Historical Performances: Schwarzkopf, Boehme in “Rosenkavalier” – San Francisco Opera, September 29, 1960

Note from William: This post continues my series of observances of historic performances that I attended at San Francisco Opera during the general directorship of Kurt Herbert Adler. This is the second of five such observances of performances from the company’s 1960 Fall season. The standard repertory of opera is disproportionately represented by the output … Read more

Historical Performances: “Simon Boccanegra” with Tito Gobbi, Giorgio Tozzi – San Francisco Opera, October 6, 1960

Note from William: This post continues my series of observances of historic performances that I attended at San Francisco Opera during the general directorship of Kurt Herbert Adler. This is the fiourth of five such observances of performances from the company’s 1960 Fall season. The first Italian opera that I had experienced in live performance … Read more

Tom’s Review: Intimate Opera’s “Amahl” Presented at Venerable Pasadena Playhouse’s Christmastide – December 16, 2010

In past years, Tom’s Tips have featured such diverse holiday fare as the Bracebridge Dinner during Christmas Week at Yosemite National Park and “Phantom of the Opera” performances in Las Vegas. This year, he will highlight a production of Menotti’s Christmas opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, performed by the newly formed Intimate Opera Company … Read more

Historical Performances: Sandor Konya, Irene Dalis in “Lohengrin” – San Francisco Opera, October 27, 1960

Note from William: This post continues my series of observances of historic performances that I attended at San Francisco Opera during the general directorship of Kurt Herbert Adler. This is the fifth of five such observances of performances from the company’s 1960 Fall season. I have already noted 1960 performances of Puccini’s “Fanciulla del West … Read more

San Francisco Opera’s Calendar Year 2010 – Straight “A” Average Trending Higher

Note from William: Since 2006, at the end of each calendar year concurrent with the David Gockley administration at the San Francisco Opera, I have given letter grades to each of the productions performed by the company that year. The criteria are simple. An “A” reflects a musical and theatrical performance and production that would … Read more