What do art song and Halloween have in common? Well… monsters! Beasts without and within, love gone horribly wrong, generalized anxiety and existential crises, conversations with death… The world of classical music is rife with horrors, and contralto Sara Couden is excited to introduce as many of them as possible to the audience this October. She will be working with the fabulous and multi-talented pianist Derek Tam, presenting works by a list of composers including Schubert, Strauss, Wieck, and Weill, as well as modern composers Jordan Rutter-Covatto, Erika Oba, and Chris Castro. Don’t worry, there’s nothing to fear, but fear itself!

EPSG:4326

Artist Recital Series

Piedmont Center for the Arts

A double-bill of short operas written 270 years apart, yet similar in themes of love and betrayal. Both Elle and Dido suffer the devastating consequences of heartbreak. Their stories resonate across time, bringing the audience in-close as they share these deeply human experiences.

La voix humaine

Lesher Center for the Arts

An annual tradition! Bring a picnic, or enjoy a selection of food & wine trucks with family and friends, while Festival Opera artists bring you a stunning concert of Opera and Broadway hits!  Don't miss this fun, casual, FREE event!

Opera in the Park

Civic Park California

Orinda Community Park

Tucked away on the shore of Point Richmond, Riggers Loft Wine Company offers stunning front-row views of the San Francisco Bay. A working winery, the vibe is casual and cool, with a grand piano and great acoustics for singing. Enjoy a selection of wine and bubbly from R&B Cellars, and a sumptuous buffet of savory bites and desserts curated by Chef Frank Miller. Bid on a selection of art, wine, jewelry, experiences, and more, in our live and silent auctions.

OPERA on the Dock of the Bay

Rosie the Riveter National Historical Park

This World Premiere Event of works by Jake Heggie features three song cycles reimagined as fully staged chamber operas. These three moving narratives share one common theme: the deep human desire for love and acceptance. Festival Opera welcomes a world-class cast of West Coast artists with strong ties to Heggie’s operas and song repertoire. As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary Season, we are thrilled and honored to feature the collaboration and performance of Jake Heggie himself in this newly assembled work. This production is the result of General Director Zachary Gordin’s long standing relationship with Jake Heggie and his works, and of their conversations about what opera can be in this era of rebirth.

Festival Opera

Sep 22 - Nov 17, 2024

Artist Recital Series

12 - 14 Jul, 2024

La voix humaine

Festival Opera