San Francisco Opera Presents 'The Fall of the House of Usher' A Double Bill

San Francisco Opera presents the U.S. premiere of The Fall of the House of Usher-an innovative double bill of Gordon Getty's Usher House and Claude Debussy's La Chute de la Maison Usher, both inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's chilling 1839 short story. Opening on December 8, the double bill provides two contrasting takes on one of the most transformed pieces of literature ever created. Director David Pountney's eerie production, designed by Niki Turner, provides an "aptly evocative setting for the Gothic horror writer's dark imaginings" (The Stage, UK) and features imaginative, otherworldly video projections filmed by video production designer David Haneke at Penrhyn Castle in North Wales. Conducted by Lawrence Foster, who led the 2014 world stage premiere at Welsh National Opera, this presentation marks the U.S. premiere of Gordon Getty's Usher House and the American professional premiere of Robert Orledge's "truly seamless" (The Guardian, UK) reconstruction of Debussy's unfinished score.

Baritone Brian Mulligan takes on the dual roles of Roderick Usher in both interpretations of the story. Tenor Jason Bridges makes his Company debut as Edgar Allan Poe in Getty's Usher House; Bridges created the role for the 2014 world premiere. Tenor Joel Sorensen returns to the Company as Le Médecin (the Doctor) in Debussy's La Chute de la Maison Usher. The casts also feature Jacqueline Piccolino (Lady Madeline) and Edward Nelson (L'Ami) in La Chute de la Maison Usher and Anthony Reed (Doctor Primus) and dancer Jamielyn Duggan in Usher House. A co-production of San Francisco Opera and Welsh National Opera, The Fall of the House of Usher runs for four performances on December 8, 10, 11 and 13, 2015 at the War Memorial Opera House.

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER INSIGHT PANEL / November 30

Get a rare glimpse into the creative process of our cast and creative team as they share insights about bringing these works to life. The illuminating panel discussion and audience question and answer session, moderated by Company Dramaturg Dr. Clifford Cranna, will feature composer Gordon Getty, conductor Lawrence Foster and baritone Brian Mulligan.

The Insight Panel takes place on Monday, November 30 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. Free for San Francisco Opera members, subscribers and students with a valid student ID; $5 for the general public. Pre-registration and tickets are available via Eventbrite; tickets also available at the door. Panel participants are subject to change. For more information, visit sfopera.com/insights.

Tickets for The Fall of the House of Usher are priced from $26 to $381 (subject to change) and may be purchased at sfopera.com or through the San Francisco Opera Box Office at 301 Van Ness Avenue or by phone at (415) 864-3330. Standing Room tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on the day of each performance; tickets are $10 each, cash only.

The War Memorial Opera House is located at 301 Van Ness Avenue at Grove Street. Patrons are encouraged to use public transportation to attend San Francisco Opera performances. The War

Memorial Opera House is within walking distance of the Civic Center BART station and near numerous bus lines, including 5, 21, 47, 49 and the F Market Street. For more public transportation

information, visit bart.gov and sfmta.com.

Casting, programs, schedules and ticket prices are subject to change. For further information about The Fall of the House of Usher and San Francisco Opera's 2015-16 Season, please visit sfopera.com.

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