Merola Opera Program will continue its virtual recital series with “Merola’s Home for the Holidays” on Dec. 12, 2021. The performance will star soprano Amber R. Monroe, tenor Edward Graves, and bass Kevin Thompson. The trio will be accompanied by pianist James Harp as they perform works by such composers as Boito, Donizetti, Händel, Lehár, Puccini, Strauss, Rodgers and Hammerstein, {…}
The Merola Opera Program Virtual Recital Series is set to return this November with a showcase “An Autumn Afternoon with Raehann Bryce-Davis.” On Nov. 7, 2021, audiences will hear the mezzo-soprano alongside pianist Jeanne-Minette Cilliers as they take on a program that features the world premiere of “I Am Not an Angry Black Woman” by Maria Thompson Corley, German lieder {…}
Merola Opera Program in San Francisco, California has announced updates to the Merola Grand Finale scheduled for July 31, 2021. Per a press release, due to “an occurrence in which artist health and safety COVID protocols were compromised by a number of participants,” the organization has decided to proceed with a reduced number of onsite participants and a focus on {…}
On July 31, 2021, audiences can see the opera stars of tomorrow in a free, outdoor performance when Merola Opera Program presents its 2021 Summer Festival Merola Grand Finale at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell. The concert will feature 27 artists who have been selected from over 800 international applicants, and will be directed by Merola Stage Director Audrey Chait. {…}
Amazon is providing sponsorship for Merola Opera Program’s “What the Heart Desires.” The showcase features works by women and people of color including Robert Owens, Henry Thacker Burleigh, Zenobia Powell Perry, Howard Swanson, Chen Yi, Laureano Quant, Stacy Garrop, Justine F. Chen, Mohammed Fairouz, Ian Cusson, Florence Price, and Errollyn Wallen, among others. Performers include Quant, Gabrielle Barkidjija, Edward Graves, {…}
The Merola Opera Program has announced that Nancy E. Petrisko will be taking on the newly created role of Director of Advancement, effective June 1, 2021. In her new role, Petrisko will lead the way with fundraising efforts as well as communicating regularly with Board Members, overseeing the planning and execution of the annual benefit gala, and developing new approaches {…}
(Credit: Kristen Loken) The Merola Opera Program has announced its summer festival which is set to take place between June 14-July 31, 2021. The festival will include a BIPOC recital, its traditional Merola Grand Finale, and a digital project. First up will be “What the Heart Desires,” a recital co-curated by tenor Nicholas Phan and mezzo-soprano Ronnita Miller which will {…}
The Merola Opera Program will present its first virtual charity gala, “Un Gala In Maschera”, as a tribute to Merola’s artistic director, Sheri Greenawald, who spent two decades as Director of the San Francisco Opera Center and Artistic Director of the Merola Opera Program. The evening concert, scheduled for April 10, 2021, will feature performances by Merola alumni, including sopranos Leah {…}
In August, the Merola Opera Program named Carrie-Ann Matheson the new Artistic Director succeeding Sheri Greenawald. Her new position will provide artistic and musical leadership for all Opera Center artists and projects, including acting as the primary musical coach for its young artists, overseeing their development, collaborating on recitals, and conducting performances. Matheson began her career at the Metropolitan Opera, {…}
(Credit: Kevin Condon) On September 27, 2020, the Merola Opera Program’s new Virtual Recital Series is set to kick off with a concert starring Lucas and Irina Meachem, titled “I Left My Aria in San Francisco.” A 2003 alumnus of the esteemed opera program, Lucas will perform several musical numbers that have been featured on his appearances in San Francisco. {…}
San Francisco Opera Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock has announced the appointment of Carrie-Ann Matheson as Artistic Director of the San Francisco Opera Center (SFOC) and Markus Beam in the newly created role of SFOC General Manager. Matheson and Beam will join the Company in January 2021. Matheson will succeed Sheri Greenawald, whose distinguished tenure as Director {…}