Reasons to See 2016–17

by San Francisco Opera Staff

It’s with great pleasure that we present Valentina Simi. This fall Valentina celebrates her 30th year with San Francisco Opera—30 years! It’s that type of dedication, knowledge and passion that makes working at the Opera such a joy.

Valentina is the Artists Services Coordinator and Assistant to the Music Director Nicola Luisotti. She made her first San Francisco Opera appearance in 1967 as a guest of her mother—a longtime Opera chorister. It seems serendipity was at play when Valentina’s mother introduced her to opera and the War Memorial Opera House. Little did she know what the future would hold including assisting Mo. Luisotti, who happens to be from the same part of Italy as Valentina’s family.

Here’s Valentina’s custom built 2016–17 Season. Enjoy!

Andrea Chénier
Andrea Chénier is a gorgeous opera, and this production is very special with such great attention given to the history and period. The sets and the costumes are beautiful. And the cast is phenomenal in this exquisite, rarely performed work. A grand opera from start to finish, this should not be missed.

Aida
Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! OK, not really. But almost. Aida is a Verdian masterpiece that includes lots of spectacle and a cast of thousands. This year we have a new production to support it all beautifully and so it is sure to be a highlight this season!

Valentina with her mom at a church performance.
Valentina visiting her mom backstage as she prepared for her role of the grandmother in Madame Butterfly (1967).
Valentina and her mom today at the Opera House!
San Francisco Opera's production of Andrea Chénier. Photo by Cory Weaver.
West Hollywood Library mural/RETNA
San Francisco Opera production of Madame Butterfly/Cory Weaver
San Francisco Opera production of La Bohème/Cory Weaver

Madame Butterfly
What can I say? I’m a Puccini girl through and through. This opera is a favorite of mine. There are no words to describe the beauty of the music which takes my breath away every time I hear it. If you have never seen an opera, this is the one to start with. Run, don’t walk, to our box office and give yourself a special gift!

La Bohème
I think La Bohème is the consummate opera. It’s an exploration of the human condition. Life imitates art and vice versa in this story complete with passion, love, friendship, hope, despair and finally, and inevitably, death. It’s moving yet humorous including some lighthearted and very touching moments. This one I’ll definitely see more than once.