Opening the Bryan Education Studio

by San Francisco Opera Staff

In addition to the exciting programming being planned for the new Dianne & Tad Taube Atrium Theater, the opening of the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera in February 2016 will also mark a major expansion of San Francisco Opera’s Education programs.

The Opera’s Education Department, founded by David Gockley in 2008 and led by Director of Education Ruth Nott, already produces an ambitious range of in-depth programs for children, students of all ages, families and seniors. Now the addition of the Wilsey Center’s John M. Bryan Education Studio will provide these programs with a dedicated home and allow for new and expanded initiatives such as an Opera ARIA Festival, family exploration workshops and movie screenings, early childhood workshops and music and spoken word performances by and for teens and their families.

Students in the audience raising their hands. Photo by Kristen Loken — Photo by Kristen Loken

“The opening of the Wilsey Center and the Bryan Education Studio helps us realize David Gockley’s long-held dream of sharing the Opera’s learning and engagement programs directly with our community,” comments Director of Education Ruth Nott. “We can’t wait to throw open the doors and invite new and returning participants inside to learn about the magic of opera and how it is relevant to them, their culture and their community.”

Learn more about San Francisco Opera’s expanded education offerings and how you can support them at sfopera.com/FriendsOfEducation. San Francisco Opera’s Education Committee will match all new and increased gifts in support of education programs.