We won't deny it, we get a little thrill when we see the crews set up the tent for the San Francisco Symphony opening gala each year. The start of the fall arts season is here, not only on Grove Street, and this week brings our previews in theatre, music, galleries and DVD/Blu-ray releases. Jump right in.
There's great classical music coming to the concert halls and over the airwaves this fall as San Francisco Opera and KQED 9 partner to broadcast grand opera. Recorded in high-definition and 5.1 surround sound at the War Memorial Opera House, their TV specials will showcase the stagings and all-star casts from SF Opera's recent productions of Bellini 's "I Capuleti e i Montecchi," Verdi 's "Attila," Boito's "Mefistofele," and Verdi's "Rigoletto." Hosted by beloved mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, the operas will premiere Thursdays, Sept. 4-Oct. 2, on KQED-TV, Channel 9. Also, SF Opera's "Porgy and Bess," first aired locally on KQED last year, will be broadcast nationwide as part of the "PBS Fall Arts Festival" on Fri., Oct. 17. Each opera is presented in its original language with English subtitles, and features the acclaimed San Francisco Opera Chorus and Orchestra. Following are some brief crib-notes.
I Capuleti e i Montecchi (Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.)
The bel canto masterpiece inspired by that tragic teenage tale of Romeo and Juliet stars Joyce DiDonato and Nicole Cabell as the star-crossed lovers. This new co-production with Munich's Bavarian State Opera features costumes by renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix. "It's Lacroix, sweetie darling."
Attila (Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.)
The cast of this new SF Opera/Teatro alla Scala co-production includes legendary Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role of the Hun. Not hon, Hun.
Mefistofele (Sept. 25 at 9 p.m.)
The title role in this reimagining of Goethe 's Faust is sung by Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov in his staged role debut. Amazing staging.
Rigoletto (Oct. 2 at 8 p.m.)
The cast, led by SF Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti, features Serbian baritone Zeljko Lucic in the title role, and the SF Opera debut of Polish soprano Aleksandra Kurzak as Gilda.
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Oct. 17 at 9 p.m.)
Director Francesca Zambello 's critically acclaimed production stars bass-baritone Eric Owens as Porgy and soprano Laquita Mitchell as Bess. Make the popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the operas!