2017–18 Season Preview

3 Cycles from June 12–July 1 Through myth we find humanity. Charting an epic course from the birth of nature to the fall of the gods and the dawn of a new age, this monumental work of art returns to San Francisco. Tackling timeless themes of corruption, greed, neglect and love, this epic work unfolds over the course of four operas—Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung—in Francesca Zambello"s spectacular production, conducted by Donald Runnicles. Conductor: Donald Runnicles June 2011 Music of the Woodbird Siegfried's Rhine Journey "Du bist nicht, was du dich wähnst!": Mark Delavan "Ich sehe die Not": Nina Stemme, Brandon Jovanovich "Heil dir, Sonne": Nina Stemme "Grimgerde! Gerhilde!": Nina Stemme, Anja Kampe Siegfried's Funeral March Finale of Rheingold: Stacey Tappan, Lauren McNeese, Renée Tatum

November 21–December 10 WORLD PREMIERE Composer John Adams brings us this San Francisco Opera commission about the unsung Gold Rush pioneers. Sourced from historical writings, this world premiere opera directed by Peter Sellars offers a powerful reflection on the everyday people who set out to build new lives in a wild, beautiful land. Conductor: Lawrence Renes June 2012 "News, News" from Nixon in China: Brian Mulligan

November 4–22 Jules Massenet's bright, sensuous opera follows a pair of not-so-innocent young lovers as they tangle with the toast of Paris, inviting dangerous consequences. This new production is a sparkling portrait of a city and a woman no one can resist. October 1998 Vendor Chorus "Je suis encore": Ruth Ann Swenson "Adieu notre petite table": Ruth Ann Swenson Saint Sulpice duet: Ruth Ann Swenson, Jerry Hadley Finale: Ruth Ann Swenson, Jerry Hadley

September 23–October 17 When the glamorous but fragile courtesan Violetta Valéry and her admirer Alfredo Germont find love, it seems nothing can keep them apart. But the rules of society and family expectations betray them, and Violetta’s fate takes a tragic turn. Maestro Nicola Luisotti conducts, taking his final bow as music director. Conductor: Nicola Luisotti June 2014 Opening Prelude "Più non esiste": Nicole Cabell, Stephen Costello "Pura siccome un angelo": Nicole Cabell, Stephen Costello "Così alla misera": Nicole Cabell, Stephen Costello "Dite alla giovine": Nicole Cabell "Dite alla giovine/Ah supremo, il veggo": Nicole Cabell, Stephen Costello

September 9–27 In the wake of her father’s murder, Elektra's world has come unmoored. When her desire for justice becomes a blood lust, she pushes her fractured family to the brink of destruction in this new production with a contemporary lens on Greek history. Conductor: Jiri Kout October 1997 Opening Aria for Elektra: Elizabeth Connell "Von jetzt an will ich deine Schwester sein": Elizabeth Connell, Frances Ginzer Elektra's Dance: Elizabeth Connell, Frances Ginzer Height of Recognition Scene: Elizabeth Connell, Alan Held

September 8–30 - November 18–December 9 A cold-hearted but exquisitely beautiful princess challenges her suitors to a deadly game of wits. Only Calaf, an exiled prince, is determined enough to crack her icy veneer. Be transported to another time and place in David Hockney’s acclaimed production conducted by Music Director Nicola Luisotti. Conductor: Nicola Luisotti November 2011 Introduction Ping, Pang and Pong from Act II: Hyung Yun, Greg Fedderly, Daniel Montenegro Four Chinese Melodies: Matthew Shilvock "Là, sui monti dell’est": San Francisco Opera Children's Chorus Finale

Conductor: Julius Rudel October 1998 Prelude to Manon All excerpts are from recordings of live San Francisco Opera performances and feature the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus. San Francisco Opera would like to thank the American Federation of Musicians, the America Guild of Musical Artists and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees for helping to make this recording possible.