[Opera Aficionado: Interactive Lecture Series] Gaetano Merola & the Early Roots of the San Francisco Opera

Opera Aficionado is an exciting, new suite of programs designed for patrons who are passionate about opera. Aficionado provides an opportunity to learn more, dive deeper, and get an inside look at the world of opera. As part of Opera Aficionado, our Interactive Lectures Series gives opera-goers around the world a front-row seat to scholarly talks, allowing attendees to dialogue with fellow opera lovers, experts, and special guests. Each month will be focused on a concept or theme relevant to all of us. Speaker: Pre-Opera Speaker Laura Prichard Ever wonder how a world-class opera company evolved in post-earthquake San Francisco? Join us to explore the seedy world of Gold Rush opera troupes and hear rare recordings of Italian divas who toured the American West. We will focus on the remarkable innovations of conductor Gaetano Merola, who came from Naples, Italy (with a stop at the Met) to become SF Opera’s founding Director from 1923-1953.