Opera San José Marks its 40th Anniversary with a Sneak Peek of 'Rigoletto'

Opera San José is celebrating a significant milestone—its 40th year of artistic contributions to the world of music and performance. On February 2, this renowned opera company invites the public to join in on the festivity during the South First Friday art walk, located in the heart of downtown San Jose. As part of the celebration, the doors of the iconic California Theatre at 345 South First St. will open from 5:30-8:30 p.m., offering a glimpse into the magic behind the curtains with a preview of their upcoming rendition of Verdi’s masterpiece, 'Rigoletto'.

The evening's entertainment is set to commence at 6 p.m. with the melodious voices of Opera San José's talented performers including soprano Alexandra Halchak, tenor WooYoung Yoon, and baritone Robert Balonek, accompanied on piano by Veronika Agranov-Dafoe. At 7 p.m., the celebration takes a more festive turn with the arrival of local balloon artist Hey Balloon Lady, and a chance for guests to exercise their vocal talents in a communal rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. Celebration (and indulgence) continues with delicious cupcakes from Peter’s Bakery, a favorite among San Jose locals.

Guests will also enjoy a musical interlude provided by organist Jerry Nagano at the California Theatre’s Wurlitzer at 7:15 p.m. The party ambiance will be further enhanced with unique games that have an operatic twist and interactive activities like pinning the crown on a depiction of Opera San José’s founder, Irene Dalis, and a chance to break open a custom-made pinata courtesy of Dulceria Mi Carnaval. The evening concludes with a string quartet performance by the skilled musicians of the Opera San José orchestra starting at 8 p.m., perfect for ending the night on a melodious note.

While the event seeks to immerse attendees in the celebratory spirit and the arts, it also offers insightful usher-led tours of the historic theater—a chance to explore and appreciate the venue's architecture and history. Opera San José invites everyone to RSVP to ensure a free seat at this special event, a blend of music, history, and community.

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