2025 Performances & Events

Merola’s 2025 Benefit Gala – Belle Nuit: A Night of Merola

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 5:30PM - 10:00PM

City Club of San Francisco • 155 Sansome St

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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.

A Grand Night for Singing – An American Songfest (Recital)

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.

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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

Schwabacher Summer Concert: It’s Complicated—Love & Opera

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.

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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

Rossini’s Le Comte Ory

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.

Merola Grand Finale

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.

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.

Join Us Today!

Past Performances & Events

2025 Performances & Events

Schwabacher Recital Series: Recital #1

Thursday, February 13, 2025, 7:30PM

Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave

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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

Schwabacher Recital Series: Recital #2

Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 7:30PM

Barbro Osher Recital Hall, The Bowes Center • 200 Van Ness Avenue

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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

Schwabacher Recital Series: Recital #3

Thursday, April 10, 2025, 7:30PM

Dianne and Tad Taube Atrium Theatre • 401 Van Ness Ave

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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

Schwabacher Recital Series: Recital #1

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

Schwabacher Recital Series: Recital #2

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

Schwabacher Recital Series: Recital #3

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

An Affair to Remember Benefit Gala

Saturday, April 13, 2024, 6:00PM - 10:00PM

City Club of San Francisco • 155 Sansome St

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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.

Meet the Merolini

Monday, June 10, 2024, 7:00PM

Education Studio, War Memorial Veterans Building • 401 Van Ness Avenue

Tickets • $60

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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.

The Song as Drama (Recital)

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

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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

Schwabacher Summer Concert

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)

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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

Don Giovanni

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)

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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

Merola Grand Finale & Reception

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.**

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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

Metamorphosis: Recovery, Renewal, and Rebirth

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

The Rape of Lucretia

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.*

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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

Schwabacher Summer Concert

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)

Merola Grand Finale

Thursday, August 17, 2023, 7:30PM

War Memorial Opera House • 301 Van Ness Ave

Conductor Kelly Kuo • Director Tania Arazi-Coambs (Merola ‘23)