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The San Francisco Opera (SFO) was founded in 1923 by Gaetano Merola, who also served as its first general director.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source identifies Gaetano Merola as the founder and first general director of the San Francisco Opera, established in 1923.
Gaetano Merola's initial connection to San Francisco began in 1909 when he conducted for the International Opera Company of Montreal.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Gaetano Merola conducted for the International Opera Company of Montreal in 1909, his initial connection to San Francisco began earlier, in 1906.
Gaetano Merola's trial season at Stanford University in 1922 featured Giovanni Martinelli performing in 'La bohème' and was a financial success.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gaetano Merola's 1922 trial season at Stanford University featured Giovanni Martinelli in 'Pagliacci,' 'Carmen,' and 'Faust,' but it did not achieve financial success.
The San Francisco Opera's first unaffiliated performance was Giacomo Puccini's 'La bohème' on September 26, 1923.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera's inaugural unaffiliated performance, held on September 26, 1923, was Giacomo Puccini's 'La bohème'.
In its early years, the San Francisco Opera typically performed each opera multiple times and had seasons lasting longer than two months.
Answer: False
Explanation: In its early years, the San Francisco Opera seasons were typically brief, seldom exceeding two months, and often featured each opera only once.
Beniamino Gigli performed in 'Tosca' and 'Mefistofele' during the 1923-24 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1923-24 season of the San Francisco Opera featured Beniamino Gigli in performances of 'Andrea Chénier' and 'Mefistofele'.
Arthur Brown Jr. was the architect responsible for designing the War Memorial Opera House.
Answer: True
Explanation: Arthur Brown Jr. was the architect commissioned to design the War Memorial Opera House, which became the home of the San Francisco Opera.
The San Francisco Opera inaugurated the War Memorial Opera House in 1932 with a performance of 'La bohème' starring Claudia Muzio.
Answer: False
Explanation: The War Memorial Opera House was inaugurated on October 15, 1932, with a performance of 'Tosca' starring Claudia Muzio, not 'La bohème'.
Edwin MacArthur conducted recordings for RCA Victor featuring soprano Kirsten Flagstad in the late 1930s.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the late 1930s, Edwin MacArthur conducted the San Francisco Opera Orchestra for RCA Victor, producing recordings that featured soprano Kirsten Flagstad.
Starting around 1941, San Francisco Opera performances were broadcast on radio stations across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Beginning circa 1941, abbreviated versions of San Francisco Opera performances were broadcast on approximately 30 radio stations spanning California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
Gaetano Merola initiated regular tours for the San Francisco Opera to Los Angeles between 1937 and 1965.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gaetano Merola initiated regular tours for the San Francisco Opera to Los Angeles, which extended the performance season into November, continuing until 1965.
Gaetano Merola died in 1953 while conducting an open-air concert at Stern Grove.
Answer: True
Explanation: Gaetano Merola passed away on August 30, 1953, during an open-air concert he was conducting at Stern Grove, concluding his 30-year tenure.
Who founded the San Francisco Opera in 1923 and served as its first general director?
Answer: Gaetano Merola
Explanation: Gaetano Merola founded the San Francisco Opera in 1923 and served as its inaugural general director.
What event in 1909 solidified Gaetano Merola's belief in the viability of a San Francisco opera company?
Answer: Conducting for the International Opera Company of Montreal
Explanation: Gaetano Merola's conducting engagement with the International Opera Company of Montreal in 1909 contributed significantly to his conviction that San Francisco could sustain its own opera company.
Which opera was performed during the San Francisco Opera's first unaffiliated performance in 1923?
Answer: La bohème
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera's inaugural unaffiliated performance in 1923 featured Giacomo Puccini's 'La bohème'.
Who designed the War Memorial Opera House, the home of the San Francisco Opera?
Answer: Arthur Brown Jr.
Explanation: The War Memorial Opera House, which serves as the home for the San Francisco Opera, was designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr.
What was a characteristic of Gaetano Merola's directorship regarding the opera season and performer engagement?
Answer: Short seasons often requiring world-renowned singers to perform multiple roles
Explanation: During Gaetano Merola's directorship, the opera seasons were typically brief, necessitating the engagement of world-renowned singers who often performed multiple roles.
What did Edwin MacArthur conduct for RCA Victor in the late 1930s that featured soprano Kirsten Flagstad?
Answer: 78-rpm recordings
Explanation: In the late 1930s, Edwin MacArthur conducted the San Francisco Opera Orchestra for RCA Victor, producing 78-rpm recordings that featured soprano Kirsten Flagstad.
How did the San Francisco Opera begin broadcasting its performances to a wider audience around 1941?
Answer: Via radio stations across multiple states and provinces
Explanation: Starting around 1941, the San Francisco Opera's performances were broadcast via radio stations across California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, extending its reach.
Which of the following was a key aspect of Gaetano Merola's 30-year tenure as general director?
Answer: Initiating regular tours to Los Angeles
Explanation: A key aspect of Gaetano Merola's 30-year tenure was the initiation of regular tours to Los Angeles, which helped extend the performance season into November.
Kurt Herbert Adler, who succeeded Merola, was born in San Francisco and began his career there.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kurt Herbert Adler had extensive experience in Europe before immigrating to the United States in 1938 and joining the San Francisco Opera as chorus director; he was not born in San Francisco nor did he begin his career there.
Despite being described as difficult, Kurt Herbert Adler was highly respected for making the San Francisco Opera an internationally recognized company.
Answer: True
Explanation: Although Kurt Herbert Adler was often perceived as difficult, his leadership was highly respected for elevating the San Francisco Opera to international prominence and fostering a professional environment that attracted artists.
Leontyne Price made her major operatic stage debut with the San Francisco Opera in 1957 in 'Dialogues of the Carmelites'.
Answer: True
Explanation: Leontyne Price made her major operatic stage debut with the San Francisco Opera in 1957 in 'Dialogues of the Carmelites,' a role offered by Kurt Herbert Adler.
Birgit Nilsson made her United States debut with the San Francisco Opera in 1956 and returned for nearly every season over the next 26 years.
Answer: True
Explanation: The renowned soprano Birgit Nilsson made her United States debut with the San Francisco Opera in 1956 and subsequently appeared in nearly every season for the following 26 years.
The Merola Opera Program, established during the 1954-55 season, is named after Kurt Herbert Adler.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Merola Opera Program, established in the 1954-55 season, is named in honor of Gaetano Merola, the San Francisco Opera's founder, not Kurt Herbert Adler.
The Merola Opera Program provides an eleven-week summer program for singers, coaches, and stage directors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Merola Opera Program offers an intensive eleven-week summer program that includes study, coaching, and master classes for singers, coaches, and stage directors.
Thomas Hampson is listed as a notable alumnus of the Merola Opera Program.
Answer: True
Explanation: Thomas Hampson is recognized as a notable alumnus of the Merola Opera Program, having benefited from its training and performance opportunities.
The 'Opera in the Park' initiative, a free annual concert, began in 1971.
Answer: True
Explanation: The initiative known as 'Opera in the Park,' a free annual concert, was established in 1971.
The 'Opera in the Park' concert is held in Golden Gate Park on the Sunday following the opening night of the Fall Season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Opera in the Park' concert traditionally takes place in Golden Gate Park on the Sunday immediately following the opening night of the Fall Season.
From 1971 to 1979, the San Francisco radio station KKHI broadcast the opera's regular Friday night performances.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco radio station KKHI broadcast the San Francisco Opera's regular Friday night performances from 1971 through 1979.
The San Francisco Opera celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1972 with a special free concert held in downtown San Francisco.
Answer: False
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera's 50th anniversary in 1972 was celebrated with a special free concert held in Sigmund Stern Grove, not downtown San Francisco.
The photograph of Kurt Herbert Adler was taken in 1966, during his tenure as general director.
Answer: True
Explanation: The photograph of Kurt Herbert Adler captures him in 1966, during his significant tenure as the general director of the San Francisco Opera.
What was Kurt Herbert Adler's background before joining the San Francisco Opera in 1943?
Answer: He had extensive musical and theatrical experience in Europe.
Explanation: Before joining the San Francisco Opera in 1943, Kurt Herbert Adler possessed extensive musical and theatrical experience gained in Austria, Germany, and Italy.
How did colleagues generally perceive Kurt Herbert Adler's leadership style, and what was the outcome?
Answer: Difficult or tyrannical, but highly respected for company professionalism
Explanation: Kurt Herbert Adler was often perceived as difficult or tyrannical by colleagues, yet his leadership was highly respected for elevating the San Francisco Opera to international prominence and fostering a professional environment that attracted artists.
What is the primary purpose of the Merola Opera Program?
Answer: To provide an eleven-week summer program for young opera artists
Explanation: The primary purpose of the Merola Opera Program is to offer an intensive eleven-week summer program that includes study, coaching, and master classes for singers, coaches, and stage directors.
When did the annual free concert 'Opera in the Park' first begin?
Answer: 1971
Explanation: The annual free concert initiative known as 'Opera in the Park' was first established in 1971.
Which San Francisco radio station broadcast the opera's Friday night performances from 1971 to 1979?
Answer: KKHI
Explanation: From 1971 to 1979, the San Francisco radio station KKHI was responsible for broadcasting the opera's Friday night performances.
What does the photograph of Kurt Herbert Adler show?
Answer: Adler during his tenure as general director in 1966
Explanation: The photograph of Kurt Herbert Adler captures him in 1966, during his significant tenure as the general director of the San Francisco Opera.
Kurt Herbert Adler retired from his position as general director of the San Francisco Opera on December 15, 1981.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kurt Herbert Adler concluded his tenure as general director of the San Francisco Opera on December 15, 1981.
Terence A. McEwen, who succeeded Kurt Herbert Adler, had previously worked for Decca Records.
Answer: True
Explanation: Terence A. McEwen, who succeeded Kurt Herbert Adler, had a significant career in the music industry, including prior work with Decca Records.
Terence McEwen's primary focus during his early years included the quality of vocal performances and initiating a 'Ring Cycle' in 1983.
Answer: True
Explanation: During his initial years, Terence McEwen prioritized the quality of vocal performances and initiated the 'Ring Cycle' project, which commenced in 1983.
The San Francisco Opera Center was established in 1982 to oversee and integrate the company's various affiliate educational and training programs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera Center was established in 1982 with the objective of overseeing and integrating the company's diverse educational and training programs.
Supertitles, English translations projected above the stage, were first introduced at the San Francisco Opera during the 1983 fall season.
Answer: True
Explanation: English supertitles, which are projected translations of the libretto, were first introduced at the San Francisco Opera during the 1983 fall season.
Sir John Pritchard was appointed music director in 1986 and served until 1989.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sir John Pritchard was appointed as the music director of the San Francisco Opera in 1986 and held this position until 1989.
Lotfi Mansouri had a background in medicine before dedicating himself to opera.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lotfi Mansouri's professional background was in medicine prior to his extensive career in the field of opera.
Lotfi Mansouri introduced supertitles at the Zurich Opera.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Lotfi Mansouri served as a resident stage director at the Zurich Opera, he introduced supertitles during his tenure as director of the Canadian Opera Company.
Lotfi Mansouri believed that the introduction of supertitles would lead to decreased audience engagement with opera.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lotfi Mansouri believed that supertitles would enhance, rather than decrease, audience engagement with opera performances.
The reconstruction and renovation of the War Memorial Opera House following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake was overseen by Lotfi Mansouri.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lotfi Mansouri oversaw the significant reconstruction and renovation of the War Memorial Opera House after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a project completed over 21 months.
Donald Runnicles was named music director in 1990 and officially assumed his duties in 1992.
Answer: True
Explanation: Donald Runnicles was appointed music director and principal conductor in 1990, officially commencing his duties in 1992.
The 'Pacific Visions' program, introduced in 1992, aimed to foster new commissions and present unusual repertoire.
Answer: True
Explanation: Introduced in 1992, the 'Pacific Visions' program was designed by Lotfi Mansouri with the objective of fostering new commissions and presenting unusual repertoire to maintain the opera's artistic vitality.
The opera 'Harvey Milk', commissioned as part of 'Pacific Visions', premiered in 1996.
Answer: True
Explanation: Stewart Wallace and Michael Korie's opera 'Harvey Milk,' commissioned as part of the 'Pacific Visions' initiative, premiered in 1996.
Lotfi Mansouri prioritized 'succès d'estime' (critical acclaim without popular appeal) in his programming decisions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lotfi Mansouri did not prioritize 'succès d'estime'; rather, his focus was on creating programming that achieved both critical acclaim and popular appeal, aiming to 'put fannies in the seats'.
Pamela Rosenberg's first connection to the San Francisco Opera was as a standee while she was a student at UC Berkeley.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pamela Rosenberg's initial engagement with the San Francisco Opera was as a standee during her studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Pamela Rosenberg launched 'Animating Opera,' a multi-year plan featuring interwoven themes, in January 2001.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 2001, Pamela Rosenberg initiated 'Animating Opera,' a comprehensive multi-year plan characterized by interwoven themes and series designed to provide a cohesive artistic vision.
The opera 'Doctor Atomic', by John Adams and Peter Sellars, was new to the SFO repertoire during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Adams and Peter Sellars' opera 'Doctor Atomic' was introduced to the San Francisco Opera's repertoire during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure, premiering in October 2005.
The San Francisco Opera experienced financial difficulties during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure, partly due to the 'dot-com' collapse and the September 11th attacks.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera faced financial challenges during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure, exacerbated by the 'dot-com' collapse and the impact of the September 11th attacks, leading to budget adjustments.
Pamela Rosenberg returned to Germany after her contract ended to work with the Berlin Philharmonic as its Intendantin.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the conclusion of her contract with the San Francisco Opera, Pamela Rosenberg returned to Germany to assume the role of Intendantin for the Berlin Philharmonic.
Who succeeded Kurt Herbert Adler as General Director in January 1982?
Answer: Terence A. McEwen
Explanation: Terence A. McEwen assumed the role of General Director in January 1982, succeeding Kurt Herbert Adler.
What was the primary purpose of establishing the 'San Francisco Opera Center' in 1982?
Answer: To oversee and integrate educational and training programs
Explanation: The primary purpose of establishing the San Francisco Opera Center in 1982 was to oversee and integrate the company's various affiliate educational and training programs.
When were English supertitles first introduced at the San Francisco Opera?
Answer: 1983
Explanation: English supertitles, which are projected translations of the libretto, were first introduced at the San Francisco Opera during the 1983 fall season.
Who served as the music director of the San Francisco Opera from 1986 to 1989?
Answer: Sir John Pritchard
Explanation: Sir John Pritchard held the position of music director for the San Francisco Opera from 1986 to 1989.
What was Lotfi Mansouri's background prior to his career in opera?
Answer: Medicine
Explanation: Prior to his extensive career in opera, Lotfi Mansouri's background was in medicine.
What significant innovation did Lotfi Mansouri introduce while directing the Canadian Opera Company?
Answer: The use of supertitles
Explanation: While directing the Canadian Opera Company, Lotfi Mansouri introduced the significant innovation of using supertitles.
What major renovation project did Lotfi Mansouri oversee following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake?
Answer: The renovation of the War Memorial Opera House
Explanation: Following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, Lotfi Mansouri oversaw the major renovation and reconstruction project for the War Memorial Opera House.
Who was named music director in 1990 and assumed duties in 1992, succeeding Sir John Pritchard?
Answer: Donald Runnicles
Explanation: Donald Runnicles was appointed music director in 1990 and assumed his duties in 1992, succeeding Sir John Pritchard.
What was the objective of the 'Pacific Visions' program introduced by Lotfi Mansouri?
Answer: To foster new commissions and present unusual repertoire
Explanation: The 'Pacific Visions' program, introduced by Lotfi Mansouri, aimed to foster new commissions and present unusual repertoire to maintain the opera's artistic vitality.
Which operas were commissioned as part of the 'Pacific Visions' program?
Answer: Harvey Milk
Explanation: Among the operas commissioned as part of the 'Pacific Visions' program was Stewart Wallace and Michael Korie's 'Harvey Milk,' which premiered in 1996.
What was Pamela Rosenberg's primary artistic initiative for the San Francisco Opera, and what did it involve?
Answer: 'Animating Opera'
Explanation: Pamela Rosenberg's primary artistic initiative launched in January 2001 was 'Animating Opera,' a multi-year plan featuring interwoven themes and series.
Which opera, new to the SFO repertoire during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure, premiered in October 2005?
Answer: Doctor Atomic
Explanation: John Adams and Peter Sellars' opera 'Doctor Atomic,' new to the SFO repertoire, premiered in October 2005 during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure.
What financial challenges did the San Francisco Opera face during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure?
Answer: Deficits from the 'dot-com' collapse and the impact of 9/11
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera faced financial challenges during Pamela Rosenberg's tenure, exacerbated by the 'dot-com' collapse and the impact of the September 11th attacks, leading to budget adjustments.
David Gockley became the San Francisco Opera's General Director on January 1, 2006, after 33 years leading the Houston Grand Opera.
Answer: True
Explanation: David Gockley commenced his tenure as General Director of the San Francisco Opera on January 1, 2006, following a 33-year leadership period at the Houston Grand Opera.
David Gockley announced his departure from the San Francisco Opera at the end of the 2015-16 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: David Gockley announced his intention to step down as General Director of the San Francisco Opera, with his departure scheduled for the conclusion of the 2015-16 season.
Matthew Shilvock was announced as David Gockley's successor in September 2015.
Answer: True
Explanation: Matthew Shilvock was appointed as the successor to David Gockley, with the announcement of his appointment made in September 2015.
The San Francisco Opera's first simulcast, 'Madama Butterfly', was held in May 2006.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera presented its inaugural simulcast, a live broadcast of 'Madama Butterfly,' in May 2006.
The Koret-Taube Media Suite, completed in 2007, is the first permanent high-definition broadcast-standard video production facility in an American opera house.
Answer: True
Explanation: Completed in 2007, the Koret-Taube Media Suite is recognized as the first permanent high-definition broadcast-standard video production facility established within an American opera house.
The San Francisco Opera resumed regular broadcasts of its productions on radio in 2007.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2007, the San Francisco Opera recommenced regular broadcasts of its productions on radio, reconnecting with a broader audience through audio media.
In December 2007, the San Francisco Opera announced plans to present four of its operas in movie theaters across the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera announced in December 2007 its intention to present four of its operas in movie theaters across the United States.
The Grand Opera Cinema Series makes recorded productions available for presentation by performing arts centers nationwide.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Grand Opera Cinema Series facilitates the presentation of recorded San Francisco Opera productions by performing arts centers, theaters, and universities across the nation.
Rita Moreno hosted the San Francisco Opera's cinema series broadcasts on KQED-TV.
Answer: True
Explanation: Acclaimed actress Rita Moreno has hosted the San Francisco Opera's cinema series broadcasts on KQED-TV.
Donald Runnicles concluded his tenure as music director in 2009 by mutual agreement with David Gockley.
Answer: True
Explanation: Donald Runnicles concluded his tenure as music director in 2009, following a mutual agreement with General Director David Gockley.
Nicola Luisotti was appointed as the San Francisco Opera's third music director in 2007, beginning his tenure in the 2009-10 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nicola Luisotti was appointed as the San Francisco Opera's third music director in 2007, with his tenure officially commencing in the 2009-10 season.
Nicola Luisotti's stated goal was to reinvigorate the core Italian repertory that is San Francisco Opera's birthright.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nicola Luisotti articulated his objective as the company's music director to reinvigorate the core Italian repertory, which is considered integral to the San Francisco Opera's heritage.
Nicola Luisotti has conducted Bizet's 'Carmen' for the San Francisco Opera.
Answer: True
Explanation: Nicola Luisotti has conducted several non-Italian operas for the San Francisco Opera, including Bizet's 'Carmen'.
Patrick Summers was reappointed as principal guest conductor in January 2009.
Answer: True
Explanation: In January 2009, Patrick Summers was reappointed as the principal guest conductor of the San Francisco Opera.
The San Francisco Opera presented John Adams' opera 'Nixon in China' during its 2011-12 season.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera featured John Adams' opera 'Nixon in China' in its 2011-12 season programming.
The world premiere of 'La Ciociara' in the summer of 2015 was based on a novel by Luigi Pirandello.
Answer: False
Explanation: The world premiere of 'La Ciociara' in the summer of 2015 was based on the novel of the same name by Alberto Moravia, not Luigi Pirandello.
The 2016 commission 'Dream of the Red Chamber' was based on an 18th-century work by Cao Xueqin.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2016 commission 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' by Bright Sheng and David Henry Hwang, was based on the classic 18th-century Chinese novel of the same name by Cao Xueqin.
The San Francisco Opera consolidated its scattered office and work spaces by taking over the fourth floor of the War Memorial building in February 2016.
Answer: True
Explanation: In February 2016, the San Francisco Opera consolidated its office and work spaces by occupying the fourth floor of the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, following seismic retrofitting and renovation.
The Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera provides office space, costume storage, rehearsal rooms, and a 299-seat performance venue.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera offers essential facilities including office space, costume storage, rehearsal rooms, and a 299-seat performance venue.
The first photograph associated with the article shows the interior auditorium of the War Memorial Opera House.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first photograph associated with the article depicts the exterior of the War Memorial Opera House, not its interior auditorium.
Who became the General Director of the San Francisco Opera on January 1, 2006?
Answer: David Gockley
Explanation: David Gockley assumed the position of General Director of the San Francisco Opera on January 1, 2006.
What was David Gockley's stated artistic philosophy for the San Francisco Opera?
Answer: To embody glamour, sophistication, tradition, and innovation
Explanation: David Gockley articulated an artistic philosophy for the San Francisco Opera that aimed to embody glamour, sophistication, tradition, and innovation.
When did David Gockley announce he would be stepping down as General Director?
Answer: In October 2014, for the end of the 2015-16 season
Explanation: David Gockley announced his intention to step down as General Director in October 2014, effective at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season.
What was the San Francisco Opera's first simulcast, and what was its impact?
Answer: Madama Butterfly
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera's inaugural simulcast, presented in May 2006, was a live broadcast of 'Madama Butterfly'.
What technological facility, completed in 2007, is described as the first permanent high-definition broadcast-standard video production facility in an American opera house?
Answer: The Koret-Taube Media Suite
Explanation: Completed in 2007, the Koret-Taube Media Suite is recognized as the first permanent high-definition broadcast-standard video production facility established within an American opera house.
When did the San Francisco Opera resume regular broadcasts of its productions on radio?
Answer: 2007
Explanation: In 2007, the San Francisco Opera recommenced regular broadcasts of its productions on radio, reconnecting with a broader audience through audio media.
What initiative did the San Francisco Opera announce in December 2007 regarding movie theaters?
Answer: To present recorded operas in movie theaters across the US
Explanation: In December 2007, the San Francisco Opera announced its intention to present four of its operas in movie theaters across the United States.
Who was appointed as the San Francisco Opera's third music director, and when did his tenure begin?
Answer: Nicola Luisotti
Explanation: Nicola Luisotti was appointed as the San Francisco Opera's third music director in 2007, with his tenure officially commencing in the 2009-10 season.
What was Nicola Luisotti's stated goal in becoming the company's music director?
Answer: To reinvigorate the core Italian repertory
Explanation: Nicola Luisotti articulated his objective as the company's music director to reinvigorate the core Italian repertory, which is considered integral to the San Francisco Opera's heritage.
Which John Adams opera did the San Francisco Opera present in its 2011-12 season?
Answer: Nixon in China
Explanation: The San Francisco Opera presented John Adams' opera 'Nixon in China' during its 2011-12 season.
What was the subject of the 2016 commission 'Dream of the Red Chamber'?
Answer: A classic 18th-century Chinese work
Explanation: The 2016 commission 'Dream of the Red Chamber,' by Bright Sheng and David Henry Hwang, was based on the classic 18th-century Chinese novel of the same name by Cao Xueqin.
What facilities are provided by the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera?
Answer: Office space, costume storage, rehearsal rooms, and a performance venue
Explanation: The Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera offers essential facilities including office space, costume storage, rehearsal rooms, and a 299-seat performance venue.