Opera San José Celebrates South First Friday: On November 3, Opera San José will add a musical touch to Downtown San Jose’s SoFA District’s evening art walk, South First Friday. The historic California Theatre will host a night of free entertainment from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The event will feature Opera San José singers, a barbershop quartet, renowned organist Jerry Nagano, and a special string quartet performance.
The festivities kick off with performances by Opera San José singers, including mezzo-soprano Joanne Evans, tenor Patrick Bessenbacher, and baritone Robert Balonek, starting at 5:45 pm. At 6:30 pm, The Peninsulaires Chorus’ barbershop quartet, “The Children of the Chord,” will entertain the audience. Organist Jerry Nagano will take the stage at 7:15 pm, showcasing his talent on the California Theatre’s Wurlitzer organ. The evening will conclude with a performance by a unique string quartet formed from members of the Opera San José orchestra at 8 pm.
Opera San José General Director/CEO Shawna Lucey expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “We are excited to put some operatic yay into this South First Friday.” She encouraged attendees to enjoy sneak peeks of their upcoming comedic opera, “The Barber of Seville,” along with the delightful barbershop quartet performance. The event aims to highlight the vibrant arts scene in downtown San Jose.
Opera San José’s 40th anniversary season continues with Gioachino Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville.” The comedic opera, directed by Stephen Lawless, tells the story of the barber Figaro, who helps Count Almaviva win the heart of Rosina. The performances, conducted by OSJ Director of Music Joseph Marcheso, will take place at the historic California Theatre from November 11 to 26. Tickets, ranging from $55 to $195, are available for purchase at operasj.org or by calling 408-437-4450.
Opera San José, a prominent arts organization in Silicon Valley, presents four mainstage productions annually at the beautifully restored California Theatre. The company also broadcasts fully produced productions from its state-of-the-art Heiman Digital Media Studio. Opera San José is renowned for its role debuts, nurturing both established and emerging artists and administrators. The organization brings world-class operatic performances to diverse audiences in the Bay Area and beyond.
The California Theatre, restored to its 1920s-era grandeur, is a remarkable example of a lavish motion picture palace. With opulent interiors and superb acoustics, it offers an intimate setting for opera performances, seating just over 1,100 attendees. The theatre’s elegant ambiance adds to the enchanting experience of attending an opera performance.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the first Friday in San Jose?
Experience an extraordinary evening of arts and culture in the heart of downtown San Jose’s SoFA district and beyond, every first Friday of the month. South FIRST FRIDAYS is a unique event that showcases an eclectic mix of creativity and talent. From art exhibits to live performances, this event has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and discover the hidden gems of San Jose’s art scene. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates the diversity and richness of our community.
Who is the artistic director of the opera San Jose?
In December 2021, Opera San José revealed the selection of Shawna Lucey as its new General Director and CEO. Lucey is a highly regarded opera and theatre director with a national reputation. Her appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the organization. Opera San José is excited to have Lucey on board and looks forward to the positive impact she will have on the company’s future.