Short versions of all the works in the season were broadcast on about 30 California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia radio stations, starting about 1941. Some of these were later reissued by RCA on LP and CD. Characteristic of Merola's years as general director was the fact (as noted by Chatfield-Taylor) that "the great singers of the world came regularly to San Francisco, often performing several roles in deference to the short season and long travel time across the country." Įdwin MacArthur led the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in several 78-rpm recordings for RCA Victor in the late 1930s, including performances by soprano Kirsten Flagstad. On Octothe company inaugurated the new opera house with a performance of Tosca on with Claudia Muzio in the title role. The building was designed by Arthur Brown Jr., the architect who conceived Coit Tower and City Hall. The 1923-24 season included productions of Andrea Chénier (with Beniamino Gigli), Mefistofele (again with Gigli), Tosca (with Giuseppe De Luca and Martinelli, and Verdi's Rigoletto (with Queena Mario, De Luca and Gigli).ĭuring the nine years following the opening season, the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House was conceived. The first official performance given by San Francisco Opera was La bohème, with Queena Mario and Giovanni Martinelli, on September 26, 1923, in the city's Civic Auditorium.Īfter the opening, the SFO's inaguraul international opera season launched, which in the years to come covered a broad range of Italian opera, many being presented only once or twice in seasons lasting no more than two months, sometimes only during September. Appealing to more than the city's elite, Merola raised 2441 contributions of $50 each from many "founding members". It was clear to Merola that a more solid financial base was needed, so he set about fund raising for a season of opera in the fall of 1923. While it was a popular and critical triumph, the five-day season was not a financial success. The first performance occurred in the Stanford Cardinal's football stadium on June 3rd, 1922 with a star-studded group of singers, including Giovanni Martinelli in Pagliacci, followed by Carmen and Faust. By the fall, he was planning his first season, and the very next year, Merola organized a trial season at Stanford University. During this time, Merola conceived of branching away from the area's reliance on visiting troupes for entertainment that had been commonplace since the Gold Rush era. In 1921, Merola returned to live in the city under the patronage of Mrs. Continued visits for the next decade convinced him that a San Francisco company was viable. In 1909, he returned as the conductor of the International Opera Company of Montreal, one of the many visiting troupes that frequented the bustling city. Merola's road to prominence in the Bay Area began in 1906 when he first visited the city.
1.6.2 Music directors and conductors under Gockley.
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