After an 18-month absence, San Francisco Opera returns to its home, the splendidly restored War Memorial Opera House. Many events have been planned for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion; we hope you can be part of at least some of  them and thus share in a part of history.



 

75th Gala Celebration  SOLD OUT
Friday, September 5, 7 p.m.

Opening Night Concert celebrates San Francisco Operaâs 75th Season and the return to the War Memorial Opera House.

Beverly Sills, host
Derek Jacobi, master of ceremonies
San Francisco Opera Orchestra;
Donald Runnicles, conductor

Guests include:
Marilyn Horne, Patricia Racette, Leonie Rysanek, Joan Sutherland, Ruth Ann Swenson, Carol Vaness, Deborah Voigt, Frederica von Stade; Richard Bonynge, Plácido Domingo, Paolo Gavanelli, Jerry Hadley, Richard Leech, Richard Margison, James Morris and Samuel Ramey.

A telecast of the Gala will be broadcast later in the year as part of the 25th anniversary of Great Performances, produced for PBS by Thirteen/WNET in New York.

The Gala Ball:
This will be the most opulent event staged in the history of San Francisco Opera. The Gala Ball, a white tie/black tie evening will begin at 5 pm with a champagne reception and promenade at a specially designed pavilion adjacent to the Opera House. At the end of the performance (approximately 9 pm), guests will return to the Gala Ball for dinner and dancing to the music of The Bob Hardwick Orchestra.

BRAVO! Clubâs ãEvening of Eleganceä:
For young operagoers, a festive pre-performance cocktail reception and post-performance banquet and dance.

Opera House Party:
Post-performance party in the Opera House, with complimentary champagne, hors dâoeuvres, dessert and dancing.

The 75th Gala Celebration is sponsored, in part, by generous gifts from Nordstrom and the Estate of Vera Sichel.

75th Celebration Weekend
September 5, 11 a.m.
War Memorial Opera House steps. Free to the public. Re-dedication of the War Memorial Opera House as part of the War Memorial of San Francisco, constructed in 1932 to honor the memory of those who served in World War I.


Opera Fair
Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Bring along the family and tour our newly restored Opera House. Weâve polished the chandelier and interior details, and made advanced technical improvements. Weâll entertain you and your family in San Francisco Opera style!
 

Tosca
First Performance Saturday, September 6, 1997, 8pm
War Memorial Opera House

The first opera production in our newly restored Opera House is Tosca, the same work performed when San Francisco Opera opened the Opera House in 1932. We com-missioned the brilliant designer Thierry Bosquet to re-create the original 1932 set designs by Armando Agnini, and weâve assembled an internationally acclaimed cast for this magnificent production.


Opera in the Park
Sunday, September 7, 1:30 p.m.
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park. Free to the public.

Be part of this San Francisco tradition,  now in its 25th year. Pack a picnic basket, bring a blanket and spend an afternoon with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and some of the stars of the 1997/98 season at our free concert. Traditionally attended by more than 20,000 opera lovers, who enjoy the occasion with picnics on the lawn. Presented by San Francisco Examiner Charities, Inc.