While scholars have explored the creation and funding of contemporary operatic productions in the United States, little attention has been given to forms of programming beyond the operatic mainstage. Alternative forms of programming, which I categorize as auxiliary programming, have gained traction as a marketing and aesthetic strategy in recent years, and ultimately signal a dramatic shift in approaches to regional opera production in the United States.

The San Francisco Opera's SF Lab Initiative (2015–2018) was created with such goals in mind. After nine seasons, Luisotti will step down from his post at the end of this season.Twenty-first-century North American opera houses have attempted to bring in new audiences to make up for a declining and aging population of subscribers through means both traditional and unorthodox. Immediately following the performance, Music Director Nicola Luisotti received the company’s highest honor, the San Francisco Opera Medal. After the libretto, three acts filled with familiar sets designed by David Hockney, and two intermissions, she learned that in the game of love, you must give away your heart. The opening performance, Puccini’s Turandot, told the story of a cold-hearted but exquisitely beautiful princess who challenged her suitors to a deadly game of wits. Since 1979, the Osher family has made possible more than 50 opera productions, including two stagings of Wagner’s Ring cycle. The auditorium of the War Memorial Opera House is named the Osher Theatre. Best-dressed: Barbro Osher whose husband Bernard Osher celebrated his 90th birthday at the event.

As usual, the red carpet fashions did not disappoint. Opera Ball Co-chairs Courtney Labe and Maryam Muduroglu welcomed some 800 guests for the Opera Ball dinner before the performance.

Sf opera schedule 2017