Pocket Opera

'''Pocket Opera''' Pocket Opera is a renowned chamber opera company based in the Bay Area, celebrated for providing accessible and audience-friendly performances for over four decades. Established formally in 1977, the company has become a vital component of San Francisco's cultural scene, although its roots can be traced back to the mid-1960s when Donald Pippin, the company's Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus, began captivating local audiences with his English translations of operatic works. The company's performances are known for their liveliness, professionalism, and entertainment value, featuring the Bay Area's finest singers accompanied by the Pocket Philharmonic, which consists of 5 to 12 players. Pocket Opera's productions are fully staged and are notable for being performed in intelligible English translations crafted by Pippin himself. This approach allows the audience to experience full operatic works, including some rare pieces, on an intimate scale that is distinctive to Pocket Opera. Before its official inception, Pocket Opera's presence was felt in various iconic venues, such as the Hungry I and Opus One in North Beach, and the Old Spaghetti Factory. Today, the company continues to perform in various venues, including the Hillside Club in Berkeley, and holds the distinction of being the only opera company still presenting at the Gunn Theater at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, a venue likened to a jewel-box. Recognition of Pocket Opera's contribution to the arts came in the form of being voted 'Best Discovery' in the San Francisco Classical Voice Audience Choice Awards for the 2019-2020 season. The company encourages new and seasoned opera enthusiasts alike to partake in the deeply personal experience offered by a Pocket Opera performance. In addition to its productions, Pocket Opera also provides libretti rental services and publications, further contributing to the accessibility of opera as an art form. The organization is supported through ticket sales, donations, the Elsewhere Foundation, gala fundraisers, sponsorships, and the Donald Pippin Legacy Society, which honors the founder's enduring impact on the arts community. As Pocket Opera continues to enchant audiences with its unique blend of operatic tradition and innovative presentation, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of opera and its ability to connect with audiences in a personal and engaging manner.