Founded in 1923, San Francisco Opera is the oldest surviving opera company on the West Coast and a leader in arts education and innovation.

It all started, according to legend, over a game of poker. In his travels across the United States, the Neapolitan conductor Gaetano Merola had noticed that San Francisco audiences hungered for opera.

Over a card game in the North Beach neighborhood, an idea took hold: Why not give San Francisco its very own resident opera company? Merola rallied local leaders and music lovers, and soon — on September 26, 1923 — the curtain rose on a new beacon in the art world: San Francisco Opera.

Starting with that very first performance of “La Bohème,” San Francisco Opera established itself as destination for world-class talent and incomparable artistry.

Artists like Leontyne Price and Birgit Nilsson would arrive to make their American stage debuts. New operas like “Dead Man Walking” and “Appomattox” would take shape under its proscenium. And new technology like supertitles and simulcasts would be adopted early on to make opera more accessible for everyone.

Matthew Shilvock leads the company as its seventh general director, having assumed the role in August 2016. He succeeds company founder Gaetano Merola (1923-1953), Kurt Herbert Adler (1953-1981), Terence A. McEwen (1982–1988), Lotfi Mansouri (1988–2001), Pamela Rosenberg (2001–2005) and David Gockley (2006–2016).

He is joined by the leadership of music director Eun Sun Kim, who follows in the footsteps of previous music directors including Sir John Pritchard (1982-1989), Sir Donald Runnicles (1992-2009) and Nicola Luisotti (2009-2018).

Come visit us in our historic 1932 home, the War Memorial Opera House, the first municipally owned opera house in the United States — and one of the last Beaux-Arts buildings to be built in the country. Or find us out and about in our community, where we hold free events like Opera in the Park. To learn more, please visit sfopera.com.

Music

Performing Arts

San Francisco Opera

San Francisco Opera's headquarters in San Francisco, CA, United States

This department oversees organizational leadership and administration.

Management Services

The Artistic and Programming Team at San Francisco Opera is responsible for curating and developing the company's performance schedule, selecting operas, and collaborating with artists to ensure high artistic standards. This team also plays a crucial role in fostering innovation in arts education and community engagement, ensuring that the opera remains accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. By blending tradition with contemporary practices, they help shape the future of opera while honoring its rich legacy.

Artistic and Programming Team

The Leadership Team at San Francisco Opera is responsible for guiding the overall strategic direction and artistic vision of the company. Comprising key leaders in both administration and musical direction, this team prioritizes innovation, community engagement, and the promotion of world-class talent, ensuring that the opera remains a vibrant cultural institution. They collaborate to develop programming, oversee operational efficiency, and enhance the company's commitment to arts education and accessibility.

Leadership Team

The Orchestra Management Team at San Francisco Opera is responsible for overseeing all aspects of orchestral performances, ensuring the integration of musicians into productions. They coordinate scheduling, logistics, and rehearsals, collaborating closely with conductors and production staff to maintain the highest artistic standards. This team also supports sound design and technical elements, fostering a harmonious environment for live performances that captivate audiences.

Orchestra Management Team

This department is responsible for overseeing and guiding the organization's strategic direction and governance practices.

Board Governance

The Finance and Administration Team at San Francisco Opera is responsible for managing the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, accounting, and human resources. This team ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support artistic programs and community outreach, while also overseeing payroll and benefits for staff. By maintaining financial integrity and supporting operational efficiency, they play a crucial role in sustaining the company's mission of providing world-class opera and fostering arts education.

Finance and Administration Team

This department oversees the planning and execution of various productions, including opera, theatre, and special events.

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People (3)

Jobs (0)

Other teams

Artistic and Programming Team

Leadership Team

Orchestra Management Team

Board Governance

Finance and Administration Team

Production Management

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People (3)

Jobs (0)

Other teams

Artistic and Programming Team

Leadership Team

Orchestra Management Team

Board Governance

Finance and Administration Team

Production Management

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