2025 Performances & Events

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)
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.
Purchase tickets to all four Summer Festival productions for a 10% discount. Merola members receive a 20% discount April 8-22 when purchasing all four productions. 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.)*
Cast

Ronny Michael Greenberg
Curator

Ruby Dibble
Mezzo-Soprano

John Mburu
Bass-Baritone

Joeavian Rivera
Baritone

Charlotte Siegel
Soprano

Tristan Tournaud
Tenor

Justice Yates
Bass-Baritone

Brian Cho
Pianist/Coach

Brian McCann
Pianist/Coach

Deven Shah
Pianist/Coach

Tzu Kuang Tan
Pianist/Coach

Dain Yule Yoon
Pianist/Coach

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 Gounod, 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.
Purchase tickets to all four Summer Festival productions for a 10% discount. Merola members receive a 20% discount April 8-22 when purchasing all four productions. 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.)*
Cast

William Long
Conductor

Omer Ben Seadia
Director

Elio Bucky
Director

Sadie Cheslak
Mezzo-Soprano

Ariane Cossette
Soprano

Ruby Dibble
Mezzo-Soprano

Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono
Tenor

Alexa Frankian
Soprano

Wesley Harrison
Tenor

Song Hee Lee
Soprano

John Mburu
Bass-Baritone

Gabriel Natal-Baez
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)
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.
Purchase tickets to all four Summer Festival productions for a 10% discount. Merola members receive a 20% discount April 8-22 when purchasing all four productions. 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.)*
Cast

Pierre Vallet
Conductor

Garnett Bruce
Director

Minghao Liu
Comte Ory

Eva Rae Martinez
Comtesse Adèle

Meg Brilleslyper
Isolier

Wanchun Liang
Governeur

Benjamin Dickerson
Raimbaud

Ariana Maubach
Ragonde

Sofia Gotch
Alice

Alexa Frankian
Comtesse's Ensemble

Song Hee Lee
Comtesse's Ensemble

Anna Maria Vacca
Comtesse's Ensemble

Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono
Comte's Ensemble

Wesley Harrison
Comte'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.
Purchase tickets to all four Summer Festival productions for a 10% discount. Merola members receive a 20% discount April 8-22 when purchasing all four productions. 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.)*
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

Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono
Tenor

Alexa Frankian
Soprano

Sofia Gotch
Soprano

Wesley Harrison
Tenor

Song Hee Lee
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-Baez
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
Donate and Become a Member
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
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

Saturday, April 13, 2024, 6:00PM - 10:00PM
City Club of San Francisco • 155 Sansome St
Merola returns to its treasured tradition of holding a black-tie benefit gala. We invite you to take the time to celebrate opera, Merola, and each other! While enjoying a magical evening of gourmet food, a beautiful San Francisco setting, and a special performance, you will feel great knowing that all proceeds of this special night benefit young artists and the future of opera.
The iconic City Club of San Francisco is a private club located on the top floors of a beautiful art deco building in the heart of the city. It boasts an original mural by Diego Rivera, sweeping views of the city, and beautiful art deco touches throughout. All provide an elegant setting for An Affair to Remember.

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)