Opera San Jose

Rigoletto
2024-02-18 14:00, 2024-02-17 19:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Verdi’s classic tale of honor, revenge, fathers and daughters is never out of the repertory for long. An instant success from the night of its premiere, it has been moving audiences around the world for generations. Armed with a gripping story, a shocking twist and one of the most blockbuster reputation making scores, Rigoletto is an indestructible, eternal testament to the sacrifices we make for our job, our family and our honor.

Arias and Ales
2024-01-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Camino Brewing Company, 718 S 1st Street, San Jose, CA, 95113
We kick off the New Year with the return of Arias and Ales at the Camino Brewing Company. Join Opera San José’s young professional group, Classically Curious, for an evening of delicious drinks with $1 off pints, pleasurable performances, a prize wheel, and fantastic company.

RSVP TODAY

Let the Dream Begin
2023-12-14 19:00
Join us in honoring Opera San Jose’s 40 year-legacy with this virtual fundraiser that is guaranteed to warm hearts this holiday season. Hijinks and hilarity ensue as four hopefuls faceoff for fame, fortune, and a place to belong at a fictious opera company. With the help of a legendary diva from beyond the veil (who happens to be named Irene Dalis), everyone discovers that when they raise their voices together, they create the home they need. Don’t miss this riotous show full of quirky characters, behind the scenes drama, and a dash of supernatural mischief!

The Barber of Seville
2023-11-26 14:00, 2023-11-25 14:00, 2023-11-19 14:00, 2023-11-17 19:30, 2023-11-12 14:00, 2023-11-11 19:30
This quintessential comedy features some of the most iconic music in the world and has introduced millions of people of all ages to the joy of opera, yet it remains a perennial favorite for the most hardened opera goer. The story of the barber Figaro and his machinations in smoothing the course of true love returns to the California, led by Mo. Marcheso with a splendid ensemble cast and whimsical new production.

The Barber of Seville: Classically Curious Night
2023-11-17 18:30 - 23:00 | The California Theatre, 345 S 1st St,, San Jose, CA, 95113, United States
Join Classically Curious November 17th for our Barber of Seville Classically Curious Night!

Classically curious brings together a dynamic group of young professionals ages 21 – 40 who have an interest in deepening their involvement with opera.
Classically Curious is all about enriching your opera experience and fostering a vibrant community of young opera enthusiast. As a member, you’ll enjoy a range of fantastic benefits that will make your opera nights truly unforgettable.
Don’t miss out on this chance to deepen your passion for the arts and become part of a vibrant opera-loving community. To join Classically Curious, simply register today! Remember, membership is completely free, and the benefits are priceless!

Join Classically Curious Today!

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Opera At Your Doorstep: The Barber of Seville
2023-11-06 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual
The Barber of Seville has introduced audiences around the world to the music of Rossini and this spectacular art form.
Join Longtime friend of Opera San José, Brad Wade as he discusses everything about one of opera’s most well-beloved gems. With an in-depth look at the opera’s history and music, this is a lecture not to be missed!
*This event is exclusive to The Barber of Seville ticket holders. To purchase tickets please click HERE.

Barber of Seville First Friday
2023-11-03 17:30 - 20:30 | The California Theatre, 345 S 1st St,, San Jose, CA, 95113, United States
Join Opera San José and South First Street Artwalk in two weeks as we celebrate the “Barber of Seville” First Friday. Once again, we are opening the doors to the California Theatre for an evening of live musical performances by Opera San José singers, the California Theatre organ player Jerry Nagano, the Peninsulaires barbershop quartet -Children of the Chord, a string quarter, a barber selfie station, and much more!
Performances5:45 pm – Opera San José Singers6:30 pm – Children of the Chord Barbershop Quartet7:15 pm – Jerry Nagano, California Theatre Organ Player8:00 pm – String Quartet
RSVP for this exciting event below!

From the Page to the Stage: The Career of the Singer
2023-11-01 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual
Join us for an in-depth discussion of what it takes to pursue a career in the operatic art form.
Joined by Dale Travis, Nikola Printz, and Joshua Sanders, General Director & CEO of Opera San José Shawna Lucey will moderate this conversation about all things opera, singing, and the ins and outs of what it takes to be a professional opera singer.
*This is an exclusive Subscriber only event

Inside the Directors Brain with Stephen Lawless Moderated by Shawna Lucey
2023-10-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Virtual
Join Opera San José General Director and CEO Shawna Lucey as she sits down to talk all things opera directing with international opera director and director of The Barber of Seville, Stephen Lawless.
Hear from two of opera’s top directors as they discuss the ins and outs of what it takes to direct an opera, work on some of opera’s biggest stages, and the intricacies of navigating the ever-changing modern operatic and theatrical sphere.
Stephen Lawless was Director of Production for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera from 1986 to 1991, where his work culminated in an immensely successful production of Death in Venice, which was subsequently recorded by the BBC for television and video release. The production was revived at the 1992 Glyndebourne Festival.
He made his début with the Kirov Opera in Leningrad producing Boris Godunov which was broadcast live on British television, the first ever live telecast of an opera from the Soviet Union to the U.K.
His productions include Boris Godonov for the Vienna Staatsoper; Der Fliegende Holländer, Daphne, Capriccio, Semele and Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci for the New York City Opera; Il trovatore, Vanessa, and L’elisir d’amore for Washington and Philadelphia Opera; Un ballo in maschera, Il trovatore, L’elisir d’amore, Don Pasquale and Falstaff for Los Angeles Opera; Capriccio and Boris Godonov for San Francisco Opera; Le nozze di Figaro and La bohème for the Lyric Opera Chicago; Le nozze di Figaro, Cavallaria rusticana and Pagliacci, La clemenza di Tito, Maria Stuarda, Anna Bolena and Boris Godonov for Dallas Opera; Scarlatti’s Griselda for the Deutsche Staatsoper, Berlin; Boris Godonov and Un ballo in maschera for La Fenice in Venice; Orfeo, Tancredi and a double bill of Iolanta and Francesca da Rimini for the Theater an der Wien; Die Fledermaus for the Opera de Geneve; Falstaff and Die Fledermaus for Glyndebourne Festival Opera; Le nozze di figaro, Tosca, Der Rosenkavalier and Un ballo in maschera for the Hong Kong Festival; Peter Grimes, Die Fledermaus, Otello and William Tell for Graz Opera; Acis and Galatea, Venus and Adonis, Dido and Aeneas, and Don Chisciotte in Sierra Morena for the Innsbruck Festival; Salome and Der Ring des Niebelungen for the Nürnberg Opera; Maria Stuarda for the Canadian Opera; L’elisir d’amore, Faust and Carmen for Santa Fe Opera, Die Fledermaus for the National Performing Arts Centre in Beijing, Der Rosenkavelier for the Boshoi and Otello, Die Fledermaus for Korean National Opera, The Flying Dutchman for Washington National Opera, Handel’s Silla for the Opernhaus Halle; Romeo et Juliette in Santa Fe; Le nozze di Figaro for Kansas City and Philadelphia Opera; La clemenza di Tito for Opera Theater St Louis and Russalka for Magdeburg Opera. He received great critical acclaim for his production of Don Giovanni at the Metropolitan Opera, New York.
Recent engagements include Le nozze di Figaro for Minnesota Opera and Palm Beach Opera, Romeo et Juliette in Barcelona, Anna Bolena for Canadian Opera Company, Roberto Devereux for San Francisco Opera, and Katya Kabanova for Scottish Opera.

Purchase your FREE Ticket Here

Romeo & Juliet
2023-09-24 14:00, 2023-09-22 19:30, 2023-09-17 14:00, 2023-09-15 19:30, 2023-09-10 14:00, 2023-09-09 19:30
Back for the first time in almost 20 years, OSJ opens its ambitious 40th anniversary season with Gounod’s classic adaptation: Romeo et Juliette. This Romantic love story arrives at the California Theatre in a new production created by Shawna Lucey, her first collaboration since the visionary director became Opera San José’s 4th General Director. Its impassioned french music, famous melodies and timeless story will inaugurate a new season, featuring new residents and guests making role debuts. Music Director Joseph Marcheso conducts the Opera San José Orchestra.

40th Anniversary Celebrity Dinner
2023-09-09 16:30 - 23:30 | St. Claire Hotel/ The Westin, 302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA, 95113
40th Anniversary Celebrity Dinner
Presented by the Opera San José Emeritus Council

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration as Opera San José proudly presents its 40th Anniversary Celebrity Dinner! Mark your calendars for September 9, 2023, as we commemorate this momentous occasion.
The festivities kick off at 4:30 PM with a lavish dinner at Il Fornaio at the Westin St. Claire that will tantalize your taste buds and set the stage for an extraordinary night. While enjoying delectable cuisine, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with a constellation of celebrities who will grace the event. Prepare to rub shoulders with luminaries like Barbara Day Turner, Larry Hancock, Joseph Marcheso, Shawna Lucey, Eugene Broncoveanu, Nathan Stark, Susan Gundunas, Tara Branham, Daniel Cilli, Kirk Eichelberger, Stephen Guggenheim, Sandra Rubalcava-Bengochea, Christopher Bengochea, and Adam Flowers. Engage in captivating conversations, seek autographs, and revel in the presence of these esteemed individuals.
But the excitement continues long after dinner concludes. Following the culinary delights, you’ll be whisked away to witness the opening night of Romeo and Juliet, a mesmerizing performance brought to life by the talented artists of Opera San José.* Experience the timeless tale of love and tragedy, captivatingly portrayed on stage. And here’s the icing on the cake: once the curtains close, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to mingle with the cast at the dazzling after party. Share your admiration for their remarkable performances, snap photos, and create memories to cherish forever.
Embrace this unique chance to immerse yourself in the world of opera, surrounded by celebrities and the passionate cast of Romeo and Juliet. Secure your spot now for the Opera San José 40th Anniversary Celebrity Dinner and be part of a truly enchanting evening. It’s an event that promises to leave you starstruck and spellbound!
Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are not included in the dinner price. As a Celebrity Dinner Ticket Holder, if you transfer your subscriber tickets, you will have priority seating for opening night, ensuring you receive the best available seats.
Benefits vary by ticket level. The ticket price may be tax deductible minus the fair market value of $150 per ticket or $1,350 for table sponsors. Please consult with your tax advisor on the value and deductibility of this purchase.
For information on hotel accomodations and valet parking please visit the Westin San Jose.

Tickets

40th Supporter
Join us as a 40th Supporter and enjoy an extraordinary evening of celebration! Your ticket includes a delectable dinner, priority seating for the captivating performance of Romeo and Juliet, and a special commemorative gift to cherish. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Opera San Jose’s 40th Anniversary, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Cost- $300/per person
Benefits:

Tickets to the dinner
Priority seating for Romeo and Juliet*
Special gift at the Theatre

*Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are not included in the ticket price. Priority seating is for the transfer of existing tickets or the purchase of new seats.

Choose your Celebrity
Elevate your experience by becoming a Choose Your Celebrity ticket holder! In addition to all the benefits of the 40th Supporter level, you’ll have the exclusive privilege of selecting which celebrity table you wish to join during the dinner. Indulge in captivating conversations and forge connections with the luminaries of the evening. Afterward, join us at the after-party to revel in the vibrant ambiance alongside the cast and other esteemed guests.
Cost- $500/per person
Benefits:

All the benefits of the 40th Supporter level
Choose which celebrity table you sit at during dinner
Access to the after party

*Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are not included in the ticket price. Priority seating is for the transfer of existing tickets or the purchase of new seats.

Irene Dalis Table Sponsor
For those seeking an elevated experience, become an Irene Dalis table Sponsor and enjoy a truly luxurious evening. As a table sponsor, you’ll receive a sumptuous dinner for a party of nine and your choice of OSJ Celebrity, along with all the benefits of the Choose Your Celebrity level. Additionally, you’ll have exclusive access to the prestigious Irene Dalis Lounge before the performance and during intermission, where you can relax, indulge in delectable treats, and mingle with fellow sponsors. Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of elegance and support Opera San Jose’s 40th Anniversary in style.
Cost- $7,500/per table
Benefits:

Dinner for 9 people with your chosen celebrity
All the benefits of the Choose Your Celebrity level
Priority for picking your celebrity table
Access to the Irene Dalis Lounge preshow and during Intermission
Listing in the program, recognizing your generous support

*Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are not included in the ticket price. Priority seating is for the transfer of existing tickets or the purchase of new seats.

Party Only!
Calling all party enthusiasts! Get ready to join us at the after-party and revel in a night of vibrant energy and celebration. The Party Only! Ticket grants you access to the after-party, where you’ll have the chance to mingle with the cast, celebrities, and other attendees. Please note that tickets for the Party Only! option will go on sale in August, based on availablity. Be sure to mark your calendars and secure your spot to make memories to last a lifetime.
Cost- $100/per person
Tickets go on sale in August

First Friday
2023-09-01 17:30 - 20:30 | The California Theatre, 345 S 1st St,, San Jose, CA, 95113, United States
Join Opera San José as we kick off our 40th anniversary season with our first event of the year at the California Theatre – South First Friday Art Walk on Friday, September 1st, 2023.
We are opening the doors to the California Theatre for an evening filled with music, a sneak peek of the Romeo and Juliet rehearsal live at 7:00 pm, and other special activities!
Featuring dancers at 5:45 pm, artists from the production will perform arias starting at 6:30 pm, the lobby Wurlitzer organ player- Jerry Nagano at 7:30 pm, and ending the night with a beautiful string quartet at 8:00 pm.
Doors open at 5:30 pm
We hope to see you there!

Resident Artist Showcase
2023-08-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Join us for a captivating afternoon of operatic talent at Opera San Jose’s Virtual Artist-in-Residence Showcase on Sunday, August 13th, at 4 pm.
This live stream event will introduce the 2023-2024 resident cohort, featuring Melisa Bonetti (Mezzo-soprano), Michelle Ainna Cuizon (Director), Vartan Gabrielian (Bass-baritone), Johannes Löhner (Conductor), Courtney Miller (Mezzo-soprano), Joshua Sanders (Tenor), and Melissa Sondhi (Soprano).
Be the first to witness these emerging artists as they perform before they take the stage at the California Theatre. Hosted by OSJ General Director and CEO Shawna Lucey and Resident Artist Emeritus Eugene Brancoveanu, the live stream will showcase the residents’ talents and give you a sneak peek into their exceptional abilities.
Experience the enchantment of these rising stars and join us for an afternoon of captivating performances. Save the date and immerse yourself in the world of operatic artistry.

Watch the showcase HERE.

Cinderella Digital Premiere
2023-07-22 10:30 - 2023-08-22 12:30 | Virtual
Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated digital premiere of Alma Deutscher’s Cinderella will take place on July 22nd at 10:30 am Pacific Time.

Produced by The Packard Humanities Institute, this extraordinary production is being made freely available to all for the first time ever!
At just 17 years old, Alma Deutscher accomplished a remarkable feat, becoming the youngest person since Mozart to conduct her own opera. Notably, she also holds the distinction of being the youngest woman ever to achieve this milestone. Her talent and creativity shine through in every note, making her a true prodigy.
Cinderella is not your typical fairy-tale adaptation. It is a story about talent, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams. Since its first performance in Vienna when Alma was just 11, this opera has been a sensation, captivating audiences of all ages. It is the perfect entertainment for the entire family, appealing to children and adults alike.
Based on the classic fairytale, this family-friendly work takes a unique twist. It is set in an opera company run by a scheming stepmother, where the title character, Cinderella, is a brilliant composer toiling as a lowly copyist. In this production, Cinderella’s union with her prince is not determined by a glass slipper but rather by a melodic journey only she can continue.
In 2017, audiences at the OSJ (Opera San José) were enthralled by the sold-out American premiere of Cinderella, a work that had already garnered international acclaim. Supported by the Packard Humanities Institute, the then 13-year-old composer showcased her prodigious talent. Five years later, OSJ and PHI once again collaborated to welcome back the 17-year-old Deutscher as she took the baton in this pivotal moment of her career.
Featuring an exceptional cast and a talented creative team, the digital premiere of Alma Deutscher’s Cinderella is a production that promises to be truly extraordinary. The stellar cast includes Natalia Santaliz in the role of Cinderella, Joey Hammod-Leppek as The Prince, and Ben Brady as The King. Stacey Tappan takes on the role of Griselda, while Julia Dawson portrays Zibaldona. Rena Harms brings The Stepmother to life, and Megan Esther Grey enchants as the Fairy. Joshua Hughes completes the cast as The Minister.
Under the expert guidance of the creative team, this lavish production is set to dazzle audiences. Alma Deutscher herself conducts the opera, infusing it with her exceptional musical talent. Brad Dalton takes on the role of director, ensuring a captivating and seamless performance. Richard Powers lends his choreography expertise to creating captivating dance sequences. The scenic design by Steven C. Kemp, lighting design by David Cuthbert, and costume design by Johann Stegmeier will transport viewers into a world of enchantment. Y. Sharon Peng brings intricate wig designs to life, while Sophia Smith works her magic as the makeup designer and assistant hair designer. Andrew Whitfield leads the chorus as the chorus master, and Jolie O’Dell serves as the assistant director, contributing to the overall artistic vision.
Prepare to be spellbound by the incredible talent on display in this production of Cinderella. With a stellar cast and a creative team dedicated to bringing Alma Deutscher’s vision to life, this digital premiere is set to be an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this musical extravaganza!

Opera in the Park
2023-07-15 14:00 - 15:30 | Bramhall Park, 1320 Willow St, San Jose, CA, 95125
Opera San José is excited to bring back an event we have not seen since 2019! Opera in the Park is back, and we are thrilled to bring our Opera San José audience back to the park to enjoy an afternoon of music and camaraderie! Join us on Saturday, July 15, at Bramhall Park from 2 – 3 pm! See some of your favorite Opera San José singers off the California Theatre stage and out into nature for an afternoon of open-air music-making!

Arias and Ales
2023-07-13 17:30 - 19:30 | Camino Brewing Company, 718 S 1st Street, San Jose, CA, 95113
Opera San José is launching “Classically Curious,” a Young Professionals Group for people ages 21-40. Join us for our kick-off event this summer with an evening of strong brews and beautiful songs. Come for $1 off pints, beautiful performances by OSJ favorites, and a prize wheel!

Make Music San Jose
2023-06-21 18:00 - 18:30 | SoFA Market, 387 S 1st St, San Jose, California, 95113
Join Opera San José on Wednesday, June 21st, with Musicians around the city to celebrate the summer solstice. Make Music San José coincides with festivities in more than one thousand cities worldwide as part of Make Music Day. The whole idea for the day is to share the joy of making music with everyone who wants to participate, from professional to amateur musicians, as well as the musically curious. Opera San José will perform inside the Sofa Market at 387 S 1st St from 5 – 6 pm.
