2012 Merola Opera Program Public Performances

Schwabacher Summer Concert

Thursday, July 5, 7:30 PM
Herbst Theatre
$40   |   $25   |   $15 Students

Celebrate a delightful night at the opera in the intimate elegance of the Herbst Theatre. This concert will feature extended opera scenes from Anna Bolena by Donizetti; Mefistofele by Boïto; La jolie fille de Perth by Bizet; and The Rake’s Progress by Stravinsky. Conducted by Giuseppe Finzi and directed by Roy Rallo. For opera lovers and novices alike, this popular concert is the perfect way to explore the riches of opera and experience the stunning versatility and talent of the Merola artists. Running time is usually about two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission.

Outdoor Schwabacher Summer Concert

Saturday, July 7, 2:00 PM
Yerba Buena Gardens, FREE CONCERT

Postcard from Morocco

by Dominick Argento
Libretto by John Donahue
Thursday, July 19, 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 21, 2:00 PM
Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center
$60   |   $40   |   $25 Students

Dominick Argento’s rarely-performed, dreamlike Postcard from Morocco is a moving and artful piece recognized as a musical masterpiece and considered by many to be one of the most important operas of the 20th century. The surrealistic Postcard draws its strength from the emotional impressions created by its characterizations, rather than a concrete plot. This opera exemplifies Argento’s abilities as a composer--it incorporates cabaret, operetta and even borrows from ragtime and other types of popular music. Conducted by Mark Morash and directed by Peter Kazaras. Running time is about 90 minutes with no intermission.

La finta giardiniera

by W. A. Mozart
Thursday, August 2, 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 4, 2:00 PM
Cowell Theater at Fort Mason Center
$60   |   $40   |   $25 Students

Mozart's Italian opera buffa in three acts, La finta giardiniera, combines both comic and serious elements to tell a story filled with disguises, attempted murder, jealousy, kidnapping, intrigue, insanity, and love won and lost. Mozart transformed this story into one of the best of his early works--a delicious opera that bubbles with vitality and confidence. Conducted by Gary Wedow and directed by Nic Muni.

Merola Grand Finale

Saturday, August 18, 7:30 PM
War Memorial Opera House
$45 Orchestra Premium and Grand Tier Premium | $35 Orchestra and Grand Tier
$25 Dress Circle | $15 Students

Join us at the War Memorial Opera House and enjoy an evening of scenes and arias. The culmination of the Merola summer, the Merola Grand Finale is your last chance to see these talented performers before they embark on the next stage of their careers. Maestro Nicholas McGegan and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra join all of the Merola participants in a captivating evening of opera directed by apprentice stage director, Jennifer Williams. You won’t want to miss these future opera headliners as they showcase their talent and the progress made during the Merola summer.

Merola Grand Finale Reception

Saturday, August 18, post-performance
War Memorial Veterans Building, Green Room, $50

Merola Grand Finale Reception Tickets not available for puchase online.