San Francisco Opera Medals Awarded To Catherine Cook, Philip Skinner, and Dale Travis
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2022
An onstage award presentation immediately following the October 30 matinee performance of Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites honored three cherished artists whose careers with San Francisco Opera each span over three decades. Mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook, who was Mother Jeanne in the afternoon's performance, and bass-baritone Dale Travis, who portrayed Marquis de la Force, were joined onstage by bass-baritone Philip Skinner to each receive the San Francisco Opera Medal.
Cast Change Announced for San Francisco Opera's DON GIOVANNI
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2017
San Francisco Opera's 2017 Summer Season will include Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni at the War Memorial Opera House beginning Sunday, June 4 through Friday, June 30 for eight performances. In a cast change announced today, Uruguayan bass-baritone Erwin Schrott and American bass Erik Anstine will sing the role of Leporello. Both artists are making their first appearances with San Francisco Opera and stepping in for previously scheduled bass Marco Vinco, who has withdrawn from the production for health reasons. Schrott is scheduled to sing the first six performances and Anstine the last two.
Janet Sassoon Shows 'Reverence' in the Art of Ballet
by Christina Mancuso - Dec 11, 2013
In the world of classical ballet, the word 'reverence' has more than the above meanings. It is demonstrated in many ways throughout one's entire life of dance. It starts by physically using reverence in the form of a curtsy or a bow. As a very little girl, even before learning ballet, author Janet Sassoon was trained to curtsy to her elders. She also curtsied after a piano lesson or any other kind of instruction. Then comes ballet class, where from the very first day, everyone is expected to curtsy to their teachers as they exited the studio. This gesture became automatic for the author as much a part of her life.