The San Francisco Opera

by Michele Stern

The San Francisco Opera

http://www.sfopera.com/

San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Opera was founded by Gaetano Merola (1881-1953) and incorporated in 1923. The Company's first performance took place on September 26th, 1923, in the City's Civic Auditorium (La Bohème, with Queena Mario and Giovanni Martinelli, conducted by Merola). Nine years later, the Company moved into its new home, inaugurating the newly built War Memorial Opera House with a performance of Tosca on October 15, 1932 (Claudia Muzio, Dino Borgioli, Giuseppe Gandolfi, conducted by Merola).

SF Opera inspires audiences to explore vast theatrical/musical experiences ranging from classical to contemporary styles.