Even though it's Puccini, the SF Opera has run Il Trittico (the triptych) only twice before Wednesday night's opening. And for the first time on this stage, the same soprano, Patricia Racette, is singing the lead in all the three one-act pieces, a rare feat since they are all so varied: the first one is drenched in tragic realism, the second one in religious transcendence and the last one is a rubicund farce of stolen heritage. The same baritone, Paolo Gavanelli, is also singing the male lead in all pieces, scoring the middle point on a technicality, since it's an all nun affair in a convent. more ›

How is that for nice planning: Gay marriage becomes legal on June 16th, the day after the SF Opera premiered Ariodante for the first time ever. Check this out: Ginevra and Ariodante love each other, will get married. But Ginvevra is also courted by Polinesso, who in turn is the object of Ginevra's attendant Dalinda's unrequited attention. And all these roles are sung by women. How appropriate. more ›