Opera Together

Opera Together 2025 Season: Love, Intrigue, and a Clever Barber 

This season, crews of SF Opera performers (3 singers and a pianist) visited more than a dozen schools through Sonoma and Napa counties, from El Verano School in the south to Geyserville Elementary School in the north to perform Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. Hundreds of children, teachers, and parents enjoyed the abbreviated version of this well-known opera, with students filling in admirably as Don Bartolo – the aged nobleman who plans to marry his ward, the lovely Rosina, (who is in love with Count Almaviva). Other roles for students included the scheming Don Basilio and the long-suffering housemaid Berta, who has to respond to Don Bartolo’s many demands.

Many of the schools organized wonderful chorus performances, as well. Figaro, the household’s master of all – especially problem-solving – helps Rosina and Count Almaviva outwit Don Basilio and presumably live happily ever after.

Watching these performances come together with just one rehearsal is a marvel. The professionals spend weeks learning their lines, music, placement on stage, and entrances and exits so that they can help the children gain confidence to perform in front of their friends and family. SF Opera Guild’s costume volunteer again put together costumes that can be easily put on over the children’s school uniforms or simple leggings and t-shirts and be adjusted to fit kids of all shapes and sizes.

Opera Together 2026 season will start in September. We’d love for you to join us either as a docent or simply to enjoy the show. Watch the website for information!

Since its creation in 1939, the San Francisco Opera Guild has been dedicated to offering opera education. Opera Together visits more than 90 schools through the greater Bay Area each fall, presenting a reduced version of a classic opera performed in English. Please contact SCC Opera Together coordinator, Rachel Parker at rachelroperparker@gmail.com with questions and Docent opportunities! Check our Events page for performance details. Learn more about SF Opera Guild Education Programs here.