SAN FRANCISCO — Opera in the Park remains on the calendar for Sunday, Sept. 13 even as a contract dispute between San Francisco Opera and its orchestra musicians threatens the company’s Opening Night one day earlier.
As of Sept. 7, San Francisco Opera still lists the free concert for 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. The company says the program will run about two hours and feature Music Director Eun Sun Kim, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and singers from the fall season.
So, is Opera in the Park happening?
For now, yes. SF Opera has not announced a cancellation or postponement of the park concert. Its current event page continues to list the Sept. 13 performance.
The uncertainty comes from negotiations with musicians whose previous contract expired July 31. The San Francisco Opera Orchestra says its members will not be able to perform at the Sept. 12 Opening Night performance unless a fair contract is reached beforehand. That statement specifically identifies Opening Night; it does not say Opera in the Park has been cancelled.
SF Opera also moved its Opera Ball from Sept. 12 to Nov. 12 amid the labor uncertainty. In the company’s announcement, it again said the opening weekend would continue Sunday with Opera in the Park.
Where and when is the concert?
Opera in the Park starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 at Robin Williams Meadow near the eastern end of Golden Gate Park. The company says the program is expected to last about two hours.
Seating is first-come, first-served. Visitors may bring blankets or low-profile lawn chairs. Admission is free and no ticket is required.
SF Opera says the annual concert normally draws more than 10,000 people, so arriving early is sensible. The company’s season announcement gives that attendance benchmark.
What happens if the labor dispute changes the plan?
This is a living status page. SF News Today will keep the original publication date and update the timestamp and top status box if either SF Opera or the orchestra announces a change affecting Sunday’s concert.