its bearer absolute power. Surging music transports us from the banks of the pristine Rhine down to the depths of the smoldering earth and up to the realm of the gods, where the struggle for control of the ring propels this epic into cataclysmic motion. FRIDAY SIEGFRIED A fearless young hero battles otherworldly challenges on a journey to discover his destiny. A generation has passed as the cycle s third opera opens on a despoiled world, marred by pervasive greed and reckless ambition. Raised by the deceitful dwarf Mime, Siegfried the mortal son of the twins Siegmund and Sieglinde rebuffs authority as he wins the ring and forges his own path to the extraordinary woman who awaits him. WEDNESDAY DIE WALKÜRE A father s blinding ambition and a daughter s profound defiance drive the story forward in the cycle s dramatic second installment. The chief god Wotan fathers the hero Siegmund to regain control of the ring. But, when confronted with the futility of his dream, Wotan is forced to forsake not only his son but also his beloved daughter, the warrior-maiden Brünnhilde. SUNDAY GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG The cycle reaches its transcendent climax with a suspenseful tale of bravery and sacrifice, treachery and betrayal, destruction and renewal. As the end nears for the gods, and human ambition rules the world, Alberich s son Hagen hatches a plot to take control of the ring, threatening the union of Siegfried and Brünnhilde. Fueled by greed, Hagen s actions lead to chaos and destruction, until Brünnhilde steps forward to return the world to its natural order

11 CHOOSE YOUR CYCLE Experience the 4-opera Ring cycle as Wagner intended: in its entirety, over the course of a single week. Add a cycle to your subscription today! Please note each cycle is sold separately from fall season subscription series. sfopera.com/ring Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 Das Rheingold T June 12 7:30pm T June 19 7:30pm T June 26 7:30pm Die Walküre W June 13 7pm W June 20 7pm W June 27 7pm Siegfried F June 15 6:30pm F June 22 6:30pm F June 29 6:30pm Götterdämmerung Su June 17 1pm Su June 24 1pm Su July 1 1pm All performances of the Ring will feature OperaVision, HD video projection screens in the Balcony. OperaVision is made possible by the Koret/Taube Media Suite. Please note that each cycle is sold as a 4-opera series; tickets may not be purchased for individual operas and tickets are non-exchangeable. Cast, prices and schedule subject to change. Due to the limited number of performances, subscribers should not expect to receive their subscription seats for their Ring cycle. JOIN THE RING CIRCLE Immerse yourself in Wagner s operatic masterpiece with unique opportunities designed to bring this most epic of works to life. Enjoy priority seating and exclusive behind-the-scenes access leading up to and during the Ring. Whether you are joining us from out of town or from the Bay Area, let us roll out the red carpet for an exceptional experience. $5,000 Rhinemaiden Circle Purchase Ring cycle subscriptions (up to four cycle tickets) without the contribution portion listed on the pricing grid to the left Priority seating for up to four Ring tickets in the premium section of your choice, subject to availability Complimentary parking for all performances in your Ring cycle Two passes to one Ring final dress rehearsal of your choice $10,000 Valkyrie Circle All above benefits plus: Valhalla Lounge access for all intermissions Invitation for two to a cast party immediately following the performance of Götterdämmerung Two passes to a second Ring final dress rehearsal of your choice RING CYCLE PRICES (per seat, includes all four operas) War Memorial Opera House * Your tax-deductible portion will support the Ring cycle in the Season. SECTION TAX-DEDUCTIBLE PORTION* TOTAL PRICE Orchestra Premium (ORP) $1,260 $2,660 Orchestra (ORC) $850 $1,850 Orchestra Ring (ORR) $640 $1,440 Center Box (CTR BOXES E V) $1,620 $3,420 Box (BOX) $1,500 $3,180 Grand Tier Premium (GTP) $1,260 $2,660 Grand Tier Premium 2 (GTP2) $1,260 $2,660 Grand Tier (GT) $850 $1,850 Dress Circle Premium (DCP) $640 $1,440 Dress Circle (DC) $450 $1,090 Balcony Circle 1 (BC1) $390 $950 Balcony Circle 2 (BC2) $390 $950 Balcony 1 (B1) $120 $600 Balcony 2 (B2) $90 $450 Balcony 3 (B3) $30 $190 $15,000 Hero Circle All above benefits plus: Invitation for two to a welcome dinner prior to Das Rheingold Two passes to a third Ring final dress rehearsal of your choice Production sponsorship opportunities, featuring exclusive customized benefits, begin at $25,000. For additional information or questions, please contact Cathy Lewis at (415) or clewis@sfopera.com. THE RING FESTIVAL Before and during the Ring cycle, join us for lectures, events and other activities to bring you closer to this incredible world. Visit sfopera.com/ringfestival in spring 2017 for the schedule of events. In accordance with contribution guidelines and San Francisco Opera policy, please note the following: All contributions associated with the 2018 Ring cycle performances, including the contribution portion of Ring tickets, will be recognized in program listings and are eligible for benefits during the Season. Ring Circle and production sponsorship gifts will also be recognized in a dedicated listing in program books during the and Seasons

12 FULL 5 FALL OPERAS WITH NO-FEE EXCHANGES AND COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADES FULL FALL ADVANTAGES Enjoy personalized service with your subscriber representative. Keep the same seats for each original performance or request a change this season. Enjoy two free seating upgrades. Redeemable one day in advance; subject to availability. Purchase reserved parking in advance for the Performing Arts Garage. One car per account, valid for the fall season only. Save on additional tickets with discounted subscriber prices. We waive the handling fee on all additional tickets for mainstage performances. Customize your Full Series to fit your schedule and tastes. At the time of purchase, call the Box Office to arrange early exchanges for up to three performances per subscription. Save with no-fee exchanges when requested at least 24 hours in advance. WEEKDAY WHY SUBSCRIBE? A WEEKDAYS 4 TUE EVES 1 FRI EVE F Sep 8 8pm T Sep 19 7:30pm T Sep 26 7:30pm T Nov 7 7:30pm T Nov 21 7:30pm IT S YOUR OPERA HOUSE D WEEKDAYS 1 TUE EVE 1 WED EVE 3 THU EVES W Sep 13 7:30pm Th Sep 21 7:30pm Th Sep 28 7:30pm Th Nov 16 7:30pm BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY T Dec 5 7:30pm Did you know San Francisco s War Memorial Opera House was the first American opera house built entirely through community donations? In the years leading up to our 1932 inaugural performance, immigrants, San Francisco State students, the Chinese bazaar Sing Fat Company, shipyard workers and coffee merchants joined Phoebe Hearst and M. H. de Young to raise $5.5 million to construct one of the world s most stunning opera houses. R WEEKDAYS 1 TUE EVE 3 WED EVES 1 THU EVE T Sep 12 7:30pm WEEKEND W Sep 27 7:30pm W Oct 11 7:30pm W Nov 22 7:30pm BEST WEEKDAY PRICES Th Dec 7 7:30pm IT S YOUR TIME TO CHERISH IT Be a part of a passionate community of opera lovers, celebrating the dynamic power of opera found here in San Francisco. Share in deep personal and emotional experiences while nurturing the creativity of the Company. Performance after performance, encounter a breadth of different worlds on one stage. Enjoy subscriber-only benefits including complimentary seat upgrades, savings, no-fee exchanges and a personal subscriber representative. G J FRIDAYS 5 FRIDAY EVENINGS F Sep 15 7:30pm SATURDAYS 5 SATURDAY EVENINGS S Sep 9 7:30pm F Sep 22 7:30pm S Sep 23 7:30pm F Oct 6 7:30pm S Sep 30 7:30pm F Nov 10 7:30pm S Nov 4 7:30pm BEST WEEKEND PRICES F Nov 24 7:30pm S Dec 2 7:30pm MORE OPTIONS. MORE AFFORDABLE PRICES. We re committed to making the music that moves you more affordable. With your subscription, enjoy lower prices on all Full and Half Series in non-premium sections, including the orchestra. As a subscriber, you ll pay the lowest price for the best seats, and your loyalty is rewarded with exclusive benefits. M SUNDAY MATINEES 5 SUNDAY MATINEES Su Sep 17 2pm Su Sep 24 2pm Su Oct 1 2pm Su Nov 19 2pm ALL OPERAVISION Su Nov 26 2pm 18 See pricing on pages 22 and 23. (415) sfopera.com OperaVision in Balcony. See page

13 HALF 3 OR 4 FALL OPERAS WITH NO-FEE EXCHANGES AND COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADE WEEKDAY B WEEKDAYS 1 FRI EVE 2 TUE EVES F Sep 8 8:00pm T Sep 19 7:30pm T Nov 7 7:30pm HALF FALL ADVANTAGES Enjoy personalized service with your subscriber representative. Keep the same seats for each original performance or request a change this season. Enjoy one free seating upgrade. Redeemable one day in advance; subject to availability. Purchase reserved parking in advance for the UC Hastings Garage. One car per account, valid for the fall season only. Save on additional tickets with discounted subscriber prices. We waive the handling fee on all additional tickets for mainstage performances. Customize your Half Series to fit your schedule and tastes. At the time of purchase, call the Box Office to arrange early exchanges for up to two performances per subscription. Does not apply to Series O. Save with no-fee exchanges when requested at least 24 hours in advance. C E F S TUESDAYS 3 TUESDAY EVENINGS T Sep 26 7:30pm WEEKDAYS 2 TUE EVES 1 THU EVE Th Sep 21 7:30pm WEEKDAYS 1 TUE EVE 1 WED EVE 1 THU EVE T Sep 12 7:30pm T Nov 21 7:30pm T Oct 17 7:30pm WEEKDAYS 1 WED EVE 2 THU EVES W Sep 13 7:30pm Th Sep 28 7:30pm W Oct 11 7:30pm T Nov 28 7:30pm T Dec 5 7:30pm Th Nov 16 7:30pm Th Dec 7 7:30pm BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY ALL OPERAVISION WEEKEND H FRIDAYS 3 FRIDAY EVENINGS F Sep 15 7:30pm F Nov 10 7:30pm F Nov 24 7:30pm T MIXED DAYS 2 WED EVES 1 SAT EVE W Sep 27 7:30pm W Nov 22 7:30pm S Dec 9 7:30pm BEST WEEKDAY PRICES I MIXED DAYS 2 FRI EVES 1 SAT EVE F Sep 22 7:30pm F Oct 6 7:30pm S Nov 25 7:30pm BEST WEEKEND PRICES X WEEKDAYS 1 TUE EVE 2 WED EVES T Oct 3 7:30pm W Nov 29 7:30pm W Dec 6 7:30pm BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY K SATURDAYS 4 SATURDAY EVENINGS S Sep 9 7:30pm S Sep 30 7:30pm S Oct 14 7:30pm S Dec 2 7:30pm RBW WEEKDAYS 1 TUE EVE 1 WED EVE 1 THU EVE * T Sep 12 7:30pm W Oct 11 7:30pm Th Dec 7 7:30pm BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY L SATURDAYS 3 SATURDAY EVENINGS S Sep 23 7:30pm S Nov 4 7:30pm S Nov 18 7:30pm BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY Subscribe to the Rainbow Series (RBW) and join other opera lovers in the LGBTQ community! Enjoy an exclusive reception,* with either Series RBW (3 operas) or Full Series R+RBW (5 operas). Series R+RBW includes the same performances as Full Series R on page 19 plus the added Rainbow Series reception. N SUNDAY MATINEES 3 SUNDAY MATINEES Su Sep 17 2pm Su Oct 1 2pm Su Nov 19 2pm ALL OPERAVISION O SUNDAY MATINEES 2 SUNDAY MATINEES 1 SUBSCRIBER CHOICE Su Sep 24 2pm Su Nov 26 2pm Subscriber choice: Choose a 3rd performance Call the Box Office and select a performance of your choice. The Rainbow Series is a wonderful way to connect with returning opera-goers and meet new people in the community. I highly recommend it! W SUNDAY MATINEES 3 SUNDAY MATINEES Su Oct 8 2pm Su Dec 3 2pm Su Dec 10 2pm BEST SEATING AVAILABILITY Darryl C, Rainbow subscriber since See pricing on pages 22 and 23. (415) sfopera.com OperaVision in Balcony. See page 28. See pricing on pages 22 and 23. (415) sfopera.com OperaVision in Balcony. See page

14 MORE WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE JOIN OUR FAMILY OF DONORS OUT OF TOWN Visiting the Bay Area? See two or three operas in two or three days and take advantage of special offers at local hotels, restaurants and museums. Join us for National Patrons weekend, December 1 3, 2017 and delight in special behind-the-scenes experiences. STUDENT-TEACHER Current students and teachers receive 50% off select Full and Half Series. sfopera.com/edu For exchange benefits for these series, please visit sfopera.com/subexchanges. Note, complimentary upgrades and subscriber representatives are not valid for Out of Town Series, Student-Teacher Series or the Ring. Help us share the transformative power of opera with the widest possible audience. Your investment of any size delivers thrilling performances, immersive education programs, free community events and more. As a member you ll take part in unique experiences all year round while supporting the art form you love. MAKE A DIFFERENCE ENJOY REWARDING BENEFITS SUBSCRIBERS SAVE ON ADDITONAL TICKETS Buy discounted subscriber tickets to mainstage operas not included in your series or treat family and friends to a night at the Opera. Plus, as a subscriber, you re never charged a handling fee when purchasing additional tickets for mainstage performances. For pricing, please visit sfopera.com/subaddon. Does not apply to Ring performances. I have seen opera all over the world. Nowhere have I found it presented with more integrity and passion than at San Francisco Opera. Richard M, subscriber since 1988 San Francisco Opera has a wonderful tradition of presenting the world s finest artists in broad and exciting repertoire. Staging such impactful productions is an expensive undertaking and ticket sales cover only 30% of our annual operating expenses. Your support brings the world s leading artists to our stage, trains the stars of tomorrow and sustains our array of acclaimed school and family programs. It also allows tens of thousands of people to experience the thrill of live opera for free at community events like our live simulcasts to AT&T Park. From dress rehearsals and panel discussions with artists to backstage tours and more, enjoy exciting benefits while supporting San Francisco Opera. Join or renew your support at the $200 Patron level or higher and receive an exclusive invitation to a final dress rehearsal. For more details about giving levels and benefits call (415) or visit sfopera.com/benefits. 24 Subscribe today! (415) sfopera.com 25

15 CALENDAR The atmosphere here in San Francisco and in California and in this particular house it has special energy. Nina Stemme SEPTEMBER 2017 NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat LABOR DAY A,B 8pm J,K 7:30pm 10 Opera in the Park R, 7:30pm D,F 7:30pm G,H 7:30pm 1:30pm S/RBW M,N 2pm A,B 7:30pm EREV ROSH HASHANAH D,E 7:30pm ROSH HASHANAH G,I 7:30pm J,L 7:30pm M,O 2pm A,C 7:30pm R,T 7:30pm D,F 7:30pm OCTOBER 2017 EREV YOM KIPPUR Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat M,N 2pm X 7:30pm G,I 7:30pm J,K YOM KIPPUR 7:30pm W 2pm R, 7:30pm S/RBW E 7:30pm K 7:30pm Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat A,B 7:30pm G,H 7:30pm J,L 7:30pm D,F 7:30pm L 7:30pm M,N 2pm A,C 7:30pm R,T 7:30pm M,O 2pm C 7:30pm X 7:30pm JUNE JULY 2018 THANKSGIVING G,H 7:30pm I 7:30pm DECEMBER 1 2 J,K 7:30pm Adler Gala 9 Concert W 2pm D,E 7:30pm X 7:30pm R, 7:30pm S/RBW 7:30pm T 7:30pm 10 W 2pm Highlighted boxes denote opening performances. Letters denote subscription series (A, B, C, D, E, F ). Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Rheingold 13 Die Walküre Siegfried 16 7:30pm 7pm 6:30pm 17 Götterdämmerung Rheingold 20 Die Walküre Siegfried 23 1pm 7:30pm 7pm 6:30pm THE FUTURE IS NOW ADLER FELLOWS GALA CONCERT WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA Friday, December 8, 7:30pm Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco 24 Götterdämmerung Rheingold 27 Die Walküre Siegfried 30 1pm SF PRIDE 7:30pm 7pm 6:30pm JULY 1 Götterdämmerung 1pm HD video projection screens are featured on the Balcony level for this performance. For the most up-to-date calendar of events, visit sfopera.com/whatson. Ring Cycle 1 Ring Cycle 2 Ring Cycle 3 26 Save the date for an exciting night of unforgettable music featuring the renowned San Francisco Opera Resident Artists, the 2017 Adler Fellows, in their final concert of the year. sfopera.com/operacenter Brochure photos: cover and pp. 4 5/Prague State Opera production of /Patrik Borecki; inside spread/eric Frazier; pp. 2 3/San Francisco Opera production of /Cory Weaver; pp. 6 7/San Francisco Opera production of La /Cory Weaver; pp. 8 9/Lithuanian National Opera production of / Martynas Aleksa; pp /M.& N. Hanhart Chromo Lith, and Frank Marryat. San Francisco / S.F. Marryat, delt. [London: M.& N. Hanhart Chromo Lith. impt.,?, ca. 1850] Image. Library of Congress, item# ; pp /San Francisco Opera production of the Ring/Cory Weaver, Ring Illustration/Mission Minded; pp /San Francisco Opera production of the Ring and War Memorial Opera House interior/cory Weaver; pp /Lombard Street/Phoenix Wang; p. 24 and back cover/war Memorial Opera House exterior/eric Frazier; p. 25/2016 ARIA Festival/Scott Wall, San Francisco Opera production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg/Cory Weaver; p. 26/Adler Fellows/Scott Wall; p. 28/Opening Night/Drew Altizer. Envelope photos: War Memorial Opera House/Eric Frazier; Lithuanian National Opera production of /Martynas Aleksa; Nicola Luisotti/Terrence McCarthy. Design: Mission Minded. 27

16 OPENING NIGHT: SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 THE CITY S MOST MAGICAL EVENING OPERA BALL 2017 BRAVO! CLUB GALA HOW TO RENEW RENEW BY MARCH 13 TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEATS Pre-Opera Talks Perfect for newcomers, aficionados and everyone in between, our Pre-Opera Talks are engaging 25-minute overviews of each opera led by a leading music expert. Talks begin 55 minutes before every performance (except Opening Night, Sep 8). sfopera.com/operatalks Insight Panels San Francisco Opera Guild Event Chairs Courtney Labe and Maryam Muduroglu invite you to celebrate the opening night of San Francisco Opera s 95th Season. Pre-performance cocktails and a sumptuous dinner are followed by Giacomo Puccini s, after which guests will enjoy dancing and further celebration. Advance reservations are essential for this perennially sold-out evening. For tickets and more information, contact the Guild at (415) or visit sfopera.com/operaball2017. Engage with the creative team and members of the cast during these informal panel discussions of select operas. Presented by San Francisco Opera Guild. sfopera.com/insights Opera Guild Previews Delve into the history and significance of select operas in 90-minute Opera Previews, led by lively opera experts in communities throughout the Bay Area. sfopera.com/previews Kick off San Francisco Opera s 95th Season with the BRAVO! CLUB s annual black-tie gala hosted by event chairs Alex Petalas and Victoria Weatherford. Enjoy cocktails prior to Giacomo Puccini s, followed by dancing into the wee hours. Join BRAVO! CLUB and meet other opera-loving, young professionals ages Members enjoy ticket discounts throughout the year, as well as educational and social events. For tickets and membership information, visit sfopera.com/bravo. GET CLOSER TO OPERA Education Programs San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Opera Guild bring the excitement of opera to K 12 educators and students. sfopera.com/education We also offer a variety of engaging programs for teens, university students, adults and families throughout the Bay Area. Sign up for our monthly E-Opera newsletter for more information. sfopera.com/eopera KDFC and WFMT Radio Broadcasts Tune into Classical KDFC 90.3, 89.9, 104.9, 92.5, 95.9, FM and Comcast Cable 981, or listen online at kdfc.com the first Sunday of each month for recent and archival performances. In the fall, broadcasts also air on the WFMT Radio Network nationwide. sfopera.com/broadcast OperaVision in the Balcony 1 SELECT 2 CALL 3 SUPPORT 4 ENJOY YOUR PACKAGES Choose your Fall 2017 series and seating section on pages and choose your Summer 2018 Ring cycle on page 16. THE BOX OFFICE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SEASON Customize Your Full or Half Series with early exchanges. These benefits are only available at the time of order by phone or in person. Arrange a Payment Plan and secure your seats with as little as 25% down. Add Tickets to other mainstage performances not in your subscription and save. Does not apply to the Ring. YOUR OPERA Enrich your connection to San Francisco Opera. Your investment of any size delivers thrilling performances, trains the stars of tomorrow, brings opera education to local schools and presents free community events. Plus, you ll enjoy exciting benefits and special behind-the-scenes opportunities, from dress rehearsals and panel discussions with artists to backstage tours and more. THE SEASON! Suggestions and Notes About Your Order RENEW NOW! Phone (415) Online sfopera.com/renew Login required By Mail or In Person San Francisco Opera War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA Box Office Hours Mon 10am 5pm Tue Fri 10am 6pm Sat 10am 6pm (Sat phones only until Box Office window opens in mid-may) English Supertitles for all Operas Similar to film subtitles, all of our operas are performed with supertitles English paraphrases of the text projected above the stage. Headsets that provide a spoken version of the projected supertitles are available at all performances as are assistive listening devices. Get closer to the action on stage with OperaVision. Offered in the Balcony level at select performances, OperaVision HD video projection screens show close-ups of the drama unfolding on stage along with English subtitles. Look for the OperaVision symbol next to performance dates. Surcharge applies; see page 23. OperaVision is made possible by the Koret/Taube Media Suite. Select a second choice for your seating section, in case your first choice is not available. New subscriptions, subscription change requests, early exchanges and add-on tickets are assigned seats after the renewal deadline, March 13, not at the time of order. Seats are not likely to be the same as your original subscription seats. Performances exchanged at the time of order will be permanently released from your series. Checks will be deposited immediately and credit cards will be charged for the full value of your first choice or the full value of your first payment if you have chosen a payment plan. This is not a guarantee of seating. If your final seat assignment is your alternate choice, we will automatically refund or charge the difference due, as appropriate. We will do our best to accommodate seating requests, but we cannot guarantee the availability of seating in any section or price level. If we cannot seat you in any of your choices, we will contact you to discuss an alternate section, seat, package or a full refund. Seating priority is based upon subscription and contribution history, with greater consideration given to contributions. For information, please call (415) If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office. If you do not receive an acknowledgment of your order by or mail within 14 days, please call the Box Office. Cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change. All orders are final. No refunds or returns. A $2 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony 1, 2 and 3 section prices; all other sections include a $3 per-ticket facility fee. A $15 subscription handling fee is charged per order. Exchanges are subject to availability; any additional ticket price differential will apply. There is a $10 fee for exchanges made on the day of the performance for all subscribers. There are no exchanges for the Ring cycle. Design Your Own Series will be available in May

17 OPENING NIGHT: SEPTEMBER 8, 2017 THE CITY S MOST MAGICAL EVENING HOW TO ORDER Pre-Opera Talks Perfect for newcomers, aficionados and everyone in between, our Pre-Opera Talks are engaging 25-minute overviews of each opera led by a leading music expert. Talks begin 55 minutes before every performance (except Opening Night, Sep 8). sfopera.com/operatalks Insight Panels OPERA BALL 2017 San Francisco Opera Guild Event Chairs Courtney Labe and Maryam Muduroglu invite you to celebrate the opening night of San Francisco Opera s 95th Season. Pre-performance cocktails and a sumptuous dinner are followed by Giacomo Puccini s, after which guests will enjoy dancing and further celebration. Advance reservations are essential for this perennially sold-out evening. For tickets and more information, contact the Guild at (415) or visit sfopera.com/operaball2017. Engage with the creative team and members of the cast during these informal panel discussions of select operas. Presented by San Francisco Opera Guild. sfopera.com/insights Opera Guild Previews Delve into the history and significance of select operas in 90-minute Opera Previews, led by lively opera experts in communities throughout the Bay Area. sfopera.com/previews BRAVO! CLUB GALA Kick off San Francisco Opera s 95th Season with the BRAVO! CLUB s annual black-tie gala hosted by event chairs Alex Petalas and Victoria Weatherford. Enjoy cocktails prior to Giacomo Puccini s, followed by dancing into the wee hours. Join BRAVO! CLUB and meet other opera-loving, young professionals ages Members enjoy ticket discounts throughout the year, as well as educational and social events. For tickets and membership information, visit sfopera.com/bravo. GET CLOSER TO OPERA Education Programs San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Opera Guild bring the excitement of opera to K 12 educators and students. sfopera.com/education We also offer a variety of engaging programs for teens, university students, adults and families throughout the Bay Area. Sign up for our monthly E-Opera newsletter for more information. sfopera.com/eopera KDFC and WFMT Radio Broadcasts Tune into Classical KDFC 90.3, 89.9, 104.9, 92.5, 95.9, FM and Comcast Cable 981, or listen online at kdfc.com the first Sunday of each month for recent and archival performances. In the fall, broadcasts also air on the WFMT Radio Network nationwide. sfopera.com/broadcast OperaVision in the Balcony 1 SELECT 2 CALL 3 SUPPORT 4 ENJOY YOUR PACKAGES Choose your Fall 2017 series and seating section on pages and choose your Summer 2018 Ring cycle on page 16. THE BOX OFFICE TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SEASON Customize Your Full or Half Series with early exchanges. These benefits are only available at the time of order by phone or in person. Arrange a Payment Plan and secure your seats with as little as 25% down. Add Tickets to other mainstage performances not in your subscription and save. Does not apply to the Ring. YOUR OPERA Enrich your connection to San Francisco Opera. Your investment of any size delivers thrilling performances, trains the stars of tomorrow, brings opera education to local schools and presents free community events. Plus, you ll enjoy exciting benefits and special behind-the-scenes opportunities, from dress rehearsals and panel discussions with artists to backstage tours and more. THE SEASON! Suggestions and Notes About Your Order SUBSCRIBE NOW! Phone (415) Online sfopera.com/subscribe By Mail or In Person San Francisco Opera War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA Box Office Hours Mon 10am 5pm Tue Fri 10am 6pm Sat 10am 6pm (Sat phones only until Box Office window opens in mid-may) English Supertitles for all Operas Similar to film subtitles, all of our operas are performed with supertitles English paraphrases of the text projected above the stage. Headsets that provide a spoken version of the projected supertitles are available at all performances as are assistive listening devices. Get closer to the action on stage with OperaVision. Offered in the Balcony level at select performances, OperaVision HD video projection screens show close-ups of the drama unfolding on stage along with English subtitles. Look for the OperaVision symbol next to performance dates. Surcharge applies; see page 23. OperaVision is made possible by the Koret/Taube Media Suite. Select a second choice for your seating section, in case your first choice is not available. New subscriptions, subscription change requests, early exchanges and add-on tickets are assigned seats after the renewal deadline, March 13, not at the time of order. Seats are not likely to be the same as your original subscription seats. Performances exchanged at the time of order will be permanently released from your series. Checks will be deposited immediately and credit cards will be charged for the full value of your first choice or the full value of your first payment if you have chosen a payment plan. This is not a guarantee of seating. If your final seat assignment is your alternate choice, we will automatically refund or charge the difference due, as appropriate. We will do our best to accommodate seating requests, but we cannot guarantee the availability of seating in any section or price level. If we cannot seat you in any of your choices, we will contact you to discuss an alternate section, seat, package or a full refund. Seating priority is based upon subscription and contribution history, with greater consideration given to contributions. For information, please call (415) If you have specific seating requests, including accessibility needs, please contact the Box Office. If you do not receive an acknowledgment of your order by or mail within 14 days, please call the Box Office. Cast, programs, prices and schedules are subject to change. All orders are final. No refunds or returns. A $2 per-ticket facility fee is included in Balcony 1, 2 and 3 section prices; all other sections include a $3 per-ticket facility fee. A $15 subscription handling fee is charged per order. Exchanges are subject to availability; any additional ticket price differential will apply. There is a $10 fee for exchanges made on the day of the performance for all subscribers. There are no exchanges for the Ring cycle. Design Your Own Series will be available in May

18 The power of a live opera performance is extraordinary and that is what we create at San Francisco Opera: a musical and theatrical experience that will move you for all times. Nicola Luisotti, Music Director War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA sfopera.com (415) MATTHEW SHILVOCK General Director NICOLA LUISOTTI Music Director COMPANY SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR CORPORATE PARTNERS The Dolby Family Ann and Gordon Getty John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Franklin and Catherine Johnson Edmund W. and Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund Steven M. Menzies Bernard and Barbro Osher Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Dianne and Tad Taube Phyllis C. Wattis Endowment Funds Diane B. Wilsey

19 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID SAN FRANCISCO OPERA War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA sfopera.com (415) MATTHEW SHILVOCK General Director NICOLA LUISOTTI Music Director COMPANY SPONSORS SEASON SPONSOR CORPORATE PARTNERS The Dolby Family Ann and Gordon Getty John A. and Cynthia Fry Gunn Franklin and Catherine Johnson Edmund W. and Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Fund Steven M. Menzies Bernard and Barbro Osher Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Dianne and Tad Taube Phyllis C. Wattis Endowment Funds Diane B. Wilsey