Merola Opera Program

The Merola Virtual Recital Series continues with An Afternoon of Piano Treasures with Tamara Sanikidze (’09) and Edoardo Barsotti (14/’15). These two distinguished artists have performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world and they’re bringing their music to you on Sunday, November 22 at 4 pm PST. Join us for a wonderful afternoon featuring works by Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel, and Ennio Morricone. Buy tickets now: http://ow.ly/7mKA50BUK2g

It's #FurryFriendFriday! Buddy is getting ready for this weekend, and this year he is dressing as a pumpkin. He and his hooman, Merola Executive Director Jean Kellogg, wish you all a safe and happy Halloween. We hear there’s going to be a full moon. Hope you do all the tricks to get all the treats!

Let’s #throwback to when soprano Heidi Melton (Merola ’06) brought the house down at the 2006 Merola Grand Finale. She commanded the stage as Elvira singing the famous Ernani involami from Verdi’s Ernani in a rich, lustrous voice. Do you remember all the wonderful performances from the 2006 Merola Grand Finale? #throwbackthursday #TBT

Nicholas Huff (Merola ’19) kicked off the first episode of Kenosha Opera Festival’s new segment #ScoreKeeping. The segment will breakdown opera and classical music related topics from film, shows, and games as part of their education and outreach mission. Tune in as they explore the Mandalorian’s main musical theme, the history of space cowboy, and American Western music. https://youtu.be/rFVKeoGjpII

Great artists aren’t reactionary. We’re deciding what to bring. For us as artists, we need to be thoughtful when we’re telling these stories, because that has a rippling effect across culture. - Jennifer Williams, Director (Merola ’12) in an interview with CS Music. She discusses how she is bringing a contemporary feminist flair to both new and traditional repertoire and how she is helping young artists develop strong female roles. Read full interview: https://www.csmusic.net//arti/print-harnessing-girl-power/

Patricia Westley, Soprano (Merola ‘18/’19) kicked off the mini art song series with pianist Tim Accurso and Opera Santa Barbara. She gives a wonderful performance of Faure’s hauntingly beautiful song, Les berceaux. Patricia says, Had a truly wonderful time on this project for Opera Santa Barbara centered around two of my favorite things: Art Song & Santa Barbara. Watch here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=953550321820780

Happy #MasterClassMonday! Today, we feature this amazing Master Class with KAREN SLACK, Soprano (Merola ’02) at the Oberlin Conservatory. She shares her musical thoughts and sound advice with the beautifully talented young artist Lynnesha Crump as they explore Euch Lüftchen from Wagner's Lohengrin. https://youtu.be/QSXGGHwCC7s

Julie Adams, Soprano (Merola ’14) joins the Staatstheater Braunschweig this season in the title roles of Rusalka and Madama Butterfly. The Rusalka premiere is on November 15 and 28 and Madama Butterfly premieres July 3. We look forward to seeing you perform!

We’re very excited that we will feature two distinguished pianists, Tamara Sanikidze (Merola ’09) and Edoardo Barsottii (‘14/’15), for the first time in the Merola Virtual Recital Series. They will be coming to you from Austin, Texas and Florence, Italy. The program will feature works by Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Ravel, and Ennio Morricone. Tune in on Sunday, November 22 at 4 pm PST for An Afternoon of Piano Treasures with Tamara Sanikidze and Edoardo Barsotti. Tickets and info: http://ow.ly/jhOS50BUKj5

SHOP YOUR HEART OUT: OCTOBER 23 NOVEMBER 1, 2020 It pays to be kind. Support Merola Opera Program by making a $10 donation or more at the link below, then unlock VIP deals at Westfield San Francisco Centre. Purchase a VIP Kind Pass now and use it through November 1. This community program gives you access to exclusive offers from multiple retailers at Westfield San Francisco Centre, from discounted sales, to gifts with purchase, and more. Click here: http://ow.ly/syQO50C169x

Christopher Bozeka (Merola ’15) and Rafael Porto (’19) will kick off Livermore Valley Opera’s Triple Treat series on Saturday, October 24 at 6 pm. They will take you on a virtual magical journey with arias from well-known operas, including Donizetti’s operatic comedy The Elixir of Love. Watch here: https://youtu.be/MYK6HqaHt6g

Music is the point we all connect regardless of who you are, what your political affiliation is, what color or culture you come from. I’ve seen how music transforms people. It transformed me and allowed me to go places I never thought I could go, and meeting people I never thought I’d meet. - KAREN SLACK, Soprano (Merola ’02) is featured in an interview with @PhillyTrib. She chats about her inspirations, being an artist during the pandemic, and her upcoming show with Opera Philadelphia this Friday, October 23 at 5 pm PT. Full article: http://ow.ly/r8Q450BZcpf

#ThrowbackThursday to when Rolando Villazón (Merola ’98) and Caroline Worra (‘98/’00) combine for some stirring vocal displays in the 1998 Villa Montalvo production of Verdi’s La traviata. Caroline sang the role of Violetta in such a delicate manner that she pulls you right onstage with her. She is paired with Rolando as the vigorous Alfredo and his powerful, dark tone matched well with Alfredo’s anguish. #TBT

Watch a special behind-the-scenes preview of Merola’s 2021 summer productions, Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Dominick Argento’s Postcard from Morocco, with San Francisco Opera Center Director and Artistic Director Sheri Greenawald and Dramaturg Emeritus of San Francisco Opera Kip Cranna. They enlighten and share their insights into the characters and the stories of both operas in this wonderful discussion. Watch here: https://youtu.be/7Z0ek-uEOrY