Opera Aficionado is an exciting 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. For the month of February, the theme is From Russia with Love (Russian Operas).
Did you know Russians wrote some fantastic boleros? The Russian royal family (cousins of Queen Victoria) encouraged composers to travel widely, bringing the best of Europe to the shores of the Baltic. Where did the first ballet companies use modern pointe shoes for the whole corps? In St. Petersburg under Romanov rule, during a high-point of romantic opera. Join Laura Prichard, one of San Francisco Opera and Symphony's most popular speakers (and alum of the Joffrey II Dancers), to explore mystical wonderlands of ice, snow, and fantastic low bass singing!