SanFran Opera hits a record low

The company has announced just six new shows for season 2024-25, almost its lowest in 102 years.

Janos Gereben points out in SFCV that in the tough year of 1945 SF Opera managed no fewer than 17 new productions.

These are next season’s offerings under music director Eun Sun Kim:

– Giuseppe Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, Sept. 6–27
— Poul Ruders’ The Handmaid’s Tale, Sept. 14 – Oct. 1
— Richard Wagner’s Tristan and Isolde, Oct. 19 – Nov. 5
— Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Nov. 13 – Dec. 1
— Giacomo Puccini’s La bohème, June 3–21, 2025
— Mozart’s Idomeneo, June 14–25, 2025

Not a lot to cheer about.

SF Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock admits: ‘In 2000, the company offered 11 productions and 86 performances; our 2024–2025 season will be 41 performances of six operas. This has been a gradual change over 25 years.’

Later today, the Met will roll out its next season.