By Lina Broydo
“Carmen” Returns to San Francisco Opera
November 13 – December 1
San Francisco Opera’s 2024 Fall Season concludes with the return of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the War Memorial Opera House. Mezzo-soprano Eve-Maud Hubeaux makes her American debut as the title role, heading an international cast with Jonathan Tetelman as Don José for the first time in his career, Louise Alder as Micaëla and Christian Van Horn as Escamillo. Conductor Benjamin Manis joins the Company to lead the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, and Francesca Zambello directs her acclaimed production which was last presented here in 2019.
Chorus Director John Keene prepares the artists of the San Francisco Opera Chorus. Bizet’s arias and ensembles in Carmen are among the art form’s most memorable, including Carmen’s seductive Habanera and Seguidilla, Don José’s impassioned Flower Song, Escamillo’s bravura Toreador Song and Micaëla’s Act III prayer for courage. Sung in French with English supertitles. CARMEN ENCOUNTER, Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m. An immersive event inspired by Bizet’s Carmen will transform the Opera House into an evening of multi-sensory experiences.
Part opera, part party, the night begins with the first act of Carmen on stage featuring San Francisco Opera Adler Fellows Nikola Printz as Carmen, Thomas Kinch as Don José, Olivia Smith as Micaëla and others, with Benjamin Manis conducting the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
After this introduction to the opera, an immersive experience awaits attendees in the lobby spaces of the Opera House, which will be transformed into the steamy streets and locales of Carmen’s Seville. Some lobby activations include adult material; recommended for audiences 21 and over. *** 55 minutes before every performance of Carmen, opera and theater artist and scholar Michael Mohammed will present a 20-minute overview of the opera inside the auditorium of the Opera House for ticket holders.
For tickets and more information, visit sfopera.com.
Photos courtesy of SF Opera
The Commonwealth Club World Affairs is Hosting the 36th Annual Distinguished Citizen Award Gala on November 14, 2024 at 5p.m.
Building a Better Tomorrow is the motto of The Commonwealth Club World Affairs as it dedicates its 2024 Distinguished Citizens Awards Gala to five visionary leaders who have significantly contributed to the future of innovation and investment within pivotal areas.
The contributions of these individuals have had far-reaching effects, transforming the world to date and paving the way for a better future. Confirmed Honorees 2024: featured in the photo from left to right: Dagmar Dolby, of the Dolby Laboratories; Deepak Srivastava, President of Gladstone Institute; Lloyd Dean, Former Emeritus CEO of Common Spirit Health; Thomas E. Horn, President of the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center and Tara Vanderveer, Basketball Coach for the Stanford Women’s Team and the Women’s National Basketball Team.
The Distinguished Citizens Awards Gala is the most significant annual fundraising event to support the Commonwealth Club World Affairs.
Become a Sponsor and attend the Gala.
Information:
1-415-597-6737; plinares@commonwealthclub.org
Photos courtesy of the Commonwealth Club Worlds Affairs, located at 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is Inviting Ms. Bennet for the Holidays
December 4 through December 29, 2024
Move over Charles Dickens, Jane Austen is here for the holidays.
This charming seasonal comedy is a romantic sequel to Pride and Prejudice, told with a modern sense and sensibility. As the beloved Bennet sisters gather for carols and confections at the Darcy’s decorated for the holidays Pemberley estate, perennially passed-over sister Mary retreats into her books and fantasies.
Will an unexpected guest lead her in an enticing new direction? Curious? Fascinated? Intrigued? You will have to see this magically presented by the talented cast play to find out the fate of Mary.
It’s Christmas after all and the surprises and gifts are pouring…
And as a regular patron and admirer of the TheatreWorks Silicon Valley amazing productions I know I will not be disappointed… and neither will you..
By the way TheatreWorks Costume Rentals are now open.
Information: theatreworks.org
Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto; Artistic Drawing design is courtesy of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
No. California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Induction Gala Banquet
November 17 at 4:30p.m. at the World Renowned Olympic Club in So. San Francisco
The following outstanding individuals will be inducted into No. California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame: Brad Gilbert- Brad is the winner of 20 singles titles on the Pro Tennis Tour, as well as a TV analyst for ESPN and coach to many world class players including Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray.
He also previously coached Coco Gauff. Brad was a bronze medalist at the 1998 Olympics. gold and silver medalist in the 1981 Maccabiah games. Renel Brooks-Moon – “Mensch” Award Winner – A radio legend of the Bay Area before becoming the SF Giants PA announcer from 2000-2024, Renel became an iconic figure with her dynamic voice.
Known for her infectious enthusiasm and intensity, Renel was the first African American woman to be the PA Announcer in a World Series and Major League Baseball All-Star game. Mark Grabow- Mark was the longtime Director of Athletic Development of the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota T-Wolves. He was also head of On-Court Athletics, Mark also played college and pro soccer.
He was a longtime leader in professional athlete’s player development and skill sports training in the NBA, MLB, NFL and Pro Tennis. Jack Anderson– Founder of the NCJSHOF in 2008 and President until 2023.
The organization grew throughout Northern California under Jack’s leadership. He taught at SF State University, City College, and created the first Visual Performing Arts Department for Lowell High School. While attending San Francisco State, he was part of the Western Intercollegiate Fencing Championship. Dr. Dana Weintraub- Dana is the Co-CEO at BAWSI-Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative.
She also is a Clinical Associate Professor in General Pediatrics at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. She is a leader in community-based evaluations of team sports to improve the health of children from under resourced neighborhoods. Host: Ted Robinson; Moderator: Andy Dolich.
The outreach program of NCJSHOF provides scholarships to deserving High School athletes and supports the UCSF Concussion Prevention Initiative. The annual Mensch Award is presented to an individual. Not of the Jewish Faith, who epitomizes the concept of the “Tikkun Olam” repairing the world through generosity and charitable service to the community at large.
Information: www.NCJSHOF.org;
Photos courtesy of NCJSHOF
