Merola’s 2026 Benefit Gala - La Bella Voce: A Night of Merola
Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 5:30-10pm
City Club of San Francisco
155 Sansome St, 10th floor, San Francisco, CA
Event Overview
Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the elegant San Francisco City Club for Merola Opera Program’s annual Gala — La Bella Voce: A Night of Merola. This unforgettable evening will bring together up to 200 guests, including leaders from San Francisco’s musical and philanthropic communities, Merola’s Board of Directors and supporters, civic leaders, alumni, and rising opera stars.
Bernice Lindstrom will be honored as this year’s distinguished Gala honoree. A beloved and longtime member of the Merola community, Bernice has demonstrated extraordinary dedication with a profound commitment to the Merolini. As guests gather for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and shared purpose, the Gala will highlight Bernice’s remarkable contributions and the legacy of excellence she continues to build. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition at what promises to be a memorable and uplifting event.
Gala Event Details
Event Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Location: The San Francisco City Club, 155 Sansome Street, 10th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104
Attendance: Up to 180 guests
Evening Highlights:
- Cocktail reception
- Seated dinner
- Fund-the-future
- Musical program featuring Merola Alumni and 2026 San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows
Tickets & Pricing: Individual tickets $550, with limited Early Bird tickets $500 available through December 31, 2025
Please note that our offices will be closed from December 20–January 4. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (415) 936-2311 before December 20. From December 20 to January 4, tickets can be purchased exclusively through the link above while our staff is away.

Sponsorship & Impact
Sponsoring Merola’s Gala is more than supporting an event — it’s an investment in the future of opera. With a fundraising goal of $335,000, the Gala plays a critical role in funding Merola’s mission to train exceptional emerging artists who go on to perform on the world’s most prestigious stages. Your sponsorship not only advances the arts here in the Bay Area, but globally — and provides unparalleled opportunities for visibility and recognition among a community of influential cultural and civic leaders, philanthropists, and arts enthusiasts. Together, we can celebrate Merola’s legacy of artistic excellence while shaping the next generation of opera’s stars.
Explore our sponsorship packages and benefits which includes detailed information and a reply form to submit your commitment.
Information
To ensure you are added to Merola’s invitation list, purchase tickets, or to learn more sponsorships, please contact Victoria Lam at vlam@merola.org or (415) 936 – 2311.
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
MAGNUM OPUS | EXCLUSIVE EVENT SPONSOR
Diane B. Wilsey
OVATION
Robert H. Beadle (Exclusive Dinner Sponsor)
OVERTURE
Janet Cluff
Amy Roth & Robert Epstein
ENSEMBLE
Bruce & Fran Walker
DUET
Amii Barnard-Bahn & Michael Bahn
Camille Chan
George Crow
Hon. James & Elisabeth Warren
ARIA
Jeanne Dorward
Faye Wilson
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Bay Area Graphics
Rigg Estate Vineyard
White Rock Vineyards
2026 Benefit Gala Committee
Robert H. Beadle, Event Chair
Jennifer Brahm
Dr. James Cross
Sylvia R. Lindsey
Ronny Michael Greenberg
Dr. Pamela Zell Rigg
Ruth Uchimura
Zarana Udani
Carol Weitz
Patrick Wilken