Title Page Page 2: Karen Kubin letter + photo

Seventy-five years ago, 12 women joined together to raise funds for opera education and to support San Francisco Opera. Their first educational endeavor was to underwrite a student matinée of Madama Butterfly at 50 cents a ticket. Photographs from those early years tell the story far better than words ever could. My favorite is of Gladys Swarthout sitting on the steps of the War Memorial Opera House with her grade-school charges in tow, giving them a preview of Faust. Faust, you say? They were enthralled!

From that modest start in 1939, San Francisco Opera Guild has grown to become an organization of over 900 dedicated Board and Chapter members, staff and volunteers providing award-winning K-12 opera education and community outreach programs to millions of students and adults across Northern California. Since 1989, the Guild’s signature Opera à la Carte program alone has reached some 750,000 students. And that’s only one of nine programs we currently offer. Think of it this way: the 50,000 students in 200 Karen J. Kubin. Photo by Russ Fischella schools that we reach with our education programs would fill the Opera House more than 15 times each year. I call that extraordinary! And, thanks to the visionary efforts of our long-time Director Jane Hartley, the Opera Guild has an endowment that now tops $3 million. Our future is secure.

Of course, none of our educational and outreach programs would be possible without the funds raised by our premiere events. It is for this reason, and additionally, and importantly, to provide financial support for San Francisco Opera, that we hold them. This year we wanted to mix the new with the old in celebration of our 75th Anniversary, so we created Holiday Dinner on the Opera House Stage, harking back to the early years of the Guild’s holiday parties that began in the late 1980s as a celebration of the close of the Opera season and the start of the holiday season. It was pure magic. For our Spring event, we again reached back into history, re-inventing the Guild’s beloved Fol de Rol of bygone days with POPera!, an evening of cabaret hosted by award- winning soprano Deborah Voigt, and lots more. Due to the generosity of our supporters of these events and other efforts, notably our spectacular Opera Ball, In the Garden of Good and Evil that opened the Opera’s 91st season, 2013–2014 is poised to be a record-breaking year.

San Francisco Opera Guild means many things to me, but if asked to name the thing that means the most, my answer would be easy: it’s the children we reach with our programs. Watching a shy and tentative middle schooler take

San Francisco Opera Guild 3 Giving voice to potential the stage in an Opera à la Carte production of Pirates of Penzance, give her lines brilliantly, and receive roars of approval from the audience, blushing through education and brightly and beaming with new confidence, tells me that we have provided a outreach programs transformative experience that will stay with that child forever. Or the 12-year- old boy playing Dr. Bartolo in The Barber of Seville, another Opera à la Carte that bring opera center production, to an auditorium filled with his classmates, friends and family stage into the life of the responding with screams of delight. After that experience he might well think there is nothing he can’t accomplish. community All this is achieved through the talent, hard work and dedication of San San Francisco Opera Guild Francisco Opera Guild’s Board, Chapters, volunteers and staff, the loyal Mission Statement support of our donors and San Francisco Opera, and all those who came before us. As President of the Opera Guild, I have been inspired by the commitment of so many wonderful individuals, and I am at once humbled and privileged to be the Guild’s leader. As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, I see a bright future with no limits to what can be accomplished to further our mission and give voice to potential. My challenge to the Opera Guild of 2039, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, is to have doubled in size and annually be helping 100,000 students in 400 schools to find their voices. Like the children, I believe that everything is possible.

Karen J. Kubin President, San Francisco Opera Guild

4 San Francisco Opera Guild Page 3: David Gockley letter + photo

Dear Members of the Opera Community,

I wish to offer my heartiest congratulations to San Francisco Opera Guild on its 75th Anniversary.

Over the years, the Guild has contributed immeasurable value to San Francisco Opera Association and to the operatic art form as a whole.

It starts with the excellent educational programs that now reach 50,000 Bay Area children per year, and continues with the recruitment and organizing of 500–600 volunteers who contribute their services in so many areas, saving the Opera thousands of dollars every year.

The Guild also coordinates the activities of five Bay Area Chapters, which offer speaker programs and fundraisers in support for its educational programs in their communities. David Gockley, ©MIchael Winokur Most tangibly, the Guild co-produces with the Opera the annual Opera Ball, which has for years been the most prominent event in the fall social calendar, and which has since its origin in 1941 been a vital and ever-increasing source of revenue for the Opera Association.

The Guild’s membership and leadership never ceases to amaze me. It richly deserves every plaudit it receives during this milestone year.

Warm wishes,

David Gockley General Director, San Francisco Opera

San Francisco Opera Guild 5 This 75th Anniversary book has truly been a labor of love. Numerous members, both current and past, have contributed to the content by recounting wonderful stories of our Guild. This is the first time we have attempted to compile our complete 75-year history and build a timeline of our most significant milestones. The former editions of this book, published on our 25th and 50th anniversaries, served as a foundation for this publication.

Special thanks to our Opera Guild Staff, especially Managing Director Susan Malott and Megan McDonald, Assistant Events Manager, for taking the time to help us on this journey. Thanks also to Ann Farris, Micah Standley and Ellen Grinnell who volunteered their time to help research the San Francisco Opera’s Archives to locate articles and scan photos that could be used in the book.

It was a wonderful experience to collaborate with Marsha Monro and Romana Bracco on POPera!, our modern version of the Fol de Rol parties of the past. The two of you are pros in the world of event planning. It was a pleasure to be on your team. Katie Jarman. Photo by Lois Tema Photography I would like to personally thank and give gratitude to Barbara Traisman, our book writer and editor, for stepping up to this challenge and so aptly handling all of the details of its content and production. Thank you Barbara!

Additionally, a very special thank you to San Francisco Opera Guild Director, Arlene Inch, for so graciously underwriting the book. Arlene, you are a dear friend to our Guild, and your generosity is truly appreciated.

I hope you enjoy this book and share it with your friends and family. Most sincerely,

Katie Jarman 75th Anniversary Chairman, San Francisco Opera Guild

75th Anniversary Committee POPera! Co-chairmen 75th Anniversary Book Committee Katie Jarman, Chairman Romana Bracco Barbara Traisman, Editor Karen J. Kubin Marsha Monro Donna Miller Casey Jane Mudge Beverly Coughlin Opera Ball 2014 Co-chairmen Barbara Traisman Chandra Friese Teresa Medearis Jane Hartley Virginia Cartwright Ziegler Cynthia Schreuder Katie Jarman Marketing Chairman Joan Lavorgna “Presidents’ Challenge Grant” Chairman Virginia Cartwright Ziegler George F. Lucas Jane Hartley Susan Malott Holiday Dinner on the Opera House Anne Marie Massocca Stage Co-chairmen “75 in 75” Education Fund Campaign Chairman Megan McDonald Ena Chan Cratsenburg Ena Chan Cratsenburg Cynthia Schreuder Sandra Farris Virginia Cartwright Ziegler

6 San Francisco Opera Guild San Francisco Opera Guild: 75 Years of Giving Voice to Potential through Opera Education By Jane Hartley

Since our founding on January 19, It included professional singers, a 1939, San Francisco Opera Guild pianist, a docent narrator and various has provided education programs speaking, dancing and chorus parts for that foster imagination, cultural participating students. understanding and abstract thinking as well as nurturing a lifelong passion Nan McDowell created Operatunities for the arts. This is the story of how in 1980. In this program, students we’ve given voice to potential for 75 took part in a mini version of a current years. San Francisco Opera production, complete with costumes, props With advice from the Metropolitan and stage sets. Professional singers Opera Guild of New York, the worked with the students to stage San Francisco Opera Guild was and perform the opera. One year, in established. Our first program, preparation for Die Walküre, students Student Matinées, began on performed the Ride of the Valkyries November 19, 1939. This program on kazoos. Operatunities was the first and its successor, our Student Dress of several Guild education programs Rehearsals, have made it possible to receive an award from Opera for young people to experience Guilds International, an organization professional opera first-hand ever now known as Opera Volunteers since. That first year, ninth-grade International. student Virginia Miller was so inspired by the performance of Madama Butterfly she attended that she later became a faithful and involved Opera Guild Board member, organizing and leading backstage tours for many years. Today, our Student Dress Rehearsals program enables students in the greater Bay Area to watch dress rehearsals of San Francisco Opera productions.

In 1968, board member Lillian Scott Biben developed a lecture with slides and recorded music, which Guild docents presented in schools to prepare students for trips to the Opera House. Later, Lise Deschamps Ostwald re-imagined the lecture into Marguerite Gignac performs the role of Gilda a 45-minute version of the matinée in a 1961 Student Matinée performance of that the students would attend. Rigoletto

San Francisco Opera Guild 7 With the help of a grant from Carte program, creating masterfully Citicorp in 1984, the Guild was the designed, 45-minute adaptations “It’s never too early to first to use Supertitles for its Student of classic operas in English for Matinées. Supertitles transformed student audiences in grades 3–8. encourage children to the opera experience and became Professional singers perform the a standard part of San Francisco leading roles, while students take on express themselves and Opera’s presentations. other roles with spoken dialogue. The explore their creativity. professional artists coach students in In 1988, Education Vice President expression and stage movement and Breathing life into art— Lisa Grossi secured another grant rehearse the student chorus. They from Citicorp, which allowed her to then join in a presentation of the and teaching children create a Renaissance Summer School opera for the entire school. Opera that they, too, can be in collaboration with UC Berkeley à la Carte now travels to more than and the Italian Consulate. The five- 120 schools in the greater Bay Area actors, creators, thinkers week program included morning and has reached more than 750,000 classes in Italian, Renaissance art, students in the last 25 years. and visionaries—are history, culture and cooking. In the afternoons, students created an In 1988 the Guild piloted a key to our organization’s opera, with the help of a Guild- sequential, curriculum-based most important provided director and composer, program, Opera Partners, written by as well as workshop directors and OPERA America. It included summer missions.” volunteers. At the end of the five- training for teachers, “Great Works,” week program, students performed in which students studied an opera the opera for the community. within the context of its time and Caroline Altman place, and “Create and Produce,” in Director of Education, 2006–2013 Since 1989, husband and wife team which students composed an opera. Ellen Kerrigan and Baker Peeples The program received a National has served as Coordinator and Endowment for the Arts grant that Music Director of the Opera à la funded it for an additional two years.

Students attend the Opera Guild’s 100th Student Matinée in 1973, Students line up at the Opera House for a Student Matinée a performance of La Traviata

8 San Francisco Opera Guild The Guild also developed programs for adults, including in the 1970s Opera Preview Lectures, which are given in the five communities that have Opera Guild chapters; Backstage Tours in 1973; and in 1980, Opera Insights panel discussions with performers and directors of current San Francisco Opera productions.

A funding crisis in 1990 led to the development of a professionally invested endowment, now known as the Education Fund. The proceeds are used exclusively to fund our education programs. Prior to its establishment, the Guild’s Opera Ball fundraising event—hosted annually in conjunction with the San Francisco Opera’s season- opening performance—was the primary source of funding Opera á la Carte Coordinator Ellen Kerrigan for our education programs. in the role of Marie bids farewell to the 21st But an orchestra strike at the Regiment. She is comforted by her aunt, who is played by a student from School of the Epiphany. beginning of the 1990–1991 From a 1993 Opera á la Carte performance of season led to the cancellation The Daughter of the Regiment. of both that season’s opening-

A student at Monta Loma Elementary School is being made-up for an Opera á la Carte Students from Malcolm X, Berkeley, preview Operatunities 1989 The Ring, with Rhinemaidens and a performance of La Bohème kazoo chorus

San Francisco Opera Guild 9 night performance and the Opera this 50-minute musical anti-bullying Ball, jeopardizing funding for Guild play tells the story of a troubled ninth- programs. Having exceeded its grader, Andy, who finds his voice and “Opera aims to combine original $3 million goal in 2013, the self-confidence. Education Fund guarantees the long great poetry and great life of the Guild’s award-winning In 2013, the Guild hired Andrew education programs. Berger as its new Director of music to move the Education. Along with his degrees in In 2001, Beth Brill, who was then Music from Harvard College and in spirit and soul in the Opera Guild president, brought Sing Curriculum and Instruction from Long most profound ways. a Story to fruition. It remains a crown Island University, he brings 20 years of jewel today. Guild teaching artists experience as a music administrator. It contains myriad visit K–3 classrooms to introduce This background makes him ideally opera with interactive storytelling, connections to our most props and boundless fun. Funding from the Guild’s Endowment Fund compelling human enabled the piloting of this program. experiences. These The Guild welcomed its first full- qualities make it an time education director, Caroline Altman, in 2006. She revitalized and ideal catalyst for the expanded our programs, bringing to bear her experience as a teacher, development of our actress, singer and creative genius. creative potential, and One year later, the Guild rolled through the Guild’s out Ms. Altman’s Summer Conservatory. It is a three-week programs, I hope to help program of total immersion, offering students instruction in all aspects make opera an even of performing arts: voice, theory, more vital component movement, music, language, acting, history and more. Students create, in the education of our rehearse and perform an original operatic and/or theatre work and young people and to the attend a Student Dress Rehearsal.

Bay Area community In 2008, Ms. Altman created Book at large.” to Bravo! for students in grades 4–9. A team of teaching artists visits classrooms, where they match the Andrew Berger, class’s curriculum to an original Director of Education opera, allowing children to learn libretto writing, composition and rehearsal techniques.

The Guild rolled out in 2011 How Andy Found His Voice, a touring show for students in grades 4–9. Also created by Caroline Altman, Sing a Story. Photos by Susan Malott

10 San Francisco Opera Guild Jane Hartley, San Francisco Opera Guild president, with school children at a 1989 Student Matinée performance of Falstaff. Photo by Paul Latoures

Operatunities 1984 L’Elisir d’Amore at McAteer high School Students meet Jeanette Scovotti after her performance as the Queen of the Night in a Student Matinée of The Magic Flute

San Francisco Opera Guild 11 suited not only to sustain and our programs and fresh ways strengthen but also to expand the of engaging children. And we’ll Guild’s education programs. continue to focus on our mission, acting on our understanding Over the course of the Guild’s stellar that arts education nurtures the 75-year history, our programs have expressive nature in students. given voice to potential, reaching We’ve proven it for 75 years, and more than 50,000 students in 200 we intend to make a difference schools each year. As we begin in the lives of many, many more our next 75 years, we will continue children. to bring innovative approaches to

Summer Conservatory. Photos by Susan Malott Book to Bravo! Photos by Susan Malott

12 San Francisco Opera Guild Bringing Students to the Opera House Since 1939

San Francisco Opera Guild sponsored Student Matinées from 1939 to 1995, and since 1996 it has offered students the opportunity to attend selected mainstage dress rehearsals. Over the years, these performances have been attended by hundreds of thousands of students from Bay Area and regional schools. Student Matinées

1939 Madama Butterfly 1974 Madama Butterfly 2003 Il Barbiere di Siviglia, La 1940 Aida, Carmen 1975 L’Elisir d’Amore Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, 1941 Il Barbiere di Siviglia 1976 Il Barbiere di Siviglia Pagliacci, The Cunning Little 1942–45 Student Matinées were 1977 Faust Vixen suspended during war years 1978 La Bohème 2004 The Pearl Fishers, Cosí Fan and instead, the Guild made 1979 Così Fan Tutte Tutte, Eugene Onegin, 55-cent tickets to performances 1980 Don Pasquale La Traviata available to U.S. servicemen on 1981 Lucia de Lammermoor 2005 L’Italiana in Algeri, Norma, leave in San Francisco 1982 Le Nozze di Figaro La Forza del Destino, 1946 Carmen, Don Pasquale 1983 La Traviata The Pearl Fishers 1947 La Traviata 1984 Madama Butterfly 2006 Un Ballo in Maschera, Die 1948 La Bohème 1985 Falstaff Fledermaus, Rigoletto, Carmen, 1949 Faust 1986 Faust Le Nozze di Figaro, 1950 Madama Butterfly 1987 La Traviata Madama Butterfly 1951 Carmen 1988 La Bohème 2007 Don Giovanni, Appomattox, 1952 Cavalleria Rusticana, 1989 Falstaff Macbeth, The Rake’s Progress, Pagliacci 1990 Die Fledermaus Das Rheingold, The Magic 1953 Il Barbiere di Siviglia 1991 La Traviata Flute 1954 Rigoletto 1992 L’Elisir d’Amore 2008 The Bonesetter’s Daughter, 1955 Carmen 1993 The Daughter of the Boris Godunov, L’Elisir 1956 Madama Butterfly Regiment d’Amore, Porgy and Bess 1957 La Traviata 1994 Lucia di Lammermoor 2009 The Daughter of the Regiment, 1958 La Bohème 1995 La Cenerentola The Girl of the Golden West, 1959 Pagliacci Otello, Faust tudent ress ehearsals 1960 Gianni Schicchi, Ballet S D R 2010 The Marriage of Figaro, Madama Con Amore 1996 Carmen, Il Barbiere di Siviglia Butterfly, Cyrano de Bergerac, 1961 Rigoletto 1997 Hansel and Gretel The Makropulos Case 1962 The Daughter of the 1998 Hansel and Gretel 2011 Lucrezia Borgia, Don Giovanni, Regiment 1999 Un Ballo in Maschera, Lucia di Carmen, Xerxes 1963 Falstaff Lammermoor, La Bohème 2012 Rigoletto, The Capulets and 1964 The Bartered Bride 2000 The Ballad of Baby Doc, the Montagues, Moby Dick, 1965 Il Barbiere di Siviglia La Traviata, L’Elisir d’Amore, Lohengrin, Tosca 1966 Rigoletto The Magic Flute 2013 Falstaff, The Flying Dutchman, 1967 The Magic Flute 2001 Falstaff, The Merry Widow, Il Barbiere di Siviglia, 1968 Madama Butterfly Tosca, Carmen, Madama Il Barbiere di Siviglia for Families 1969 L’Elisir d’Amore Butterfly 2014 Show Boat, La Traviata, La 1970 Carmen 2002 Otello, Hansel and Gretel, Bohème, Un Ballo in Maschera, 1971 Il Trovatore Madama Butterfly, Partenope, La Cenerentola 1972 Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor La Cenerentola 1973 La Bohème, La Traviata

San Francisco Opera Guild 13 San Francisco Opera Guild: Celebrating 75 Years of Fundraising, Opera Education and Having Fun To develop and By Barbara Traisman the performance were made available cultivate a wider to schoolchildren for 50 cents apiece. As San Francisco Opera Guild embarked This proved to be the harbinger of public interest in on its 75th anniversary year, there was what would become a comprehensive much to celebrate. From its origins in lineup of lively and engaging award- opera through 1938 when a group of 49 opera lovers winning education programs. In educational made it their mission to raise funds for 2013–2014 the Guild’s programs opera education and to support San reached more than 50,000 students in programs and to Francisco Opera, the Guild has kept pace almost 200 Bay Area schools. Opera with changing times and evolved into an à la Carte, the precursor of which was support the San increasingly dynamic and professional established in 1978, and which is the Francisco Opera organization. To date, the Opera Guild Guild’s longest-running program, has has almost 1000 members, has amassed reached 750,000 students since 1989. Association through an Education Fund of $3.3 million, and, true to the mandate of its dual mission, In the formative years, profits from the fundraising events enjoys an enviable history of strong Opera Guild’s fundraising activities financial support for San Francisco Opera accumulated in the treasury until and volunteer Association. there was enough money to pay for a activities. stage set for a San Francisco Opera The Opera Guild’s first educational production. The first donation to San endeavor on November 19, 1939, was the Francisco Opera Association was in Opera Guild by-laws, underwriting of a matinée performance of 1950 in the amount of $6000, which January 19, 1939 Madama Butterfly for students. Tickets to was used to underwrite the sets for Parsifal. By 1987 the Guild’s annual contribution had risen to $120,000, and in 1998, it reached $500,000. In 2013, the Guild’s donations to San Francisco Opera surpassed $750,000.

Proceeds from the Opera Ball, the Guild’s signature fundraising event inaugurated in 1941 and produced in collaboration with San Francisco Opera, support the education programs of the Guild and San Francisco Opera Association. In earlier years, gifts to San Francisco Opera were also used to partially or wholly underwrite many mainstage operas. Early examples in addition to Parsifal in 1950 are La Bohème in 1958, Le Nozze di Figaro in 1961 and The Magic Flute in 1967, as well as the nationally Parsifal Act III, Scene 1. Photo by Strohmeyer

14 San Francisco Opera Guild televised production of Ponchielli’s The reach of San Francisco Opera La Gioconda in 1979 and Poulenc’s Guild was greatly expanded over Dialogues of the Carmelites in 1982. the years with the creation of five Chapters in the Bay Area, Revenues from the Guild’s as well as an affiliation with San additional fundraising efforts such Jose Opera Guild. The Guild’s as the fanciful Fol de Rol, another Chapters in San Francisco, the key signature event that was East Bay, Marin County, Sonoma presented from 1950 to1992, and County and the Peninsula were its popular spring and winter events formed in order to develop and also support Guild education cultivate a wider interest in the programs. Performers at Fol de performances, concerts and Rol were a sparkling mix of figures activities of San Francisco Opera. from the opera and entertainment Today, the Guild’s Chapters have worlds. Operatic artists such as Lily a combined membership of Pons, Marilyn Horne, Birgit Nilsson, nearly 800 individuals. As part Leontyne Price, Leonie Rysanek, of the Opera Guild’s community Claramae Turner, Beverly Sills, outreach program, the Chapters Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, present the Opera Previews lecture Claramae Turner performs at Fol de Rol José Carreras, Placido Domingo series in their communities, and Luciano Pavarotti were joined host artist receptions that follow by masters of ceremonies that the Guild’s Insight Panel Series, included Frank Sinatra, Joel Grey, and actively participate in the Ray Bolger, Merv Griffin and Guild’s corps of volunteers, which Duke Ellington. John Denver, the contributes approximately 30,000 Jefferson Airplane, Boz Scaggs, hours each year to San Francisco Turk Murphy’s Jazz Band and Neil Opera. In addition, the Chapters Sedaka were among the cast of host numerous events in their non-operatic performers. communities. Through their various fundraising activities, the Chapters When the Guild’s Endowment Fund, regularly make generous gifts to now known as the Education Fund, the Opera Guild, Merola and San was established in 1995, additional Francisco Opera Association. money was raised and designated for this repository, with the money While all of San Francisco Opera to be used exclusively for Guild Guild’s notable accomplishments education programs. Generous over the past 75 years are too gifts and bequests have helped numerous to recount, what to increase the fund to its current follows is a timeline of some balance. The Guild continues to defining moments in its history develop new philanthropic partners that highlight landmark events, John Denver and Placido Domingo sing a duet and receives strong support for its record special successes and at Fol de Rol in 1981 education programs and events convey the remarkable spirit of the from both these new partners and organization. its loyal base of long-term donors.

San Francisco Opera Guild 15 16 San Francisco Opera Guild A Timeline of 75 Eventful Years 1938–1939 1940s

1938, December: San Francisco 1940: Opera Guild hosts a tea Opera Guild is founded by Milton for Lily Pons. H. Esberg, Jr., Betty Powell and Mr. J.L. Bradley. Betty Powell served as 1940: Guild sponsors lectures by the first president of the Guild. widely respected music critics Alfred Frankenstein and Alexander Fried. 1939, January 19th: Opera Guild is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non- 1941, October 13th: Opera Ball is profit corporation. inaugurated. The event followed the performance of Don Pasquale and 1939: Guild begins sponsoring was held at the Museum of Modern student attendance at opera Art in the War Memorial Veterans matinées, with the first Student Building. Matinée on November 19th. Tickets to Madama Butterfly were December 1942–1945: During this made available to students for 50 period of World War II, Opera Guild cents apiece. The Guild continued suspends its Student Matinées and to sponsor Student Matinées uses funds from membership dues through 1995, at which point it to provide 55-cent opera tickets to began its current Student Dress U.S. Armed Services personnel on Rehearsals program. leave in San Francisco.

1939: Opera Museum-Library is 1945: After a hiatus during the sponsored by Guild and open war years, Opera Ball is reinstated during opera performances. as a gala Victory Ball and held at the Palace Hotel. The Opera Ball 1939: First Annual Luncheon. remained in this venue through 1949 Baritone Lawrence Tibbett was the and was then moved to Civic Center guest of honor. venues. In 1956 the Opera Ball had achieved such high social standing that it was featured in a spread of pictures in Life Magazine.

Children at the Opera House for a Student Matinée “In white mink, Mrs. Richard S. McCreery, San Francisco’s most honored dowager, leaves dinner for the opera with Sir Robert Hadow.” Life magazine, 1956.

San Francisco Opera Guild 17 1950s

1950: $6000 is donated by Opera Guild to San Francisco Opera. Funds from this first donation were used to pay for the stage sets for Parsifal.

1950: First Fol de Rol takes place and marks the beginning of a 42-year Opera Guild tradition. The inaugural event was chaired by Lucille Monteagle and Nancy Lapham and generated $11,000. These playful and whimsical thematic evenings with cabaret- style dining featured top operatic singers who were performing with Lily Pons sings “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” at Fol de Rol, 1950 San Francisco Opera that season and big-name show business entertainers. From the 1950s through the 1970s Fol de Rol and Opera Ball were presented as a combined event on an intermittent basis.

1958: Opera Guild’s Talent Bank is formed to produce traveling opera- theater for communities throughout Northern California. The troupe’s productions featured young Bay Area artists and musically inclined Opera Guild members. Its shortened versions of productions included Die Fledermaus, La Guild member Edith Crapsey performs in the Jeannine Gillon as Lauretta in the Talent Bank Finta Giardiniera, and Dr. Miracle. Talent Bank production of Turk in Italy. Photo by production of Bizet’s Dr. Miracle Among the sponsors of musical Sandino Studio events who regularly used the Children attend the Talent Bank Talent Bank productions were the production of Dr. Miracle Oakland, Stockton and Modesto symphonies, Villa Montalvo and the Cabrillo Festival. The Talent Bank also booked its young artists in Pops concerts in answer to the entertainment needs of hostesses and program chairmen.

18 San Francisco Opera Guild 1960s

1963: Opera Guild funds are used to underwrite the sets for Il Barbiere di Siviglia.

1963: Guild hosts a champagne reception for its members and the cast of La Traviata following the production’s dress rehearsal. Attendance at dress rehearsals and receptions afterwards with the cast was a popular benefit of Guild membership. Mary Costa performs in the dress Model of sets for Il Barbiere di Siviglia rehearsal of La Traviata, which was 1969: Opera Guild Auxiliary is followed by a champagne reception established and continues through for the cast and Guild members. Photo by Carolyn Mason Jones 1981. 1970s

1972, April 4th: Kick-off party for the Guild’s fundraising drive to commemorate San Francisco Opera’s golden anniversary is held at the new Stanford Court Hotel in conjunction with the hotel’s opening. The lavish party was underwritten by the Stanford Court Hotel and raised $30,000 for the Guild. Lucille Monteagle was the Honorary Chairman.

1972: College Opera Association is founded by the Guild’s Education committee, with a pilot program to make season tickets available at Guild and cast members at a champagne a reduced rate for 50 students. In reception following a dress rehearsal 1973 the number of season tickets Der Rosenkavalier with Reri made available was increased to 100. Grist and Sylvia Anderson Tickets were purchased by students is the featured Guild dress rehearsal in 1975 from 13 Bay Area colleges and universities.

1972: Fol de Rol for the Golden Season celebrates San Francisco Opera’s 50th season. The event was held at Civic Auditorium. Performers included Beverly Sills, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Shirley Verrett, Norman Mittleman,

San Francisco Opera Guild 19 Bruce Yarnell, Simon Estes and dancers from San Francisco Ballet. Scott Beach, the announcer for San Francisco Opera, was master of ceremonies and Jean McClatchy was the event chairman.

1972: Opera Salon, a series of panel discussions by experts on various topics, is initiated by the Opera Guild. Held in the Veterans Auditorium, early participants included singers Regina Resnik, Frederica von Stade, Samuel Ramey and Thomas Stewart, with maestros Jean Perisson and Gerd Albrecht. In 1980 Opera Salon became known as Golden Girl dancers at Fol de Rol for a Golden Season the Insight Panel Series.

Recently, singers Joyce DiDonato and Brandon Jovanovich, composer Mark Adamo and Maestro Nicola Luisotti have participated in the discussions. The program is now in its 42nd year.

1972: Total donations to San Maestro Gerd Albrecht Frederica von Stade Francisco Opera Association from the Opera Guild surpass $400,000 since the Guild’s inception.

1973, November 9th: Opera Guild celebrates its 100th Student Matinée, having reached 325,000 students with this opportunity to see San Francisco Opera performances since the program began in 1939. Students Children arrive at the Opera House to attend Samuel Ramey Regina Resnik the 100th Student Matinée from as far away as Sacramento and Merced attended the performances. the presentation of a check from R.J. During the period from 1989 to 2013, Reynolds for $10,000 to underwrite over 750,000 students participated in 1973: Guild begins offering popular that year’s Fol de Rol. the program. Backstage Tours of the Opera House. 1976: Under the leadership of 1978–1979: East Bay, Peninsula and 1975: R.J. Reynolds hosts a dockside Donna Miller Casey, the Opera Guild Sonoma County Chapters of the party for Opera Guild members at Auxiliary publishes a cookbook titled Opera Guild are founded, and the the Oakland pier of its Sea-Land What Aria Cooking? and raises $5000 Marin County Chapter of the Opera Service, Inc. The event featured a from book sales. Guild is created from the volunteer tour of the group’s SS Finance, the group previously known as Marin world’s largest container ship, and a 1978: The model for Opera à la County Opera Action. The Opera cocktail party on the dock catered Carte, the Guild’s longest-running Previews lecture series is one of the by Trader Vic’s. It culminated with education program, is established.

20 San Francisco Opera Guild Chapters’ key activities. Begun in the 1970s, over 220 lectures have been presented by numerous nationally- recognized authorities on opera. Among them are Jan Popper, James Schwabacher, Stephanie von Buchau, Speight Jenkins, Alfred Frankenstein, Robert Commanday, Allan Ulrich, Arthur Kaplan, Francesca Zambello Cookbook editor Donna Miller Casey and Lyman Casey and Kip Cranna. The Chapters also host a wide variety of social events that engage their communities with San Francisco Opera.

1979: With the receipt of a $15,000 grant from Bay View Federal Savings, the Opera Guild institutes matinées for senior citizens and people with disabilities.

1979, September 30th: The first of three Guild-sponsored Pavarotti Tennis Tournaments that spotlight the tenor’s love of the game and feature him as a doubles player takes place at the San Francisco Kurt Adler and Mrs. Adler prepare to taste-test Tennis Club. Opera Guild members a batch of Vanillekipferl, his favorite post-opera participated, including Harriet Meyer snack. Mr. Adler contributed the recipe for the butter, almond and sugar cookies—that is Quarré, Beverly Coughlin and Jane based on a recipe from a collection of Viennese Osgood, as well as San Francisco Francesca Zambello speaks at the specialties handwritten by Mr. Adler’s mother— celebrities such as Herb Caen. 1984 Opera Preview lecture series to What Aria You Cooking? The event was followed by dinner at Trader Vic’s and celebrated Mr. Pavarotti’s birthday twelve days early.

1979: Allen Hillebrandt is hired as the Opera Guild’s first Executive Director.

Maestro Luisotti is the guest of honor at an East Bay Chapter fundraising event in Lafayette. Left to right, Sigrid Jarrett, Silvia Lin, Nicola Luisotti and Bob Brock

San Francisco Opera Guild 21 1980s 1981, November 21st and 22nd: Third Pavarotti Tennis Tournament 1980, June 1st: Second Pavarotti takes place at the San Francisco Tennis Tournament is held at the San Tennis Club and is followed by dinner Francisco Tennis Club. The afternoon at the home of Ann and Gordon matches were followed by disco Getty. dancing and dinner at the Empress of China. 1982: Guild begins producing an annual publication about the current 1980: Operatunities program is opera season. A benefit of Opera created by Guild member Nan Guild membership, the publications McDowell as a means of giving Bay were the most comprehensive works Beverly Coughlin and Luciano Pavarotti at the Area junior high and high school dinner at the Empress of China following the of their type and included essays by students first-hand experience in second Pavarotti Tennis Tournament professional opera writers, as well producing and performing in an as Opera Guild news. Opera Guild opera. In the first three years since Magazine was published from 1982 the program’s inception, an average to 1987, and Season Preview Book of 500 students a year participated from 1990 to 2002. Editors included in productions of professionally Allen Hillebrandt, Barbara McClure, prepared 45-minute adaptations of Wolfgang Willaschek and George F. scores such as La Traviata, Carmen, Lucas, who served as the editor of Don Pasquale and Figaro, which the Season Preview Book for 9 years. also featured professional singers From 2003 to 2006, the Opera Guild in lead roles. Over 6000 students collaborated with San Francisco from neighboring Bay Area schools Opera Association to produce the attended the performances from Year Book. 1980 to1983. 1983: A Passport to Adventure is Students rehearse the Operatunities production 1980, November 10th: Opera created and chaired by Sara Duryea of La Traviata Guild hosts the 7th Opera Guilds and Adelaide Hornberger. This International Conference. Over 200 auction of vacation packages and delegates from 90 member guilds travel-related items was a major across the U.S. and Canada met to fundraising occasion and became participate in workshops, seminars an annual event. The travel-themed and lectures led by Bay Area format was used for a decade. Since professionals in the arts, business then, the Auction Galas have been and education. Many delegates based on a wide variety of themes. also attended a performance of Operatunities and the Fol de Rol 1984: Opera Guild’s Development Fireman’s Ball. Committee, under the leadership of Diane Morris, votes to give San 1980: Tours of the Opera House are Francisco Opera Association a offered to the public in response special grant to pay for Supertitles to popular demand. Now in their for the summer season. 45th year, these one-hour tours led by Opera Guild docents take 1984: Opera Guild receives a grant visitors through the auditorium, from Citicorp for $38,000 to pay dressing rooms, wig and make-up for projection equipment and the departments, prompter’s box and production of Supertitles for Student other behind-the-scenes locations. Matinées.

22 San Francisco Opera Guild 1984, December 2nd: Sail Away 1985, December: San party cruise on The Royal Viking Sea Francisco Opera’s stage takes Guild members on an all-night hands invite Opera Guild cruise past the Farallon Islands and to participate in the back. The event was chaired by entertainment for their end- Adelaide Hornberger. It featured of-the-season crab feed on cocktails, dinner, entertainment the Opera House stage for throughout the ship, dancing, the crew and cast. George F. cabaret, a midnight buffet and Lucas headed up a soft-shoe breakfast as the ship sailed back into number called “George and the Bay at dawn. Herb Caen devoted the Gilded Lilies.” The Lilies an entire column to the event. were Beverley Denebeim, Beverly Coughlin, Virginia 1985: American Express makes Miller and Anne Kasanin. a gift to Opera Guild of $100,000 to underwrite Supertitles for San 1986: Steven Smith is hired

Terence A. McEwen, General Director, with Francisco Opera’s fall season and as the Executive Director of Harold Fates, Jr. of Citicorp, 1984 Opera Ball 1985. the Opera Guild.

American Express presents a check for 1985 Fall Season Supertitles: (l. to r.) David Standridge, Senior Executive Vice President, Shearson Lehman Bros. Inc.; Terence A. McEwen, General Director, San Francisco Opera; Mary Poland, Vice President, Development, San Francisco Opera Guild; Richard Selmeier, Regional Vice President, American Express

Beverly Coughlin, Susan Overman, Director of Development, San Francisco Opera, and Hugh Coughlin enjoy dinner aboard the Royal Viking “George and the Gilded Lilies”: Beverley Denenbeim, Beverly Coughlin, George F. Sea during Sail Away Lucas, Virginia Miller, Anne Kasanin

San Francisco Opera Guild 23 1986: Citicorp gives grant of $21,600 of the Seasons), Neiman Marcus (‘Tis events taking place in two months: to support the Guild’s Operatunities the Season), and other Union Square Opera Ball in September; a gala program. retailers. In more recent years the evening of dining and dancing in holiday event was held at the Westin October at the Nordstrom store on 1986 and 1987: Opera Guild is St. Francis (Holiday Cheers). In 2013 the eve of its opening in Westfield honored for an unprecedented two it launched the Opera Guild’s 75th San Francisco Center; and Fol de consecutive years by Opera Guilds anniversary year celebration as a Rol, headlined by Luciano Pavarotti, International with its highest award black-tie Holiday Dinner on the Opera Andrea Marcovicci and Rosemary for innovation and excellence in House Stage. Clooney, with Frank Sinatra as educational programs. master of ceremonies. The events 1986: The first of a series of 1986: Under the initiative of Sara generated record-breaking revenue. annual Opera Guild “Opera Attic” Lucero Meyer chaired Duryea, the Guild presents the Opera Ball, Rummage Sales takes place in Sara Duryea chaired Fol de Rol inaugural Closing Night celebration a space donated to the Guild at to mark the end of the Opera’s and Gloria Wolfenden chaired the the Baker Hamilton Building, 601 Nordstrom event, which marked the season. The event was held on Townsend Street, San Francisco. The closing night of the Opera’s A series beginning of the ongoing association sales required thousands of volunteer between Nordstrom and the Opera and featured a pre-performance hours to plan and execute and were Guild. black-tie dinner at One California spearheaded and chaired by Virginia Street. After dinner, guests were Miller. Each year, Guild members 1988, November 7th: Mayor taken to the Opera House in a fleet contributed a wide variety of items Art Agnos issues a proclamation of pre-ordered taxis. for the sale as well as their time declaring, “the week of November The event continued as a closing during the sale to make the event 7th, 1988 as San Francisco Opera night party for another four years a fundraising success. The “Opera Guild 50th Anniversary Celebration and then took the form of the Opera Attic” sales took place for 14 years. Week in San Francisco.” The Guild’s annual winter holiday party. proclamation was issued “in For 14 years it was presented in 1988: The Opera Guild’s 50th recognition of the Opera Guild’s five partnership with Gump’s (Celebration anniversary is celebrated in the fall decades of hard work, commitment, of the Seasons), Macy’s (Celebration with three spectacular, sold-out and accomplishment” and its role

Eileen Ludwig, Dr. William J. Wolfenden, Jr. and Gloria William McCormick, Fireman’s Fund Chairman; Sara Duryea, Fol de Rol chairman; Luciano Wolfenden, chairman of the gala evening at Nordstrom. Pavarotti; and Tom Selfridge, President, Beaulieu Vineyard. Photo by Scotty Morris Photo by Scotty Morris

24 San Francisco Opera Guild as “a peerless mainstay of the opera and a national leader in the development of Arts appreciation and education programs.” 1990s

1990: During the tenures of Opera Guild President Jane Hartley and San Francisco Opera General Director Lotfi Mansouri, the concept for the Endowment Fund, now called Placido Domingo Concert co-chairman Peggy the Education Fund, is developed. Olsen, Placido Domingo and co-chairman Sara Mary Poland and Barbara Henry, chairmen of A goal of $3 million was set for the Duryea. Photo by Scotty Morris Port to Port. Photo by Scotty Morris fund, with the money earmarked exclusively for Opera Guild 1991, April 26: Amadeus Ball is education programs. The fund was held at the Sheraton Palace Hotel in formally established in 1995. honor of Mozart‘s bicentennial. The masked ball was the opening event 1990: In celebration of the 40th of San Francisco Opera’s “Season of anniversary of Fol de Rol, the Opera Mozart,” a month-long presentation Guild presents An Encore for 1990: of five operatic masterpieces by the Opera Ball and Fol de Rol. The party composer. Many guests attended was chaired by Rhea Friend, Suzanne the evening in period costumes, Parsons, Sara Duryea and Lisa wigs and make-up provided by Grossi. It took place in the Grand San Francisco Opera’s Costume Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel. Shop. Event chairs were Marcia 1990: Opera Guild and San Messmer and Beth Leathers. The Francisco Opera collaborate to Guild received underwriting support present a concert headlined by for the event from the Sheraton Palace Hotel as one of the occasions Placido Domingo with soprano Ann Max and Marcia Messmer, co-chairman of Panagulias at the Civic Auditorium. chosen in celebration of the hotel’s Amadeus Ball The event was co-chaired by Sara re-opening following extensive Duryea and Peggy Olsen. remodeling.

1991: Ken Sommer is hired as the 1991: The first of three annual Administrator of the Opera Guild Opera Guild Parade Walks is and serves in that position until 1999. introduced. A prelude to Opera in the Park later in the afternoon, the 1991: Port to Port, the Guild’s first walks featured nine floats with music, fine wine and travel auction takes each one representing one of the place at the Ritz Carlton. The operas from the fall season. The chairmen were Barbara Henry and parade’s route went around Golden Mary Poland. The event, which Gate Park’s Stowe Lake and ended in expanded on the Guild’s existing the Music Concourse. The individual travel auctions, was followed in 1993 floats were sponsored by Bay Area by Port to Port—Wine, Travel, Leisure. businesses. People who walked in It was held at the Fairmont Hotel and the parade paid a $15 participation was chaired by Gretchen Belli and fee. Janice Stein. Revelers at Amadeus Ball

San Francisco Opera Guild 25 1992: The final Fol de Rol, Celebrate program, in which they were America, is presented. Chaired by invited to attend a mainstage Barbara Henry, the event had an dress rehearsal for a nominal Americana theme. Dudley Moore fee, was Carmen. headlined the entertainment and played the piano. 1996, May 15th: In collaboration with San 1992: Celebration of the Seasons Francisco Opera Guild and San is hosted at Gump’s to mark the Francisco Opera Association, end of the Opera’s 70th season. Neiman Marcus hosts a benefit Co-sponsored by Gump’s and the for the restoration and repair of French Trade Commission, the damage to the Opera House evening included an appearance by caused by the 1989 Loma Jean-Phillippe Lafont, who sang the Prieta earthquake. Oscar de la lead role in San Francisco Opera’s Renta was the honored special production of Christophe Colomb. guest at the black-tie event, which began with a runway 1994, January 18th: Informal fashion show of the fall 1996 modeling of the Yves Saint Oscar de la Renta Collection Laurent spring collection at the and was followed by dinner. Opera Guild’s Annual Scholarship The evening was chaired by Luncheon is presented through a Barbara and Dean Henry, Laurie collaboration between the Guild Chase and Margaret and Harry and I. Magnin. Karen Rollandi and Wetzel. The honorary chairs Mrs. Daniel McBrady chaired the were Ann Getty and Charlotte event, which was the first of many Mailliard Swig. highly popular and successful fashion shows presented by the 1996, June 7th: San Francisco Guild. Opera Guild and San Francisco Opera Association present Parade Walks in Golden Gate Park. Photos courtesy of 1995: Nordstrom and the Opera La Bohème Gala following the George F. Lucas Guild collaborate for the first time to present a gown show in conjunction with the Guild’s annual Scholarship Luncheon. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency and was chaired by George F. Lucas and Jackie Shinefield. Nordstrom underwrote all of the production costs of many subsequent gown shows.

1995: Guild Board member Eileen Ludwig pledges $100,000 to the Endowment Fund.

1996: Guild’s current Student Dress Rehearsals program, offered in conjunction with San Francisco Opera, replaces the Student Matinées. The first opera that students saw under this new Celebrate America, the final Fol de Rol, takes place in 1992

26 San Francisco Opera Guild San Francisco Opera production 1997: Opera House reopens after Opera Guild, the gala evening of La Bohème. The opera took being closed for 18 months for began with a pre-performance place in the Orpheum Theater, an seismic retrofitting and repairs to cocktail reception that was followed alternative venue for San Francisco damage by the 1989 Loma Prieta by the performance, and then dinner Opera performances while the Opera earthquake. Opera Ball was chaired and a Ring cast party. Esty Lawrie House was undergoing repair and by Gretchen Leach, Sally Jordan and and Cathy MacNaughton were the restoration work. The gala dinner was Jane Hartley and celebrated both chairmen of the black-tie event. held at San Francisco Main Library. the reopening of the Opera House The event chairmen were Jackie and the Opera’s 75th Anniversary. 1999: Chris Ruetz is hired as Shinefield and Jan Stein. Revenues generated by the event Managing Director of the Opera set a new record. Guild and serves in the position until 1996, October 20th: An Evening 2000. with Placido Domingo. The black- 1998, February 12th: Chanel hosts tie evening at the Civic Auditorium a fundraising event for the Opera 2000–2010 Guild. The glamorous evening of began with a concert by Mr. 2000: PJ Handeland becomes the Domingo, who was joined by Adler dining, dancing and a Chanel fashion Opera Guild’s Managing Director Fellows Nicolle Foland and David show with models from Paris, New and holds the position until 2006. Okerlund in a performance of York and Los Angeles, took place excerpts of operas by French, Italian on San Francisco’s waterfront in a 2000: General Director Lotfi and German composers. After tented pavilion at the foot of the Bay Mansouri is honored at Opera Ball the concert, guests proceeded to Bridge. It was organized by Barbara 2000 in the final year of his tenure. Nordstrom, Westfield San Francisco Henry with Chanel to celebrate the Chairman Diane B. Wilsey and Centre, for a gala dinner hosted by boutique’s 10th anniversary in San co-chairs Dianne Taube and Irene Nordstrom. Carol Doll and Susan Francisco. Kivitz arranged for a dazzling gala Malott chaired the gala, which was performance of stars from the film 1999, June 9th: one of the series of events that took An Evening in and opera worlds who had worked place in alternative venues while the Valhalla launches San Francisco with Mr. Mansouri during his years Opera House was closed. Opera’s production of Der Ring at San Francisco Opera. The stellar des Nibelungen. Sponsored by the lineup of performers included Renée Fleming, Anna Netrebko, Patricia Racette, Ruth Ann Swenson, Susan Graham, Frederica von Stade,

Sally Jordan, Jane Hartley and Gretchen Leach, co-chairmen of Opera Ball 1997. Dianne Taube and Irene Kivitz, co-chairmen Dede Wilsey, chairman of Opera Ball 2000, and Photo by Scotty Morris of Opera Ball 2000. Photo by Tom Gibbons Al Wilsey. Photo by Tom Gibbons

San Francisco Opera Guild 27 Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Dame Joan Sutherland, Carol Vaness, Marcello Giordani and Joan Morris.

2000, June 2nd: A Tribute to Placido Domingo. Co-chaired by Diana Knowles and Jackie Shinefield, the gala evening took place at City Hall. A cocktail reception and dinner preceded performances by Mr. Domingo and a number of other performers. The Guild’s donation to San Francisco Opera Association that year more than doubled because of revenues from this event. Lotfi Mansouri, Patricia Sprincin, Placido Domingo and Jackie Shinefield, co-chairman of A Tribute to 2001: Sing a Story is developed Placido Domingo. Photo by Tom Gibbons under the tutelage of Opera Guild Patricia Ferrin Loucks and Sandra President Beth Brill. It was presented Esposito were the event chairmen. as a pilot program in ten schools. The following year, the program 2004, April 20th: Put Your Best Foot received The Opera Volunteers Forward—Europe takes place at the International Resource Competition Mark Hopkins Hotel. This fundraising Award. Sing a Story currently reaches evening began with a cocktail approximately 8,000 students a year. reception followed by dinner and a presentation by Mary Bosrock, author 2002, March 26th: Chef Phillipe of Put Your Best Foot Forward—Europe: Jeanty and the Opera Guild A Fearless Guide to International collaborate to host a fundraising Communication and Behavior. The dinner in celebration of the event chairs were Anna Freiman, Toni reopening of Jack’s Restaurant as Wolfson and Jane Hartley, with master Jeanty at Jack’s. Barbara Henry and of ceremonies Paul Freiman. James Ferragamo, Marsha Monro and Luigi Esty Lawrie chaired the event. 2004, July 7th: Opera Guild Votano at Una Bella Serata 2003, October 14: Board member presents The Bentley Summer Soirée Gay-Lynn Blanding and her husband at the Fairmont Hotel. The evening Robert host a cocktail reception showcased the new Bentley 4-door at their home in honor of Samuel Arnage and was highlighted by Ramey. The proceeds from this performances by soprano Sheri exclusive fundraising opportunity Greenawald, San Francisco Opera benefited the Opera Guild and San Center Director, and cellist Peter Francisco Opera Association. Sukonik. A live auction and raffle by Bonhams and Butterfields included 2004: Ferragamo sponsors Una Bella the latest luxury watches, jewelry and Serata, the Guild’s spring Auction diamonds from Breitling and Molina Gala. The black-tie event was held at Fine Jewelers. the Four Seasons. James Ferragamo was the special guest. Auction 2005: A campaign is initiated under packages included a European the leadership of Guild President Marilyn Timoney and Una Bella Serata co- grand opera tour and A Pair of Shoes Cheryl Baxter and Board member chairmen Sandra Esposito and Patircia Ferrin a Month, donated by Ferragamo. Jane Hartley to increase the balance Loucks. Photo by Tom Gibbons

28 San Francisco Opera Guild show’s host Giada De Laurentiis and her film crew attended the ball. Katie Jarman and Victoria Kornblum chaired the event, which included a well-behaved camel named Kazzy who was stationed at the entrance to the party tent.

2006, February 10th: David Gockley is welcomed as the new General Director of San Francisco Opera at the Guild’s black-tie Director’s Ball. The Four Seasons Hotel ballroom was decorated as an elegant supper club reminiscent of New York in the 1940s. Opera á la Carte’s new production of Pirates of Penzance. Photo by Susan Malott Special guest star Patricia Racette displayed her talent as a chanteuse by of the Endowment Fund to $2 million entertaining the guests with jazz and and further secure the future of the modern popular songs. Anne Marie Guild’s Education programs. Massocca chaired the event. 2005: The Opera Guild’s pages on 2006, August: Susan Malott begins the San Francisco Opera’s website her ongoing tenure as Managing are redesigned to highlight the Director of the Opera Guild. Guild’s outreach, education and fundraising programs. 2006: Under the presidency of Cheryl Baxter, the Guild announces 2005: Sing a Story, the Guild’s award- its highest fundraising season to date winning program, doubles its reach and includes along with its annual in its four years of existence to serve gift to San Francisco Opera an 61 schools and 1200 children in additional $100,000 directed towards grades K–3. sponsorship of an opera production Giada De Laurentiis, host of the Food Network’s created especially for families. This Behind the Bash TV show, attends Opera Ball 2005: Wells Fargo underwrites and was the first time that the Guild had 2005. Photo by Drew Altizer produces the Guild’s first marketing/ educational dvd, which features specified that its funds be used for a Opera à la Carte and Sing a Story. family-oriented production.

2005: Opera à la Carte achieves a 2006: The position of Director record with its new production of of Education is created. Caroline Pirates of Penzance, with 125 schools Altman was hired and brought participating in the program and over 20 years of experience in 26,000 in student attendance. teaching, singing, acting, dance and composition to the position. 2005: George F. Lucas is honored at During her seven-year tenure, Ms. the Guild’s annual meeting for his 25 Altman developed an innovative years of service. suite of new education programs to complement and build on the 2005: Midnight at the Oasis, the Guild’s existing ones, producing and Opera Ball 2005 party, is filmed by directing a roster of award-winning Summer Conservatory, first presented in the the Food Network for a segment programs. Summer Conservatory, her summer of 2008. Photo by Susan Malott of its Behind the Bash TV show. The

San Francisco Opera Guild 29 first program, was presented in the awareness of the Guild and its summer of 2008 and is now in its mission, highlighting the connection seventh year. between its education programs and fundraising efforts. The Guild was 2007: Under the leadership of Guild also re-branded under the tag-line President Teresa Medearis, special “Giving voice to potential.” The focus is placed on the Provisional strategy was supported by a unified, training program to encourage the highly-focused message and vibrant rotation of new Directors through visual identity featuring the children the Education, Finance, Community as “heroes.” The impact of the new Outreach and Fundraising Book to Bravo! Photo by Susan Malott strategy became evident in all areas committees and to solicit their of the Guild’s communications, engagement in the Opera à la Carte including its internet and social media program. presence, education brochures, marketing collateral, videos and 2007, December 11th: After a long sponsorship solicitations, as well as hiatus, the Opera Guild reinstates in internal Guild communications. its Holiday Tea for Guild Directors, giving them the opportunity to 2010: Guild introduces an in- celebrate the season together in conversation format for its Annual a festive and intimate setting. This Meeting and Luncheon featuring popular annual event is now in its a lively dialogue between writer eighth year. Amy Tan and singer Zheng Cao, which concluded with an impromptu 2008: Book to Bravo! is developed aria by Ms. Cao. Conversations at by Caroline Altman and made subsequent Annual Meetings have available to Bay Area schools for taken place between Frederica students in grades 5–9. von Stade and Jake Heggie, and 2009, September 11th: Music composer Mark Adamo and Jon Director Nicola Luisotti’s inaugural Finck, Director of Communications, David Gockley, General Director San Francisco season opening night is celebrated San Francisco Opera. Opera, Rita Simonini and her husband Nicola with Opera Ball 2009. For the first Luisotti, Music Director, San Francisco Opera. time, both Opera Guild and BRAVO! 2011–2014 Photo by Drew Altizer Club members attended the 2010–2011: Initiated under the festivities held in the Rotunda of City presidency of Diane Rubin and Hall. Teresa Medearis and Adrianna completed during the tenure of Pope Sullivan chaired the event. The Ann Girard, the Guild creates a red-and-black themed décor was by new strategic plan and updates its Stanlee Gatti. mission statement to read: “Giving voice to potential through education 2010: Voices for Social Justice, a and outreach programs that bring program for students in grades 5–9, opera education center stage into is developed by Caroline Altman and the life of the community.” The made available to Bay Area schools strategic plan was spearheaded that same year. by Guild Director Mary Corroon. It 2010: VP of Marketing, Virginia and the mission statement, which Cartwright Ziegler, launches provided agreed-upon goals and a an integrated marketing and road map for the Guild’s future, were Voices for Social Justice. Photo by Susan Malott communications plan to build greater presented and approved at the April

30 San Francisco Opera Guild 2011 Board of Directors meeting.

2011: Fundraising records continue to be broken. The highest amount paid to date in a live auction was for the Paris Fashion Week package offered at the Guild’s Revelry on the Rhine gala held in celebration of the opening of the Opera’s summer production of The Ring. Linle Froeb and Stephanie Tuttle were the event co-chairmen.

2012: In concert with Guild President Ann Girard, VP of Fundraising Special guests Jake Heggie and Frederica von Stade in conversation at the Opera Guild’s Annual Victoria Kornblum, Marsha Monro, Meeting and Luncheon in 2011. Photo by Drew Altizer Mary Poland and Nafiseh Lindberg undertake a corporate outreach campaign, targeting several retailers and securing increased support from Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bulgari, among others. Saks Fifth Avenue selected the Guild to be honored as part of a national campaign celebrating philanthropic groups and donated a portion of the event’s proceeds to the Guild.

2012: In support of the Development committee’s Karen J. Kubin and Jason Wu at The Art of Opera Junior. Photo by Susan Malott efforts to broaden its reach in the Fashion: Jason Wu. Photo by Drew Altizer community, under the leadership of position to direct a gift of $500,000 runways of New York Fashion Week. VP of Marketing Virginia Cartwright to the Education Fund. This one-of-a-kind fashion, dinner Ziegler, the Guild launches Project and dancing event created a major Ignite as a vehicle for attracting 2013, March 21st: Under the buzz, broadened the Guild’s base individual donors. It also expanded stewardship of President Karen J. of support and paved the way for a its development activities to include Kubin and VP of Fundraising Jane series of unique events that followed. an online program that allows Mudge, the Opera Guild partners Stephanie Tuttle and Melissa Boxer people to make donations to the with Neiman Marcus Union Square Zill chaired the event. Guild via its website. to present The Art of Fashion: Jason Wu at San Francisco City 2013: Opera Junior, a program for 2012: Based on an overall Hall. Mr. Wu, who had just dressed students in grades 4–12, is developed examination of the Guild’s finances, First Lady Michelle Obama for by Caroline Altman and offered to under the impetus of President her second Inaugural Ball, made Bay Area schools. Ann Girard a strategy is developed a personal appearance to mingle for increasing the Education Fund. with the Guild’s VIP guests during a 2013, January: Under the leadership Following an intensive investment champagne reception on the Mayor’s of Guild President Karen J. Kubin, analysis and budgetary review, the Balcony. He then presented his fall the Guild begins planning its 75th Guild determined that it was in a 2013 Collection straight from the Anniversary. Katie Jarman took

San Francisco Opera Guild 31 the baton as the 75th Anniversary Opera Guild Chairman and led the first planning and presents the meeting held on May 16th, 2013. complete design She spearheaded a number of package to the events and projects that followed, Guild Directors including the 75th Anniversary logo at the first Board and anniversary videos created by meeting of the VP of Marketing Virginia Cartwright anniversary year. Her Ziegler, POPera!, the Guild’s spring presentation also black-tie fundraiser, and the Guild’s included highlights 75th Anniversary book. of the “rolling thunder” marketing 2013: Education Fund exceeds its campaign planned $3 million goal with $3.3 million of throughout 2014. Performers at the cocktail reception for Opera Ball 2013, In the Garden total funds on record. of Good and Evil. Photo by Drew Altizer 2013, December 2013: Opera Guild is honored by 2nd: Holiday Dinner Opera Volunteers International with on the Opera House an award of Project of Special Merit Stage kicks off for its integrated marketing program the Opera Guild’s led by Virginia Cartwright Ziegler, VP 75th anniversary of Marketing. year. The black-tie evening honored 2013: Demand for Opera Ball 2013 Charlotte Mailliard is so high that the event sells out Shultz and featured instantly and has to be expanded. a cocktail reception Additional tickets were made in the Opera House available, which also sold out. The foyer and dinner evening featured a cocktail reception and dancing on the and pre-performance dinner at Nancy Bechtle, honoree Charlotte Mailliard Shultz and U.S. Senator stage. The idea for City Hall and an after-party with a Dianne Feinstein at Holiday Dinner on the Opera House Stage. this magical event, Photo by Drew Altizer midnight buffet and dancing. The which harked back event chairmen were Ann Girard and to the Guild’s first holiday parties dollar matching funds for the “75 in Mai Shiver, with décor by celebrated of the late 1980s that celebrated 75” campaign that was launched on event designer Colin Cowie. the closing of the Opera season April 17th, 2014. 2013: After a national search for a and the beginning of the holidays, 2014, March 13th: Gucci hosts a new Director of Education, Andrew was conceived by VP of Fundraising cocktail party and special shopping Berger is hired. Mr. Berger holds Jane Mudge. The event chairs evening at Saks benefiting the an A.B. cum laude in Music from were Sandra Farris and Ena Chan Opera Guild in celebration of its 75th Harvard College and an M.S. in Cratsenburg, with décor by J. Anniversary. Guild hostesses for the Curriculum and Instruction from Riccardo Benavides. evening were POPera! co-chairmen Long Island University. He has over 2014, February: “Presidents’ Romana Bracco and Marsha Monro 20 years of experience in senior Challenge Grant” to raise money and 75th Anniversary Chairman Katie education positions at New York- for the Education Fund is initiated Jarman. area cultural organizations. by Board member Jane Hartley as 2014, April 4th: Marc Jacobs hosts 2013: VP of Marketing Virginia part of the Guild’s 75th Anniversary a cocktail reception and preview of Cartwright Ziegler oversees the celebration. Proceeds generated its fall/winter collection to salute the creation of the 75th Anniversary by the challenge grant have been Opera Guild’s 75th Anniversary. The logo and branding for San Francisco designated for use as dollar-for-

32 San Francisco Opera Guild event also showcased a Marc Jacobs 2014, September 5th: Passione, “1984” 30th Anniversary crocodile Opera Ball 2014, takes place in San bag that was part of the Marc Jacobs Francisco City Hall. The evening New York Fashion Week package began with a cocktail reception donated by Marc Jacobs to the and dinner in the setting of Julius POPera! live auction. Caesar’s Roman imperial palace, created by acclaimed event designer 2014, April 10th: POPera! is J. Riccardo Benavides. Following presented as a reinvention of Fol de the performance of Bellini’s Norma, Rol, mixing the old and the new for guests returned to City Hall for the Guild’s 75th anniversary year. cocktails, desserts and dancing to The lively cabaret-style evening of the Dick Bright Orchestra. Teresa dinner and entertainment began Medearis and Cynthia Schreuder in the Cirque and Gold Rooms and were the event chairmen. continued in the Venetian Room of the San Francisco Fairmont. Deborah 2014, November 10th: As San Voigt hosted the performance, which Francisco Opera Guild’s year-long also featured Tony Award winner 75th Anniversary celebration draws Lillias White, actor and Tony Award to a close, Directors toast the Guild’s nominee Jonathan Groff, Canadian glorious history of accomplishments tenors Romanza and the dazzling at their Annual Meeting and Katya Smirnoff-Skye. Event chairmen Luncheon at the Westin St. Francis. were Romana Bracco and Marsha Monro.

2014, April 17th: Guild launches “75 in 75” campaign with the goal of raising $75,000 in 75 days for the Education Fund, in part with matching funds provided by the “Presidents’ Challenge Grant.” The campaign was led by Ena Chan Cratsenburg, Education Fund Chairman.

2014, June 20th: Opera Guild hosts the 33rd annual Opera Volunteers International conference in partnership with Opera America and San Francisco Opera. VP of Marketing Virginia Cartwright Ziegler led a conference session on web design, marketing and social media. Many conference delegates attended San Francisco Opera performances of La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and Katya Smirnoff-Skye and host Deborah Voigt at Showboat. POPera! Photo by Drew Altizer

San Francisco Opera Guild 33 Opera Ball Chairmen, 1941–2014

2014 teresa Medearis 1995 Dr. Jill Armstrong Hope 1973 Dede Traina Cynthia Schreuder Mary Poland 1972 Maryon Miller 2013 ann Girard 1994 Marcia Messmer 1971 lily Cuneo Mai Shiver Karen Rollandi

1970 Dorothea Walker 2012 cathy MacNaughton 1993 ann Johnson Diane Rubin Anne Kasanin 1969 Sally Debenham Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Space Odyssey 2011 anne Marie Massocca 1992 peggy Olsen Susan Tamagni 1968 Mrs. James E. Durkin 1991 Betty Griffith 2010 charlot Malin Jackie Shinefield Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Balloon Ball Mary Poland Jill Toth 1967 ann Simpson 2009 teresa Medearis 1990 Sara Duryea Barbara Tatum

Adrianna Pope Sullivan Rhea Friend 1966 alex Phillips Lisa Grossi 2008 eve Wertsch Suzanne Parsons 1965 no Opera Ball Toni Wolfson An Encore Event for 1990: Opera Ball and 1964 Ruth Hellman 2007 cheryl Baxter Fol de Rol, Spirit of San Francisco Marybeth La Motte 1963 no Opera Ball

2006 Judith Renard 1989 Sara Duryea 1962 Dorothea Walker

2005 katie Jarman 1988 lucero Meyer 1961 Dorothea Walker Victoria Kornblum 1987 Jane Fuller Gillespie Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, New Orleans Night 2004 Beth Brill Diane Morris 1960 Betty Griffith Trude See 1986 Jane Fuller Gillespie Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Vista of Gold 2003 Sallie Huntting 1985 cynthia Coolidge 1953-1959 Records unavailable Cathy MacNaughton Diane Morris 2002 olivia Hsu Decker 1952 francesca Howe 1984 Jane Fuller Gillespie Anne Marie Massocca Opera Ball and Fol de Rol 1983 Jane Fuller Gillespie 2001 laurie Chase Dixon 1951 claire London Patricia Sprincin 1982 Beverly Coughlin

Rhea Friend Opera Ball and Fol de Rol 2000 Diane B. Wilsey 1950 lucille Monteagle Irene Kivitz 1981 Beverly Coughlin Nancy Lapham Dianne Taube Beverley Denebeim 1946-1949 Opera Ball held at Palace 1999 Barbara Henry 1980 constance Thompson Hotel, San Francisco Marilyn Timoney Hervé Le Mansec 1945 phyllis deYoung Tucker 1998 coleen Ehrlich 1979 Rhea Friend The Victory Ball, Palace Hotel, San Francisco Adrianna Pope Sullivan 1978 Joyce Brantman

1997 gretchen Leach 1977 Jane Osgood 1942–1944 Opera Ball discontinued Sally Jordan during World War II 1976 Beverly Coughlin Jane Hartley 1941 the inaugural Opera Ball, 1975 Blanche Koenig 1996 esty Lawrie Museum of Modern Art, War Harriet Meyer Quarré 1974 Joyce Brantman Memorial Veterans Building

34 San Francisco Opera Guild OPERA BALL GALLERY

2014 Passione

Karen Kubin, Keith Geeslin, co-chairman Cynthia Jack Calhoun and Trent Norris George Shultz and Charlotte Alvin and Ginny Ziegler Schreuder, David Gockley and co-chairman Teresa Mailliard Shultz Medearis

Cynthia Fry Gunn and John Gunn Boaz Mazor, Dede Wilsey and Linda Kemper and David Gockley Darryl and Celeste Woo J. Riccardo Benavides, co- Trevor Traina chairman Cynthia Schreuder and Ovadia Kalev 2013 In the Garden of Good and Evil

Co-chairman Mai Shiver, Karen Kubin, Joan and John Lavorgna Paul Sagues, Charlie Barbara Traisman and Klaus David and Elizabeth Colin Cowie, and co-chairman Ann Thornton and Debby Sagues Murer Birka-White Girard

David Gockley and Paula and Barbara Walkowski Ramón Vargas, Ann Ziff and Ildar Chandra and Michael Jane and Bert Inch Bandel Carano Abdrazakov Rudd

Photos by Drew Altizer San Francisco Opera Guild 35 OPERA BALL GALLERY

2012 Notte di Splendore

Co-chairmen Diane Rubin and Cathy CJ Van Pelt, Toni Wolfson, Betsy Diana Kissil and Dianne and Tad Dianna Cavagnaro, Susan MacNaughton, and Ann Girard Linder and Kathy McEligot John Cullison Taube Malott and Megan McDonald

Katie Jarman and Jon Finck and Lee Karen Kubin and Gary Karl and Nafiseh Nancy Bechtle, Mayor Ed Lee, Tracy and Melissa Patricia Sprincin Gregory Garabedian Lindberg Charlotte Mailliard Shultz and Mrs. Lee Boxer Zill

2011 A Night in the Forbidden City GALcolumn width

Co-chairmen Susan Tamagni Dixon and Carol Doll Caroline Altman, Nicola Luisotti, Jan Shrem, Maria France Szeto, David Potts, Patricia and Anne Marie Massocca, Montine Felso and Manetti and David Gockley Ferrin Loucks and Maggie Stack and Ann Girard George F. Lucas King

Theo Schwabacher and Marilyn and Michael Marissa Mayer Outdoor entertainment Entering the tent Greeters Anne Marie Massocca Cabak

Photos by Drew Altizer 36 San Francisco Opera Guild OPERA BALL GALLERY

2010

Anjelika Koulebakina, co-chairman Mary Poland, Bronson Zandra Rhodes and Wally and Eve Wertsch and Linda Dede Traina Wilsey and Van Wyck, Linda Kemper, David Gockley, co-chairman Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Zider John Traina Charlot Malin and Jane Burkhard 2009

Co-chairman Teresa Medearis, David Gockley and Dmitri Hvorostovsky Harriet Meyer Katie and Claude Victoria and Guy Diane Rubin and co-chairman Nicola Luisotti Quarré Jarman Kornblum Adrianna Pope Sullivan 2008

Co-chairman Eve Wertsch, Teresa Delia Ehrlich and Vera Ginny Ziegler and John Capizzi and Sally Sobia Shaikh Medearis and co-chairman Toni Wolfson Carpeneti Michelle Ritchie Debenham 2007

Co-chairmen Marybeth La Motte David Gockley and Susan Harold Blajwas and Alisa Phoebe Cowles and John Gunn and Cynthia Fry and Cheryl Baxter Tamagni Burgess-Blajwas Robert Girard Gunn

Photos by Drew Altizer San Francisco Opera Guild 37 OPERA BALL GALLERY

2006 An Elegant Affair

Charlot and Greg Malin Arlene Inch and Jim Oakes Bob Federighi and Toni Wolfson John and Maria Pitcairn

Daniel and Ann Girard Marybeth La Motte Katie and Claude Jarman Wally and Eve Wertsch 2005 Midnight at the Oasis

Co-chairman Victoria Kornblum, event David Gockley and Dianne and Tad Jeannik Littlefield and her daughter Alan and Juanita Kizor and Kazzy the architect Robert Fountain and co- Taube Sandy camel chairman Katie Jarman

Cheryl Baxter Dianne Taube, the wife of the President of The wife of the President of Poland, the Carol Benz Poland, the President of Poland, John Traina, President of Poland and Mayor Gavin Newsom Dede Traina Wilsey and Tad Taube

Photos by Drew Altizer 38 San Francisco Opera Guild OPERA BALL GALLERY

2004 Viva la Diva

Co-chairman Beth Brill, Marilyn Renée Fleming and Pamela Bob and Chandra Friese Chal de Guigne and Dede Jeff Hays and Carole Timoney, and co-chairman Trude See Rosenberg Wilsey Shorenstein Hays

Maria Farrow and George and Marilyn and Bill Timoney Mayor Gavin Newsom, Bill Newsom, Paul Judith and John Renard Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Pelosi and George Shultz 2003 Gilded Age

Co-chairmen Sallie Huntting and Adrianna and Bobby Sullivan Martha Ryan, Kathy McEligot Cathy MacNaughton and Patsy Pope and Eve Wertsch 2002

Co-chairman Olivia Hsu Decker, Beth Brill, Romana and John Bracco Dmitri Hvorostovsky Pitch Johnson and Pamela and co-chairman Anne Marie Massocca Rosenberg

Photos by Scotty Morris San Francisco Opera Guild 39 OPERA BALL GALLERY

2001

Co-chairmen Patricia Sprincin and Pamela Rosenberg, Patricia Sprincin and Mary and Bill Poland Myron and Alice Du Bain Paul Pelosi and U.S. Laurie Chase Dixon Beth Brill Representative Nancy Pelosi

Adrianna Pope Sullivan and Bobby Bella Farrow Lynn Wyatt and David Gockley Rhea and Skip Friend Athena and Timothy Sullivan Blackburn

Mayor Willie Brown, Jr. and Pamela Donald Runnicles, center, and Pamela Irene Kivitz, Olivia Hsu Decker and Rosenberg Rosenberg Romana Bracco 2000 Lotfi Mansouri Gala Concert 1999

Co-chairmen Barbara Henry and Marilyn Jackie Shinefield, PJ Handeland, Marilyn Timoney and Lotfi Mansouri Timoney, Barbara Henry and Patricia Sprincin Co-chairmen Dianne Taube and Ingrid Hills, chairman Dede Wilsey Irene Kivitz and U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi

Photos by Scotty Morris 40 San Francisco Opera Guild OPERA BALL GALLERY

1998 1994

Co-chairmen Adrianna Pope and Co-chairmen Marcia Messmer and Karen Guests at Opera Ball 1994 Coleen Ehrlich Rollandi Opera Ball 1994 atmosphere 1993

Gianfranco Ferré, Denise Hale and Herb Caen, Ann Moller and Matthew Kelly. Peggy and George Olsen. Francis Ford Coppola Photo by Jo Felder Photo by Larry Merkel 1992 1991

Chairman Peggy Olsen, the Italian George and Peggy Olsen, and Dede Harriet Meyer Quarré, June Stephens Max and Marcia Messmer Ambassador to the U.S. and Sara Duryea and Al Wilsey. Photo by Larry Merkle and Winifred Harris 1990 An Encore Event for 1990: Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Spirit of San Francisco

Co-chairmen Rhea Friend, Sara Duryea, Phyllis Wattis and Placido Suzanne Parsons and Lisa Grossi Domingo

Photos by Scotty Morris San Francisco Opera Guild 41 OPERA BALL GALLERY

1989 1988

Al Wilsey, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Mackie and Dede Wilsey at a party hosted by Al and Dede Wilsey in conjunction with Opera Ball 1989. Rosemary Clooney performed at the Ushers assist models on the runway at Opera Ball 1988. Opera Ball pre-performance dinner, and Bob Mackie designed the costumes for the Opera’s production of Falstaff.

1956, Life Magazine Coverage

“Noted guests at Joseph T. Grace’s dinner table at St. Francis are T.A. Soong (left), brother of Mme. Chiang Kai-shek, and Mrs. “Noted hostess at dinner is Mrs. “Ermine stole is worn by Mrs. Edmund Soong. Mr. Grace, a big backer of the opera, William P. Roth, (left), whose husband Morrisey, wife of one of the city’s leading “Strapless-gowned debutantes sits between Mrs. Soong and Mrs. Nion heads Matson Navigation Co. Each surgeons, here thanking Ernest, the St. Mimi London, Nancy Hellman Tucker. At right is H. Stephen Chase, a senior table at gathering was a separate Francis Hotel’s head waiter.” chat with Alan Dayton and vice president of American Trust Company.” party.” Nancy’s father, Marco Hellman, at opera opening.”

“Meringue-topped oranges were dessert at supper. At table, from left: Sir Robert Hadow; Reese Taylor, president of Union Oil; Mrs. Jussi Bjoerling, singer’s wife; William G. Mechant, architect; Mrs. J.D. Zellerbach, wife of head of Crown Zellerbach; William “Super hostess Mrs. Robert Watt Miller (second Crocker, chairman of from left) talks with Lady Hadow. Beside her Crocker-Anglo National are Mrs. Sheldon Cooper, wife of the lawyer; Bank; and Mrs. Prentis Mrs. George T. Cameron, whose late husband Cobb Hale.” “At the dinner in Mural Room, the guests sat was San Francisco Chronicle’s publisher; Mrs. beneath series of paintings by Albert Herter, Walter Dilllingham, wife of Honolulu industrialist– father of Christian Herter, the governor of financier.” Massachusetts.”

Pictures: Life Magazine, 1956 42 San Francisco Opera Guild Fol de Rol Chairmen, 1950–1992

1992 Barbara Henry 1978 ann Miller 1963 Jean Donnell

Celebrate America 25 Adler Years Fol de Rol Circus

1990 lisa Grossi 1977 pat Foster 1962 Dorothea Walker Suzanne Parsons A Masked Ball 40th Anniversary Opera Ball Sara Duryea Rhea Friend 1976 Donna Zuber 1961 Dorothea Walker

An Encore Event for 1990: Opera Wine, Women, and Song Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, New Orleans Night Ball and Fol de Rol, Spirit of San 1975 Donna Miller Casey Francisco Suzy Griffith 1960 Betty Griffith 1989 Ursula Ralph The Thirties Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Vista of Gold The Magic of Opera 1974 Joyce Brantman 1959 tito Larsen 1988 Sara Duryea Silver Anniversary Fol de Rol Under the Sea Opera Guild’s 50th Anniversary 1973 Judith Webster Barton 1958 Marjorie Bissinger Celebration Picnic Grecian Theme 1987 peggy Olsen 1972 Jean McClatchy Mona Skager 1957 Shugie Menzies Golden Season A Night at the Opera Opera Goes to a Bal Masque 1971 Robi Lee Deane 1986 Jean McClatchy Bricker 1956 Mrs. Eminel Halstead Fol de Rol Italiano Parade of Stars Opera Goes to the Circus 1970 peggy Livingston 1985 peggy Olsen 1955 charlotte Ham Fol de Rol Goes Variety A Masked Ball Opera Holiday in San Francisco 1969 Sally Debenham 1984 Beverly Coughlin 1954 nancy Harris Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Virginia Miller Space Odyssey Evening in Venice A Night in Montmartre 1968 Mrs. James Durkin 1953 peggy Livingston 1983 constance Thompson Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Music in the Round Fol de Rol Goes to the Stars Balloon Ball 1952 francesca Howe 1982 cynthia Coolidge 1967 ann Simpson Opera Ball and Fol de Rol Dr. David Kest Barbara Tatum 1951 claire London Opera House 50th Birthday A Return to Elegance

Opera Ball and Fol de Rol 1981 Suzy Griffith 1966 alex Phillips 1950 lucille Monteagle K.H. Adler Retirement Fol de Rol Goes Pop Nancy Lapham 1965 lily Cuneo 1980 Beverly Coughlin Opening Night for Patrons Beverley Denebeim Fol de Rol Follies

Fireman’s Ball 1964 Ruth Hellman

1979 charlotte Mailliard Swig Opera Ball Great Western

San Francisco Opera Guild 43 FOL DE ROL GALLERY

1989 1988

Andrea Marcovicci Post-performance dancing to Pride and Joy in Opera House foyer

The Lettermen Lotfi Mansouri and Rosemary Clooney The Kingston Trio 1985

Dancing at A Masked Ball

Luciano Pavarotti 1981

Merv Griffin Kurt Adler Mezzo soprano Susan Quittmeyer, center, and soprano Pamela South, right, perform in a spoof of The Andrews Sisters Leontyne Price

44 San Francisco Opera Guild FOL DE ROL GALLERY

1979

Charlotte Mailliard Swig and friends Kurt Adler escorts Leontyne Price from the stage after Square dancing at Great Western Fol de Rol her performance at the Great Western Fol de Rol. Photo courtesy of Nancy Adler Montgomery 1973

Beverly Sills and Joel Grey. Photo by Carolyn Mason Jones Beverly Sills and Calvin Simmons. Photo by Carolyn Mason Jones

1972 1968 1956

Evelyn Lear and Philip Eisenberg Leontyne Price and Ray Bolger Birgit Nilsson

Fol de Rol ballroom and stage

San Francisco Opera Guild 45 FOL DE ROL GALLERY

1953, Life Magazine Coverage

First batch of balloons cling together as they drop toward ballet Just after landing, balloons cascade across the stage and spill out dancers on circular stage set in the center of the Civic Auditorium. among guests seated at ringside tables which cost them $200 apiece. 1951

Fol de Rol setup, Civic Auditorium Opera Ball & Fol de Rol 1950

Lily Pons shares her act with Doodles and Balloon drop at Fol de Rol 1951 Spider at the 1950 Fol de Rol

Pictures row 1: Life Magazine, 1953 46 San Francisco Opera Guild Holiday Event Chairmen, 1986–2013

2013 ena Chan Cratsenburg Holiday Dinner on the Opera House Sandra Farris Stage, War Memorial Opera House

2012 arlene Inch Holiday Cheers, Alexandra’s 1998 carla Fawcett Celebration of the Seasons alisa Burgess-Blajwas at the Westin St. Francis Jean McClatchy at Macy’s Market Street anne Marie Massocca 2011 nafiseh Lindberg Holiday Cheers, Alexandra’s Michelle Ritchie at the Westin St. Francis 1997 peggy Olsen Celebration of the Seasons Beth Leathers at Macy’s Market Street 2010 Diana Kissil ‘Tis the Season, Alexandra’s Deborah Sagues at the Westin St. Francis 1996 catherine Goodwin Celebration of the Seasons Dianne Panos at Macy’s Union Square 2009 gail Anderson ‘Tis the Season, Alexandra’s kristen Callahan at the Westin St. Francis 1995 laurie Chase Celebration of the Seasons esty Lawrie at Planet Hollywood and 2008 Sobia Shaikh ‘Tis the Season, Alexandra’s Virgin Megastore Stephanie Tuttle at the Westin St. Francis 1994 anne Kasanin Celebration of the Seasons 2007 Mary Corroon ‘Tis the Season at Susan Malott at Emporio Armani Heather Rodriguez Neiman Marcus 1993 laurie Chase Celebration of the Seasons 2006 caroline Daniels ‘Tis the Season at Marcia Messmer at Gump’s laurie Williamson Neiman Marcus 1992 Vera Carpeneti Celebration of the Seasons 2005 kathy McEligot ‘Tis the Season at laurie Chase at Gump’s Mai Shiver Neiman Marcus glennie Eisele

2004 Jane Inch Celebration of the Seasons 1991 Diana Saviano Celebration of the Seasons carla Zuber at Macy’s Union Square at Gump’s

2003 Susan Kulick Celebration of the Seasons 1990 Marie Gallo Matinée performance of Diane Rubin at Macy’s Union Square adrianna Pope Khovanshchina followed by Closing Night Party on the Stage 2002 christine England Celebration of the Seasons teresa Medearis at Macy’s Union Square 1989 Closing Night Party

2001 cheryl Baxter Celebration of the Seasons 1988 Closing Night Party Marybeth La Motte at Macy’s Union Square 1987 Sara Duryea Closing Night Party with 2000 Brian Hackfeld Celebration of the Seasons Susie McMicking pre-performance black-tie kathryn Keller at Macy’s Union Square dinner at Stars

1999 kelly Brandmeier Celebration of the Seasons 1986 Sara Duryea Closing Night Party with toni Wolfson at Macy’s Union Square pre-performance black-tie dinner at One California Street

San Francisco Opera Guild 47 Holiday event GALLERY

2013 Holiday Dinner on the Opera House Stage

Co-chairmen Ena Chan John Gunn, Willie Brown, Jr., honoree Charlotte Jane Mudge and Karen Dede Wilsey, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and Cratsenburg and Sandra Farris Mailliard Shultz, Dick Blum, U.S. Senator Dianne Kubin Richard Blum Feinstein, Nancy Bechtle and Paul Pelosi

Amy Millman and Lois Lehrman Holly and Jerry Suich David Gockley and honoree Charlotte J. Riccardo Benavides, Wilkes Bashford and Mailliard Shultz Sheree Chambers

Dinner on the stage Andrew Berger, Kelly Dewees, Megan Brenda and Don Ed Conlon and Elisa Claude and Katie McDonald, Susan Malott, Dianna Cavagnaro MacLean Stephens Jarman and Martha Chesley 2012 Holiday Cheers, Alexandra’s at the Westin St. Francis

Co-chairman Alisa Burgess-Blajwas, Karen Braeden Schieding and Sallie and Leon Huntting Susan and Jim Malott Juanita and Alan Kizor Kubin and co-chairman Arlene Inch Annie Calonico

Photos by Drew Altizer 48 San Francisco Opera Guild Holiday event GALLERY

2011 Holiday Cheers, Alexandra’s at the Westin St. Francis

Jim Ritchie and co-chairman Karl Lindberg and co- Nancy Hagosian and Theodore Brown and Marilyn Chandra and Bob Friese Michelle Ritchie chairman Nafiseh Lindberg Phyllis Lembi and Michael Cabak 2008 2007 Photos by Drew Altizer ‘Tis the Season, Alexandra’s at the Westin St. Francis ‘Tis the Season at Neiman Marcus GALcolumn width

Diane Rubin and co-chairmen Bruce and DeeDee Teresa Medearis and co-chairmen Irene Bechtel and Bella Kathy Robertson and Stephanie Tuttle and Sobia Shaikh Nollenberger Mary Corroon and Heather Rodriguez Farrow Katie Budge 2003 Celebration of the Seasons at Macy’s Union Square

Bob Federighi and Toni Wolfson Cathy MacNaughton, Coleen and John Ehrlich Marilyn Timoney and Esty Lawrie 2001 1989 Celebration of the Seasons at Macy’s Union Square Closing Night Party at Masons

Elizabeth Merrill, Beverly Coughlin, Beverley Lotfi Mansouri and Denebeim and Marie Denebeim Debbie Vogel

San Francisco Opera Guild 49 Auction Gala Chairmen, 1991–2014

2014 Romana Bracco POPera! Marsha Monro

2012 Shannon Cronan An Evening of Enchantment Jane Mudge Honoring Nathan Gunn and The Magic Flute

2011 linle Froeb Revelry on the Rhine Stephanie Tuttle

2010 chandra Friese Sundown at the Golden West linda Elliott Zider Saloon: San Francisco Opera Guild Welcomes Maestro Nicola Luisotti

2009 lynne Edminster Springtime in Paris: An Evening Barbara Walkowski Honoring Frederica von Stade

2008 Victoria Kornblum A Winter Night’s Ball: A Salute to Mai Shiver Pitch Johnson

2007 charlot Malin The Valentine’s Ball carla Zuber

2006 anne Marie Massocca The Director’s Ball: Honoring David Gockley

2005 Marybeth La Motte L’Eleganza dell’Italia ginny Lawrence

2004 Sandra Esposito Una Bella Serata patricia Ferrin Loucks

2003 trude See Let’s Face the Music and Dance eve Wertsch Marsha Monro

2002 anna Freiman Evening at the Stardust Stephanie Losee

2001 toni Wolfson Auction Gala Odyssey

2000 laurie Chase Tango at the Palace Demi Lathrop

1998 Dianne Taube Opera Festiva Auction Gala

1997 Sallie Huntting Monte Carlo at the Palace

1996 Jackie Shinefield La Bohème Gala Janice Stein

1995 Deborah Mann Opera Festiva

1994 Riva Berelson Opera Festiva alyssa Taubman Rothman

1993 Janice Stein Port to Port: Wine, Travel, Leisure gretchen Belli

1991 Mary Poland Wine & Travel Auction Barbara Henry

50 San Francisco Opera Guild Auction Gala GALLERY

2014 POPera!

Jane Mudge, Karen Kubin, Katie Jonathan Groff and Deborah Beverly Coughlin Gail Anderson and Don and Claire Collins Skall, Katie Jarman Jarman and co-chairmen Romana Voigt Brenda MacLean and Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Bracco and Marsha Monro

Lillias White Ginny Ziegler, Stephanie Tuttle and Laurie Chase and Anne Deborah and Paul Sagues Richard Damm, Sara Duryea Linda Zider Kasanin and David and Elizabeth Birka-White

Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Henry and Valarie Huff Opera Guild presidents Barbara Henry, Karen Kubin, Donna Miller Jane Mudge and Belinda Casey, Teresa Medearis, Beverly Coughlin, Anne Kasanin, Jane Hartley, Steyer Ann Girard, Diane Rubin, Marilyn Timoney and Sara Duryea

Asher Berry, co-chairman Romana Co-chairman Marsha Wilkes Bashford and Donna Romanza Diana Kissil and John Bracco and Mauro Battocchi, Consul Monro and Arlene Inch Miller Casey Cullison General of Italy

Photos by Drew Altizer San Francisco Opera Guild 51 Auction Gala GALLERY

2012 An Evening of Enchantment Honoring Nathan Gunn and The Magic Flute

Co-chairmen Shannon Nathan Gunn Emely Weissman, John and Joan Mark and Teresa Medearis, Stephanie Tuttle, Maggie Mack Cronan and Jane Mudge Lavorgna and Ron Weissman Karen Kubin and Nellis Smith and Robyn Coles

Mark Cratsenburg and Ena Diane Weaver, Carol Benz and Roselyn Caely Cusick and Eric Tiret Judith and John Renard Julie Coplon and Bob Chan Cratsenburg Swig Capan 2011 Revelry on the Rhine

Co-chairmen Linle Froeb and Elizabeth and David Olivia Hsu Decker Guy and Victoria Anne Marie and Guillaume Orliac and Stephanie Tuttle, and Ann Girard Birka-White Kornblum Stephen Massocca Linda Zider 2010 Sundown at the Golden West Saloon

Co-chairman Chandra Friese, David Maestro Nicola Hiro and Betty Jean Lorin and Debbie Marci Flanery and Rob Fati Farmanfarmaian, CJ Van Gockley and co-chairman Linda Zider Luisotti Ogawa Vogel Thesman Pelt and Deborah Sagues

Photos by Drew Altizer 52 San Francisco Opera Guild Auction Gala GALLERY

2009 Springtime in Paris

Ginny and Alvin Ziegler Co-chairman Lynne Edminster, Frederica von Stade Joyce DiDonato and Jake Harriet Meyer Quarré, Diane Rubin and co-chairman Heggie George Shultz and Charlotte Barbara Walkowski Mailliard Shultz 2007 The Valentine’s Ball

Co-chairman Carla Zuber, Teresa Brian Atwood, Lynne Edminster Asher and Diane Rubin Patricia Ferrin Loucks Marilyn Timoney, Gay Lynn Medearis and co-chairman Charlot Malin and Rachel and Tim Parker and Heather Rodriguez Blanding and Esty Lawrie

John Gunn and George Hume Teresa Medearis Victoria Kornblum, Marilyn Timoney, Katie Adler Fellows Jarman and co-chairman Carla Zuber 2004 Photos by Drew Altizer Una Bella Serata

Marilyn Timoney and co-chairmen Karl Mills, Pamela Rosenberg Alan and Juanita Kizor Tom Landy, Esty Lawrie, Trude and Joe Drummond and Sandra Esposito and Patricia Ferrin and James Ferragamo Dennis See Joyce Reitman Loucks

San Francisco Opera Guild 53 Auction Gala GALLERY

2003 Let’s Face the Music and Dance

Donna Huggins June Stephens Guests Romana and John Bracco at the Ursula Apel silent auction table 2002 Evening at the Stardust

PJ Handeland (right) “Cigarette Girls” “Deco Belles” Dinner 1997 Monte Carlo at the Palace

Rhea Friend, Elizabeth Pfau and Jane Hartley Chairman Sallie Huntting, Patricia Sprincin, Dianne Bidding Panos Taube and Christopher Zuber admire the engine 1993 of the BMW that was auctioned off at the event Port to Port: Wine, Travel, Leisure

John and Deborah Emery and Christopher Zuber and Dianne Patricia Sprincin and Barbara Karen Rollandi, co-chairman Janice Stein, Justice Jackie Shinefield Panos Taube Henry William Stein and co-chairman Gretchen Belli

54 San Francisco Opera Guild 2013 Fashion Show Chairmen, 1994–2013 Neiman Marcus: The Art of Fashion: Jason Wu 2013 Stephanie Tuttle Neiman Marcus: Melissa Boxer Zill The Art of Fashion: Jason Wu

2009 Victoria Kornblum Neiman Marcus: Maggie Mack Akris Fall Collection

2008 patricia Ferrin Loucks Nordstrom Designer Fête Jennifer Smith

2007 chandra Friese Nordstrom Designer Fête: Diane Rubin Ode to the Goddess Jane Mudge, co-chairmen Stephanie Charlot Malin and Britta 2006 Brian Hackfeld Nordstrom Designer Fête Tuttle and Melissa Boxer Zill, and Campbell Marybeth La Motte Karen Kubin

2005 anna Freiman Nordstrom Couture Gown Show: toni Wolfson Toujours Glamour

2004 katie Jarman Nordstrom Couture Gown Show: teresa Medearis La Vie Bohème

2003 cheryl Baxter Nordstrom Couture Gown Show: Valarie Huff A Cinderella Story

2002 esty Lawrie Nordstrom Couture Gown Show Marsha Monro

2001 Sallie Huntting Nordstrom Couture Gown Show Jon Finck and Claire Fluhr and Vanessa Getty and Mary Poland Carolyne Zinko Katherine Simon Jason Wu

2000 Beth Brill Nordstrom Couture Gown Show anne Marie Massocca

1999 Ursula Apel Nordstrom Couture Gown Show Beth Brill lynn Lubbock

1998 Barbara Henry Chanel 10th Anniversary Fashion Show

1998 Beth Brill Escada Fall/Winter Lily Samii, Robert Fountain and David Gockley and Lois Lehrman george F. Lucas Collection Laleh Zohadi 1996 esty Lawrie Nordstrom: Harriet Meyer Quarré Donald Deal Designer Gowns

1994 Jackie Shinefield Nordstrom Gown Show george F. Lucas

1994 karen Rollandi Yves Saint Laurent Mrs. Daniel McBrady Spring Collection

Linle and Jim Froeb and Maria Susan Mooradian, Gail Pitcairn Anderson and Ginny Freeman

Photos by Drew Altizer

San Francisco Opera Guild 55 FASHION SHOW GALLERY 2013 Neiman Marcus: The Art of Fashion: Jason Wu

Barbara Traisman and Klaus Jill Wickersham and Models backstage Waiting for the show to begin Murer Victoria Yeager Photos by Drew Altizer 2008 Nordstrom Designer Fête

Co-chairmen Jennifer Smith and Patricia Dr. Carolyn Chang, Farron Jill Toth and PJ Maureen Herr and Lynn Kristen Martin, Marybeth La Ferrin Loucks, and Athena Blackburn Brotman and Susan Sherman Handeland Lubbock Motte and Wynne Doyle

Susan Kulick and Theo Carla Zuber, Shannon Patricia Ferrin Loucks Schwabacher Cronan and Sandra Farris 2003 2002 1998 Nordstrom Gown Show: Nordstrom Couture Gown Show Escada Gown Fall/Winter Collection A Cinderella Story

Co-chairmen Esty Lawrie and Cathy MacNaughton, Jane Hartley, Jean Strunsky, co-chairman George F. Lucas and Co-chairman Cheryl Baxter Marsha Monro, and Stephen Patricia Sprincin and Colleen Quen Marybeth La Motte “models” a gown Yearick admire a gown

56 San Francisco Opera Guild GUILD GALLERY

Annual Meetings and Luncheons

2013, Jesus Diaz and Rita 2013, Jim Heagy and Jacqueline 2012, Carla Zuber and 2012, Sylvia Lin 2012, Elizabeth Green Sah, Anne Milner Piccolino Belinda Steyer Zucchi and Camille Morishige

2012, Fati Farmanfarmaian and 2012, Jennifer Hill and 2011, Claire Fluhr, Maggie Mack and 2011, Susan Mooradian 2011, Alyssa Taubman Rothman, Paula Carano Ann Girard Stephanie Tuttle and Beatrice Wood Susan Malott and Elizabeth Merrill

Photos by Drew Altizer

Chairmen of An Encore Event for 1990: 1988, Susie Brown, Alma Yoder, Lotfi Opera Ball and Fol de Rol, Spirit of Mansouri, Suzanne Parsons and Peggy From Fol de Rol book. From 1987 Fol de From 1987 Fol de Rol San Francisco. Rhea Friend, Suzanne Olsen at an Opera Guild 50th Anniversary Claire Collins Skall Rol book. Adelaide book. Peggy Olsen and Parsons, Sara Duryea and Lisa Grossi celebration at the Top of the Mark Hornberger Mona Skager

1984, Mona Skager thanks From 1980 Fol de Rol From 1974 Fol de Rol From 1972 Fol de From 1972 Fol de Rol book. Captain Gangdal of the book. Beverly Coughlin book. Ann Getty Rol book. Elizabeth Bailey Meyer Royal Viking Sea during and Beverley Denebeim Spencer Pfau Sail Away Fol de Rol book photos by Russ Fischella

San Francisco Opera Guild 57 HEADING | GUILD DirectORS

San Francisco Opera Guild Directors 1939–2014

Janet Abbott Charlotte Carroll Carla Fawcett Marylin Hills Sylvia Lin Jenan Almufti Marlies Carver Joan Fenton Dr. Pak Ming Ho Nafiseh Lindberg Marie Lundgren Allman Donna Miller Casey Bettye Ferguson Marilyn Hobbs Mrs. George Lindsay Mrs. Derby Anderson Mrs. Richard S. Catterton Robert F. Finch Mrs. John Hoefer Sylvia Lindsey Gail Anderson Mrs. Allen E. Charles Stephanie Fine Fifi Holbrook Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Pat Anderson Laurie Regan Chase Doris Fisher Pinkie Hoover George Livermore Susan Andrews Bebe Chickering Marci Flanery Mrs. Robert Cleary Hoover Peggy Livingston Ursula Apel Gloria Christison Stacey Fleece Dr. Jill Armstrong Hope Lib Logan Sue Pritzker Aries Monica Clark Patricia Fleischer Adelaide Hornberger Claire London Cecilia Aviles David Clover Claire Fluhr Gwen Horne Judy Long Linda Bacon Nina Cois Pat Foster Mrs. James H. Howard Stephanie Losee Jane Baird Jeannie McGuire Coleman Sarah Bender Foster Francesca Howe Patricia Ferrin Loucks Abigail Baker Robyn Coles Mrs. C. K. Poe Fratt Valarie Huff Kathy Lowry Catherine Banks Angela Cono Anna Mazucchi Freiman Mary Humiston Lynn Lubbock Mrs. Edward Bartlett Martha Sutherland Conrad Rhea Friend Sallie Huntting George F. Lucas Judith Webster Barton Nan Cook Chandra Friese Bona Hutchinson Eileen Ludwig Mrs. Dimitri M. Barton Mrs. Harold W. Cookson Linle Froeb Arlene Inch Cheryl Lyons Lexie Bastian Sheila Cooley Dixie Furlong Jane Inch Maggie Mack Sheila Baumgartner Cynthia Coolidge Marte Gallo Elizabeth Jacobs Brenda MacLean Cheryl Baxter Betty Cooper Kate Gardiner Jean Jacobs Cathy MacNaughton Nancy Bechtle Mrs. Gary Coover Mrs. L. H. Garland Jacqueline Jacobson Joan Madden Gretchen Belli Julie Coplon Toni P. Gerhauser Mrs. Bailey Jamieson Elena Madsen Carole Bellis Mary Corroon Ann Getty Katie Jarman Katie Mahaney Geraldine Benoist Beverly Coughlin Daphne P. Gilbert Esther Jennings Antoinette O. Maleady Carol Benz Phoebe Cowles Jane Fuller Gillespie Marguerite Jerome Charlot Malin Riva Berelson Jeanne Crane Ann Girard Ann Johnson Thomas Malloy Shelley Bergman Edith Crapsey Deborah Mintz Gorman Virginia Johnson Susan Malott Lillian Biben Scott Ena Chan Cratsenburg Sally Gotcher Judy Kahn Mrs. Lawrence S. Mana Elizabeth Birka-White Shannon Cronan Katherine Grau Katja Kallick Kathy Manace Mrs. Frank Birnie Mrs. Edward Culin Dr. Jean Haber Green Anne Kasanin Lois Manbert Marjorie Bissinger Lily Cuneo Mrs. Robert Clark Green Hedi Kaufman Patricia Mangan Gay-Lynn Blanding Caely Cusick Wendy Greene Mrs. Robert Keenan Deborah Mann Kay Blyth Caroline Daniels Helen Gregory Kathryn Keller Catherine Marcus Frances Bowes Marian Miller Davis Betty Griffith Meg A. Kellogg Mrs. J. Howard Marshall Demi Bowles Mrs. George Alden Dean Suzy Griffith Joan Kent Kristen Martin Romana Bracco Robilee Frederick Deane Lisa Grossi Dr. David L. Kest Mrs. Francis Martin Nancy Evers Bradley Sally Debenham Peggy Guittard Cheryl King Mrs. Jesse Martinez Dr. Lois Brainard Olivia Hsu Decker Brian Hackfeld Diane King Anne Marie Massocca Kelly Brandmeier Beverley Denebeim Nancy Hagosian Maggie Stack King Jane McBaine Jill Braniff Lana Denbo Mrs. Roderick Hall Mrs. Kyle Kirwan Lita McBean Joyce Brantman Jesus Diaz Mrs. Emil Halstead Diana Kissil Mrs. Daniel McBrady Sandra Brent Ninive Dohrmann Charlotte Ham Irene Kivitz Audrey McComas Jean McClatchy Bricker Carol Doll PJ Handeland Juanita Kizor Mrs. Paul W. McComish Beth Brill Jean Donnell Katherine Hanrahan Lotte Klugman Jeanne D. McDonnell Robert Brock Linda Dougherty Nancy Harris Diana Dollar Knowles Nan McDowell Farron Brotman Marsha Vas Dupre Adele Harrison Blanche Baker Koenig Kathleen McEligot Susie Boeing Brown Mrs. James E. Durkin Jessica Hart Victoria Kornblum Patsy McGinnis Starr Bruce Mrs. Cavalier Durney Jane Hartley Karen J. Kubin Catherine McLaughlin Karen Bruehl Sara Duryea Mrs. W. A. Hawksbee Liz Kuzell Susie McMicking Carol Bryan Lynne Edminster Marge Hayden Marybeth La Motte Diane Hickingbotham McNabb Katie Budge Delia F. Ehrlich Betty Haywood Esty Lawrie Landy Anne McWilliams Mrs. Charles Bullock Jr. Coleen Ehrlich Mary Heafy Nancy Lapham Dorothy Meakin Carol Burgess Glennie Eisele James Heagy Tito Larsen Teresa Medearis Dr. Alisa Burgess-Blajwas Patricia Howe Ellison Claudia Hecht Demi Lathrop Patricia Melim Maggie Burns-Ames Christine Englund Diane Helfond KC Lauck Mrs. David R. Melone Marilyn Cabak Nancy Enright Ruth Hellman Elizabeth Lauricella Shugie Menzies Ann Moller Caen Pru Esberg Barbara A. Henry Joan Lavorgna Renee Merian Mrs. Thomas Calhoun Irène Eskelund Pat Henshaw Ginny Lawrence Elizabeth Martin Merrill Britta Campbell Sandra Esposito Mrs. Joseph C. Hickingbotham, Jr. Rosalind Lawrence Mardelle Merrill Paula Carano Fati Farmanfarmaian Marion Higgins Elizabeth Leathers Marcia Messmer Lucretia Carney Sandra Farris Janet Hill Hervé Le Mansec Bailey Meyer Vera Carpeneti Bella Farrow Jennifer Hill Mrs. Jay Julian Levine Lucero Meyer June Carr Mark Faulkner Marcia Hill Mrs. Bert W. Levit Ann Miller

58 San Francisco Opera Guild Maryon Miller Chandra Rudd Dianne Panos Taube Ruth Ellen Miller Dan Ruggles Mrs. Gordon R. Taubenheim Virginia Miller Mrs. Henry Potter Russell Gloria Retzlaff Taylor San Francisco Opera Rita Milner Mrs. Robert B. Ryan Constance Thompson Guild Presidents, Joan Mittendorf Michele Saadi Sarah Tilton 1938–2014 Marsha Monro Lilian Safdie Marilyn Timoney June Monson Karin Safrit Leslie Tognazzini 2012-2014 Karen J. Kubin Lucille Monteagle Deborah Sagues Diana Tolpegin 2010-2012 Ann Girard Mrs. Peter Monteith Mrs. Bayard T. Sansom Mrs. James Tonjum 2008-2010 Diane Rubin Emily Pope Montgomery Pam Sayad Jill Toth 2006-2008 Teresa Medearis Susan Mooradian Annie Calonico Schieding Barbara Traisman 2004-2006 Cheryl Baxter Linda R. Moore Mrs. William M. Schlangen Mrs. Peter Trethewey Camille Morishige Edith Schoenborn Phyllis de Young Tucker 2002-2004 Marilyn Timoney Mrs. Austin Morris Cynthia L. Schreuder DeeDee Turner 2000-2002 Beth Brill Janet Mourning Theo Schwabacher Linda G. Turner 1998-2000 Patricia Sprincin Jane Mudge Mrs. Leonard K. Schwartz Neva Turer 1996-1998 Jackie Shinefield Mrs. John A. Musilli Lillian Biben Scott Stephanie Tuttle 1994-1996 Barbara Henry Eleanor Najjar Trude See Pamela Valeski 1992-1994 Dr. Jill Armstrong Hope DeeDee Nollenberger June Seegers Heather Vandenberge 1990-1992 Sara Duryea Susan O’Brien Ann Seymour CJ Van Pelt 1988-1990 Jane Hartley Betty Jean Ogawa Sobia Shaikh Mrs. George W. Vaughan 1986-1988 Adelaide Hornberger Bonnie Oliver OJ Shansby Mrs. Walter Vennemeyer 1984-1986 Anne Kasanin Peggy Olsen Daphne Sheldon Eugene Vernon Marian Orrick Amy Shimm Carolyn M. Vestal 1982-1984 Eileen Ludwig Francie Osthimer Dr. Jackie Shinefield Debbie Vogel 1980-1982 Beverley Denebeim Lise Deschamps Ostwald Mai Shiver Mrs. Howard F. Vultee, Jr. 1978-1980 Donna Miller Casey Verna Parino Charlotte Mailliard Shultz Dorothea Walker 1976-1978 Patricia Fleischer Suzanne Parsons Carol Simmons Fran Walker 1974-1976 Beverly Coughlin Gail Peck Catherine Simon Pam Walker 1972-1974 Blanche Koenig Cherie Pettit Ann Simpson Barbara Walkowski 1970-1972 Lolita Renshaw Elizabeth Pfau Marian A. Sinton George H. Warfel 1968-1970 Betty Griffith Alex Phillips Margaret Sjostrand Emely Weissman 1966-1968 Mrs. Paul W. McComish Maria Pitcairn Mona Skager Eve Wertsch 1964-1966 Ruth Hellman Nora Plant Claire Collins Skall Isabel Whitake Mary Poland Bea Borroughs Slater Sandra Macleod White 1962–1964 Dorothea Walker Mrs. Cleveland Pomeroy Margaret Slemmons Diana Morris Wild 1960-1962 Ann Simpson Mrs. William A. Pomeroy Margaret Sloss Mrs. Gary Williams 1958–1960 Charlotte Ham Betty Powell Jennifer Smith Laurie Williamson 1956-1958 Mrs. Henry L. Garland Mimi Prentice Mrs. Leon C. Smith Marie Jo Willoughby 1954-1956 Mrs. Richard C. Ham Harriet Meyer Quarré Paige Solomon Bobbie Wilsey 1952-1954 Peggy Livingston Marianne Quarré Katie Speer Diane B. Wilsey 1952 Mrs. Starr Bruce Colleen Quen Hilary Spencer Mrs. Paul Wiser 1951 Betty Miller Ruth Quigley Patricia Sprincin Ruth Wisnom 1950 Claire London Marta Quinn Mrs. David Standridge Mrs. Carl Witkovich 1949 Mrs. Edward Bartlett Ursula Ralph Janice Stein Cristine Witter Anna Becky Redlich Elisa Stephens Gloria Wolfenden 1946-1948 Francesa Howe Patricia Rees-Miller Renata Stephenson Toni Wolfson 1943-1945 Nancy Lapham Nancy Reilly Mrs. Charles Stetson Eileen Wong 1942 Mrs. Henry Potter Russell Joyce Reitman Belinda Steyer Celeste Woo (President pro tem) Judith Renard Ursula Stratford Beatrice Wood 1939-1941 Mrs. Henry Potter Russell Lolita Renshaw Martha Stumpf Conception Woodman 1938-1939 Betty Powell Stephanie Ricci Holly Suich Mrs. D. R. Worn 1938 Betty Powell Mrs. John C. Richards Adrianna Pope Sullivan Mrs. J. Perry Yates Mr. J. L. Bradley Michelle Ritchie Loulie Sutro Victoria Yeager Milton H. Esberg, Jr. Mrs. John H. Roberts, III Mary Sutro Alma Yoder Heather Rodriguez Roselyn C. Swig Linda Elliott Zider Pat Roeser Patricia Swig Virginia Cartwright Ziegler Venetta Rohal Jane Swinerton Melissa Boxer Zill Karen Rollandi France Szeto Carla Zuber Donald F. Ross Susan Tamagni Donna Zuber Alyssa Taubman Rothman Mrs. Edwin S. Tanner Mrs. S. Morton Zweig Kristen Routh Barbara Tarasoff Diane Rubin Barbara Tatum

San Francisco Opera Guild 59 75th Anniversary Fundraising for Opera Guild Education Programs

“Presidents’ Challenge Grant” “75 in 75” Education Fund Campaign

Presidents of the Opera Guild came together to As we look back at the Opera Guild’s accomplishments celebrate 75 years of opera education by creating the over the past 75 years, we are proud of our popular “Presidents’ Challenge Grant” for the Education Fund. award-winning education programs, in which more The money generated by this undertaking matches than 50,000 students in nearly 200 Bay Area schools dollar for dollar contributions raised by the “75 in 75” participate each year. As we celebrate our 75th Education Fund Campaign that was subsequently Anniversary, it is fitting that we solidify the financial initiated by the Guild’s Education Fund Committee foundation from which we create the programs that chairman Ena Chan Cratsenburg. The Presidents nurture the expressive nature in children, inspiring them recognize that the Education Fund endowment will to make positive choices and helping them to become secure the future of the Guild’s education programs conscientious, sensitive and culturally aware adults. that they helped to develop, as well as those that are developed in the future. To do this, the Education Fund Committee initiated the “75 in 75” Education Fund Campaign to raise $75,000 for the Education Fund in the 75 days between April 17th and June 30th, 2014. The “75 in 75” campaign Jane Hartley was further supported by matching funds from the “Presidents’ Challenge Grant.” Education Fund Founder and Founder of the “Presidents’ Challenge Grant”

Ena Chan Cratsenburg

The Opera Guild thanks the Presidents who Ena Chan Cratsenburg Education Fund Chairman and contributed to the “Presidents’ Challenge Grant.” Founder of the “75 in 75” Education Fund Campaign $7,500 and up Jane Hartley The Opera Guild thanks all those who contributed to Karen J. Kubin the “75 in 75” Education Fund Campaign. $2,500 to $7,499 Benefactors Ann Girard $2,250 and above Barbara Henry Karen Bruehl Teresa Medearis Paula & Bandel Carano Ena Chan Cratsenburg & Mark Cratsenburg $1,000 to $2,499 John & Joan Lavorgna Sara Duryea Susan Malott Anne Kasanin Ken & Lena Tailo Marilyn Timoney Veronica Watson Up to $999 Patrons Donna Miller Casey $1,500 to $2,249 Beverly Coughlin Olivia Hsu Decker Beth Brill Delia F. Ehrlich Diane Rubin Arlene Inch Diana Kissil Mr. & Mrs. Edward S. Kriz

60 San Francisco Opera Guild Charlot & Greg Malin Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Fritz, Jr. Susan Mooradian James Heagy in Memory of Jayne Heagy Jane Mudge Mr. & Mrs. Henry P. Huff III Susan O’Brien Esther Jennings Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ralph Juanita Kizor Elisa Stephens Silvia Lin Maggie & Carter Mack Sponsors Brenda & Don MacLean $750 to $1,499 Rick & Donna Matcovich Romana & John Bracco Milton J. Mosk & Tom Foutch Mr. & Mrs. Dixon R. Doll Maryam Muduroglu Lynne Edminster Judith Renard Jacqueline & Christian P. Erdman Annie Calonico Schieding Sandra Farris Cynthia Schreuder Claire Fluhr Carol Simmons Linle Froeb Bonnie Spindler Celia M. Gray Belinda Steyer Katie Jarman Holly Suich Leilani Latimer & Fabio Ficano Adrianna Pope Sullivan Cynthia & Richard Livermore Stephanie Tuttle Anne Marie Massocca Emely Weissman Virginia L. Miller Eve Wertsch Maria Pitcairn Celeste Woo Chandra Rudd Victoria Yeager Deborah Sagues Barbara Traisman

C J Van Pelt *List was compiled at time of publication Linda Elliott Zider

Supporters Up to $749 Ursula Apel Carol Benz Elizabeth Birka-White Robert and Jean Brock Foundation Mrs. Walter Carpeneti Courtney Collins Julie Coplon Fati Farmanfarmaian Chandra & Robert Friese

San Francisco Opera Guild 61 YOUARE PART OF A GREATER COMMUNITY.

Union Bank® believes in the power of partnerships. That’s why we partner with communities and organizations to make a positive difference in the places where we work and live. To us, building a healthy community is the most valuable investment of all.

Congratulations to the San Francisco Opera Guild on its 75th Anniversary.

Celebrating 150 years

©2014 Union Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Visit us at unionbank.com

62 San Francisco Opera Guild Acknowlegements

The sources of information for this 75th Anniversary book have been many and diverse. They include San Francisco Opera Guild records; articles in its publications San Francisco Opera Guild wishes such as Opera Guild magazine and Fol de Rol books; histories written on the Guild’s to express its deep appreciation 25th and 50th anniversaries; and an essay, written for this publication by Board to Arlene Inch for generously member Jane Hartley, which brings to the fore the Guild’s Education programs. underwriting this publication. Among the other important sources were articles in San Francisco Opera Season magazines and information and photographs culled from the vast holdings of historical material in the San Francisco Opera Archive. Copyright © 2014 by San Francisco Opera Guild In addition, numerous members of the Opera Guild and the opera community First Edition have generously shared their knowledge of important events, providing invaluable information about the Guild’s history. In many cases they have also lent photographs All rights reserved. No part of this and memorabilia from their personal collections. publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any Every effort has been made to compile this spoken, written and visual material with means, electronic or mechanical, accuracy, and to ensure that no key events or people have been overlooked. Care including photocopy, recording or any has also been taken to ensure that when available, credit has been given to the other information storage and retrieval photographers who so ably recorded the Guild’s events, and whose photographs help system, or otherwise without written tell San Francisco Opera Guild’s story. Any errors or omissions are sincerely regretted. permission from San Francisco Opera Guild. Barbara Traisman, Editor

Thank you to these individuals for their kind assistance in producing this book: Published by San Francisco Opera Guild Cheryl Baxter Ellen Kerrigan War Memorial Opera House Andrew Berger Karen J. Kubin 301 Van Ness Avenue Beth Brill Joan Lavorgna San Francisco, CA 94102 Robert Brock Silvia Lin Donna Miller Casey George F. Lucas Project Manager: Katie Jarman Beverly Coughlin Susan Malott Kip Cranna Anne Marie Massocca Editor and Production Manager: Ena Chan Cratsenburg Megan McDonald Barbara Traisman Tenki Davis Darla McGraw Book Designer: Juliana Pennington/ Kelly Dewees Teresa Medearis jxpdesign Sara Duryea Nancy Adler Montgomery Print Management: Bay Area Graphics, Delia Ehrlich Christina Moretta LLC Kathy Esselstyn Karen Burtness-Prak Ann Farris Mary Poland Cover Stock courtesy of Neenah Paper Jon Finck Christine Rubio Chandra Friese Cynthia Schreuder Robin Freeman Claire Collins Skall Ann Girard Patricia Sprincin Ellen Grinnell Micah Standley PJ Handeland Linda Steenman Jane Hartley Marilyn Timoney Barbara Henry Diane B. Wilsey Katie Jarman Virginia Cartwright Ziegler Kristen Jones

San Francisco Opera Guild 63 Gladys Swarthout discussing Faust with members of the Student Matinée audience, 1949

San Francisco Opera Guild believes the life lessons drawn from creative expression are the foundation of confidence and integrity. Since 1939, we have funded and developed award-winning outreach and education programs that extend the impact of opera, bringing it center stage in the life of the community. San Francisco’s Education Fund ensures the continuation of educational programs that help students find their voice. Every year, more than 50,000 students in nearly 200 schools throughout Northern California get the benefits of arts education, as only opera can give them.

64 San Francisco Opera Guild