Opera

Missy Mazzoli’s Breaking the Waves and M. Lamar’s Funeral Doom Spiritual tackle uncomfortable subjects, uncompromisingly — and make powerful art out of them.

The adventurous company steps into the breach with a new festival featuring new operatic works in development.

Fresh selections and stunning performances set a new benchmark for the renowned residency program.

The celebrated mezzo-soprano explores the peacemaking power of music with a new recording and touring theatrical program.

Leslie Swackhamer’s revival of the Jun Kaneko production at S.F. Opera is as forcefully anti-imperialist as the opera will allow.

Phelim McDermott, the wizard behind the 2007 English National Opera production of Satyagraha, comes through again with a spectacular staging of a brilliant but difficult show.

SFO’s militantly fresh approach eschews the camels and kitsch and highlights outstanding performances, potent choreography, and unapologetically modern design.

Artist in residence Matthew Aucoin created and conducted a new pastiche score for F.W. Murnau’s classic film that was surprisingly moving.

The rising star has a lot to say about the evolution of his singing, the role of critics, and the important people in his life.

It’s hard to come to grips with the new opera presented by L.A. Opera, which may be part of the point.