Best Operas On The Peninsula

alo Alto's West Bay Opera was the brainchild of the late conductor Henry Holt, and was established in 1956. The Opera group has evolved through several generations, but has retained strong community involvement. Prior shows include Tosca, Aida and La Boheme. The West Bay Opera currently holds all performances at the Lucie Stern Theater off Middlefield in Palo Alto.

Opera San Jose is the South Bay Area's premier opera and not only stages world-class productions, but is also extensively involved in the local community through several educational programs. Unlike many area operas, the San Jose Opera employs a troupe of resident artists who perform in all productions throughout the seasons. Upcoming performances include The Barber of Seville and Silent Night. The Opera's home venue is in the recently remodeled California Theater on South First Street in Downtown San Jose.

Founded in 1923, the San Francisco Opera is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the largest opera companies in the country. The current season will include Don Pasquale, Rigoletto and Madame Butterfly. Tickets are available by individual show, or in subscriptions of three or more at a discounted price. All performances are at the War Memorial Opera House, which was commissioned specifically for the San Francisco Opera, funded entirely by public donations, and opened in 1932.

Located in the heart of downtown, the Livermore Valley Opera is a non-profit community opera company. In addition to regular season performances, the opera conducts an extensive school outreach program to area children, with the hopes of fostering a passion for opera. Main shows are held at the Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore, while the opera may also be experienced outdoors during one of several Opera In The Vineyard performances at select area wineries. Upcoming events include the Flying Dutchman, as well as the opera's celebratory 25^th anniversary Silver Jubilee.

The Festival Opera Association is committed to making opera accessible and affordable to everyone. The Association strives to encourage opera attendance for a diverse clientele from beginners to lifelong opera lovers, as well as youth. Mainstage productions are held at Oakland's ValleyCenter for the Performing Arts, with ticket prices starting at $40. For those on a stricter budget, the Festival Opera Association holds an annual free admission Opera in the Park.