2025 Performances & Events
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Become a member and attend a full year of events including exciting members-only events. Each summer, members get a unique, “backstage” view of the training of tomorrow’s opera stars. Member benefits include attendance at vocal master classes, invitations to special events and ticketing privileges.
Past Performances & Events
2025 Performances & Events
Thursday, February 13, 2025, 7:30PM
Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Presented by Merola Opera Program & San Francisco Opera Center
The Schwabacher Recital Series offers you the opportunity to hear gifted singers in an up-close and intimate setting. Since 1983, these recitals have featured renowned Merola alumni and have also been instrumental in launching the careers of internationally acclaimed artists.
Georgiana Adams, soprano
Caroline Corrales, soprano
Thomas Kinch, tenor
Samuel Kidd, baritone
Julian Grabarek, piano
Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 7:30PM
Barbro Osher Recital Hall, The Bowes Center • 200 Van Ness Avenue
Presented by Merola Opera Program & San Francisco Opera Center
The Schwabacher Recital Series offers you the opportunity to hear gifted singers in an up-close and intimate setting. Since 1983, these recitals have featured renowned Merola alumni and have also been instrumental in launching the careers of internationally acclaimed artists.
Michael John Butler, tenor
Olivier Zerouali, baritone
Julian Garvue, piano
Ji Youn Lee, piano
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 7:30PM
Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Presented by Merola Opera Program & San Francisco Opera Center
The Schwabacher Recital Series offers you the opportunity to hear gifted singers in an up-close and intimate setting. Since 1983, these recitals have featured renowned Merola alumni and have also been instrumental in launching the careers of internationally acclaimed artists.
Leah Crocetto, soprano
Carrie-Ann Matheson, piano
Saturday, April 26, 2025, 5:30PM - 10:00PM
City Club of San Francisco • 155 Sansome St
Join us on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the elegant San Francisco City Club for Merola Opera Program’s annual Gala — Belle Nuit: 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. The evening will honor John Churchwell (Merola ’96), celebrated Head of Music Staff at San Francisco Opera and Co-Director of the Music Academy of the West’s Vocal Institute.
Thursday, June 26, 2025, 7:30PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Tickets • $68/$38/$18 (25 & under)
Please call the San Francisco Opera Box Office at 415-864-3330 to check on last minute availability for this performance
Curated by Ronny Michael Greenberg (Merola ’14).
Experience the heart and soul of American music in an intimate recital showcasing the depth and diversity of song in the United States. The 2025 Merola artists bring their artistry and storytelling to a vibrant program featuring works by a wide range of American composers. From cherished classics to hidden gems, this evening of song is a joyful tribute to the artists that have shaped – and continue to redefine – American music.
Performed in English.
This recital is generously underwritten, in part, by the Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation and the Frances K. And Charles D. Field Foundation.
Hurry! Tickets going fast!
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:30PM
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 2:00PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Tickets • $68/$38/$18 (25 & under)
Conducted by William Long and directed by Omer Ben Seadia (Merola ’14) and Elio Bucky (Merola ’25).
Revel in the sheer joy of opera as the 2025 Merola artists deliver a breathtaking evening of vocal fireworks and lush melodies accompanied by the San Francisco Opera Center Orchestra. Featuring extended scenes from beloved operas by Donizetti alongside Puccini and Verdi, this concert is a feast for the ears, celebrating the expressive power of the human voice with passion, elegance, and undeniable flair.
Performed with English supertitles.
This concert is named in memory of Merola’s late Chairman, James Schwabacher, and is generously underwritten, in part, by the Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation and the Frances K. And Charles D. Field Foundation.
Cast
William Long
Conductor
Omer Ben Seadia
Director
Elio Bucky
Director
Sadie Cheslak
Mezzo-Soprano
Ariane Cossette
Soprano
Ruby Dibble
Mezzo-Soprano
Alexa Frankian
Soprano
Chea Kang
Soprano
John Mburu
Bass-Baritone
Gabriel Natal-Báez
Baritone
Joeavian Rivera
Baritone
Charlotte Siegel
Soprano
Tristan Tournaud
Tenor
Anna Maria Vacca
Mezzo-Soprano
Justice Yates
Bass-Baritone
Jin Yu
Tenor
Thursday, July 31, 2025, 7:30PM
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 2:00PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Tickets • $68/$38/$18 (25 & under)
Tickets are currently sold out.
Please check back soon or call the San Francisco Opera Box Office at 415-864-3330 for updated availability and last-minute ticket releases.
Conducted by Pierre Vallet and directed by Garnett Bruce.
Rossini’s delightful comedy bursts with laughter, romance, and mischief as Count Ory stops at nothing—disguising himself in increasingly ridiculous ways—to win the heart of Countess Adèle. However, he’s not the only one scheming for her affection; his clever page is also in love with the Countess, and the two of them are hatching a plan of their own. Featuring a whirlwind of mistaken identities, gender-bending disguises, and Rossini’s effervescent melodies, this joyful adventure is a celebration of wit, charm, and dazzling vocal fireworks. Don’t miss this sparkling and hilarious, rarely seen gem!
Performed in French with English supertitles.
This opera is generously underwritten, in part, by the Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation and the Frances K. And Charles D. Field Foundation.
Cast
Pierre Vallet
Conductor
Garnett Bruce
Director
Minghao Liu
Comte Ory
Eva Rae Martinez
Comtesse Adèle
Meg Brilleslyper
Isolier
Wanchun Liang
Gouverneur
Benjamin Dickerson
Raimbaud
Ariana Maubach
Ragonde
Sofia Gotch
Alice
Alexa Frankian
Comtesse's Ensemble
Chea Kang
Comtesse's Ensemble
Anna Maria Vacca
Comtesse's Ensemble
John Mburu
Comte's Ensemble
Joeavian Rivera
Comte's Ensemble
Jin Yu
Comte's Ensemble
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 7:30PM
War Memorial Opera House • 301 Van Ness Ave
Tickets • $95/$68/$38/$28/$18/$10 (25 & under)
Conducted by Kelly Kuo and directed by Elio Bucky (Merola ’25)
Experience the electrifying culmination of an extraordinary summer as all 2025 Merolini take the stage for one final, unforgettable night. Performed in the grandeur of the War Memorial Opera House, this thrilling concert showcases opera’s rising stars in a breathtaking program of arias and ensembles. Audiences are invited to witness the next generation of operatic talent before their careers soar to the world’s greatest stages at this joyous celebration of artistry, passion, and the future of opera.
Performed with English supertitles.
This concert is generously underwritten, in part, by the Blanche Thebom Trust.
Tickets for the Merola Grand Finale Reception are available for $85 and must be purchased separately.
Cast
Kelly Kuo
Conductor
Elio Bucky
Director
Meg Brilleslyper
Mezzo-Soprano
Sadie Cheslak
Mezzo-Soprano
Brian Cho
Pianist/Coach
Ariane Cossette
Soprano
Ruby Dibble
Mezzo-Soprano
Benjamin Dickerson
Baritone
Alexa Frankian
Soprano
Sofia Gotch
Soprano
Chea Kang
Soprano
Wanchun Liang
Bass-Baritone
Minghao Liu
Tenor
Eva Rae Martinez
Soprano
Ariana Maubach
Mezzo-Soprano
John Mburu
Bass-Baritone
Brian McCann
Pianist/Coach
Gabriel Natal-Báez
Baritone
Joeavian Rivera
Baritone
Deven Shah
Pianist/Coach
Charlotte Siegel
Soprano
Tzu Kuang Tan
Pianist/Coach
Tristan Tournaud
Tenor
Anna Maria Vacca
Mezzo-Soprano
Justice Yates
Bass-Baritone
Dain Yule Yoon
Pianist/Coach
Jin Yu
Tenor
2024 Performances & Events
Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 7:30PM
Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Tickets (general seating) are $30; a series package for all three recitals is $75.
Simona Genga, mezzo-soprano
Hyemin Jeong, pianist
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, 7:30PM
Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Tickets (general seating) are $30; a series package for all three recitals is $75.
Yang Lin, pianist
Curated by Nicholas Phan
Arianna Rodriguez, soprano
Olivia Smith, soprano
Nikola Printz, mezzo-soprano
Jongwon Han, bass-baritone
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, 7:30PM
Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Tickets (general seating) are $30; a series package for all three recitals is $75.
Samantha Hankey, mezzo-soprano
Carrie-Ann Matheson, pianist
Monday, June 10, 2024, 7:00PM
Education Studio, War Memorial Veterans Building • 401 Van Ness Avenue
Tickets • $60
Meet the 2024 Merola artists up close and personal! All of the artists will interviewed in small groups and take questions from the audience. After the formal program, chat with the Merolini over wine and light refreshments.
Purchase tickets by clicking on the BUY TICKETS buttons below or by calling Jacob Zimmer at (415) 936-2311
Sponsors and members at the Diamond Circle level ($12,000) or higher will receive complimentary tickets.
Thursday, June 27, 2024, 7:30PM
Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Tickets • $35/$10 (general admission)
Purchase tickets to all four Summer Festival productions for a 20% discount. Discount will be applied automatically when tickets to all four productions are in your cart online. (Does not apply to youth tickets or the Merola Grand Finale Reception.)*
Curators Carrie-Ann Matheson and Nicholas Phan
How do you tell a whole story in the span of a few minutes? The 2024 Merola artists explore the narrative arc of song in selections from a diverse range of eras and musical styles. This dramatic recital is sure to be a memorable musical evening.
Performed with English supertitles.
This recital is generously underwritten, in part, by The Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation, The Frances K. and Charles D. Field Foundation, and The Bernard Osher Foundation.
Cast
Thursday, July 11, 2024, 7:30PM
Saturday, July 13, 2024, 2:00PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Tickets • $65/$35/$10
Purchase tickets to all four Summer Festival productions for a 20% discount. Discount will be applied automatically when tickets to all four productions are in your cart online. (Does not apply to youth tickets or the Merola Grand Finale Reception.)*
By Benjamin Britten • Libretto Ronald Duncan
Conductor Louis Lohraseb
Directors Omer Ben Seadia (Merola ‘14) and Anna Theodosakis (Merola ‘24)
Revel in the drama and melody of classic opera as artists from the 2024 Merola Opera Program perform extended scenes from a rich array of operas, including works by [names].
Performed with English supertitles.
This concert is named in memory of Merola’s late Chairman, James Schwabacher, and is generously underwritten, in part, by The Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation, The Frances K. and Charles D. Field Foundation, The Bernard Osher Foundation.
Cast
Lucy Joy Altus
Mezzo-Soprano
Nathan Bryon
Tenor
Hannah Cho
Soprano
Alexa Frankian
Soprano
Simona Genga
Mezzo-Soprano
Giorgi Guliashvili
Tenor
Elizabeth “Hanje” Hanje
Soprano
Sihao Hu
Baritone
Mary Hoskins
Soprano
Lindsay Martin
Mezzo-Soprano
Tessa McQueen
Soprano
Kara Morgan
Mezzo-Soprano
Angelo Silva
Tenor
Anna Theodosakis
Director
Samuel White
Tenor
Olivier Zerouali
Baritone
Thursday, August 1, 2024, 7:30PM
Saturday, August 3, 2024, 2:00PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Tickets • $10/$35/$65
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • Libretto Lorenzo Da Ponte
Conductor Stefano Sarzani • Director Patricia Racette (Merola ‘88)
An unrepentant rake comes up against a trio of determined women and one implacable statue. Mozart’s masterpiece brims with passion, humor, psychological insights, and ravishing melodies. Don’t miss the 2024 Merola artists putting their own stamp on an opera classic.
Performed in Italian with English supertitles.
This recital is generously underwritten, in part, by The Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation, The Frances K. and Charles D. Field Foundation, and The Bernard Osher Foundation.
Cast
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 7:30PM
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 10:00PM
War Memorial Opera House • 301 Van Ness Ave
Tickets • $10/$25/$40/$50/$65
Conductor Steven White • Director Anna Theodosakis (Merola ‘24)
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 10:00PM
Reception 10:00PM, Green Room, Veterans Building, 401 Van Ness
**Reception tickets are an additional $85 each.**
A triumphant end to a transformative season, the Merola Grand Finale features all young artists of the summer program in a dazzling array of opera’s most brilliant works. Conducted by Maestro Steven White and directed by 2024 Merola Stage Director Anna Theodosakis, this festive evening showcases the extraordinary talent of the 2024 Merolini.
Following the performance, join the Merola artists for a celebration in The Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center. (Separate tickets required)
Graciously underwritten, in part, by The Blanche Thebom Trust. Post-concert reception sponsored, in part, by Culinary Excellence.
2023 Performances & Events
Thursday, June 29, 2023, 7:30PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Tickets • $80/$55
Curators Carrie-Ann Matheson and Nicholas Phan
Thursday, July 13, 2023, 7:30PM
Saturday, July 15, 2023, 2:00PM
Herbst Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave
Tickets • $80/$55
By Benjamin Britten • Libretto Ronald Duncan
Conductor Judith Yan • Director Jan Essinger
Scenic Designer Sonja Füsti • Costume Designer Christine Crook
Lighting Designer Dave Robertson • Intimacy Director Maya Herbsman
$10 Community Access tickets available for these performances!
Go to sfopera.com/offers and use code MEROLANEW to access the discount.*
Famed for her steadfast devotion to her husband, Lucretia becomes a target in a brutal game of sex and power. Set to one of Benjamin Britten’s most searing and lyrical scores, this challenging and emotionally charged chamber opera explores issues that are at once timeless and starkly relevant today.
Performed in English with English supertitles.
This recital is generously underwritten, in part, by The Grace A. Diem and Alice E. Siemons Foundation, The Frances K. and Charles D. Field Foundation, and The Bernard Osher Foundation.
Cast
Thursday, August 3, 2023, 7:30PM
Saturday, August 5, 2023, 2:00PM
Concert Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music • 50 Oak St
Conductor Steve White • Director Omer Ben Seadia (Merola ’14)
Thursday, August 17, 2023, 7:30PM
War Memorial Opera House • 301 Van Ness Ave
Conductor Kelly Kuo • Director Tania Arazi-Coambs (Merola ‘23)