Martina Serafin in the title role of Puccini’s ‘Turandot’ – Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera
The traditional slot on Classical KDFC occupied by San Francisco Opera – on the first Sunday in the month – is about to undergo a change. Instead of featuring a recording of a full-length work from the archives of San Francisco Opera, the company’s General Director Matthew Shilvock will join Bill Lueth, KDFC President, for an hour-long showcase of this art form loved by so many.
Starting this Sunday, May 6th, Shilvock and Lueth will take listeners through a selection of new recordings of arias, duets and ensembles, as well as some their personal favorites from artists past and present. They’ll highlight presentations taking place around the Bay Area, and visit the San Francisco Opera archives to revisit recordings of some of the company’s finest productions.
Christine Goerke in the title role of Richard Strauss’ ‘Elektra’ produced in 2017 – Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera
Matthew Shilvock will also take listeners behind the scenes at the War Memorial Opera House where – together with some special guests – he’ll shed light on what’s involved in mounting these impressive productions.
This new program will no doubt prove extremely popular with those who are already committed opera lovers, and also – it’s hoped – introduce a whole new audience to the world of opera, to show that it’s not just an art form for the highbrow, but for anyone who appreciates vocal artistry and beautiful music.
The Opera Hour has its first broadcast this Sunday evening, May 6th, at 8.00 pm, on Classical KDFC. Visit the KDFC website for tuning options, or listen online.
Atalla Ayan as Alfredo and Aurelia Florian as Violetta Valéry in a 2017 production of Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ – Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera
Information sourced from:
Photographs taken from the photo library of San Francisco Opera are examples of productions that might be featured in ‘The Opera Hour’