Step Inside San Francisco Opera’s 2025 Opening Night Gala
San Francisco Opera’s 103rd season opened in spectacular style with its annual Opening Night Gala, one of the Bay Area’s most glamorous traditions.
From the dazzling red carpet arrivals to an amazing performance of Rigoletto and the high-energy after-party, the evening was a true celebration of why San Francisco remains a global cultural destination.
CLICK ABOVE to watch our exclusive Red Curtain Addict interviews, performance highlights, and snapshots from the night!
This season launched with Verdi’s Rigoletto, an Italian masterpiece that set the tone for a year filled with artistry and innovation. To honor the occasion, Red Curtain Addict’s Kari Lincks Coomans wore a custom gown and accessories by Italian artist and designer Eva Rorandelli, handcrafted in her atelier in Florence—a fitting nod to the opera’s heritage.
Hair and makeup by Blake Charles Salon
On the red carpet, artists, cultural leaders, and VIP guests shared their excitement for the season ahead. Among those in attendance was Jake Heggie, composer of Dead Man Walking, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Heggie’s career is deeply tied to San Francisco Opera—he first worked on the company’s PR team before composing his debut opera Dead Man Walking, which went on to become a global success.
Also walking the carpet was Marc Scorca, President and CEO of Opera America, who praised San Francisco Opera for being trailblazers in presenting innovative works and fostering a culture of creativity. And Brian Stauffer, the acclaimed artist behind this season’s striking artwork, joined the celebration, further underscoring the fusion of visual and performing arts that makes San Francisco Opera’s identity so distinctive.
Following the red carpet, guests were welcomed into City Hall for an elegant dinner surrounded by breathtaking décor and live performances. Later, audiences experienced the dramatic sweep of Verdi’s score inside the Opera House before returning to City Hall, which transformed into a lively afterparty with music and dancing.
San Francisco Opera’s 103rd season is especially significant—it not only continues the company’s legacy as one of the nation’s leading opera houses but also presents a bold lineup of productions that showcase the breadth of the art form. This year’s programming ranges from timeless classics to innovative new works, reflecting both tradition and the future of opera.
At Red Curtain Addict, our mission is to help audiences discover, connect with, and experience the best of live arts. Click HERE to explore the full season lineup and learn how you can be part of San Francisco Opera’s extraordinary 103rd season.
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