Two of the Bay Area's best-loved musical artists, composer Jake Heggie (Dead Man Walking) and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, reunite for this poignant new chamber opera based on a play by Terrence McNally (Master Class). Through operatic ensembles, spoken dialogue, and Broadway-style solo numbers, Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer explore the loving but often strained relationship between a famous actress and her two grown children, one of whom is a gay man whose partner is dying of AIDS. With the incomparable von Stade as his star, "Heggie has given the distinguished mezzo-soprano a role of a lifetime, and she fills it with style, charm, musical savvy, and great singing," said the Houston Chronicle of the production's February 2008 world premiere at Houston Grand Opera. Sung in English with English supertitles.

Three Decembers (Last Acts) is supported by a grant from The James Irvine Foundation.

Commissioned by Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Cal Performances.

This special production is a co-production with San Francisco Opera and Houston Grand Opera.

Select Three Decembers (Last Acts) as part of a Choose-Your-Own Subscription or add them on to any Series Subscription and save 10% on single-ticket prices!

Patron Sponsors Annette Campbell-White and Dr. R. Naumann-Etienne

	Program Notes Program notes are available online. [PDF]
	Press "Jake Heggie's witty, poetic, and poignant opera" and "Frederica von Stade commanded center stage in a role tailor-made for her," says the Sacramento Bee in its rave review of opening night. A winning relationship: Jake Heggie and Frederica von Stade discuss their musical and personal collaboration in California magazine. Read SFGate's profile on opera composer Jake Heggie
	Video ( QuickTime Player ) Excerpt Collage Video Program Notes: Three Decembers Composer Jake Heggie plays excerpts from and talks about his new chamber opera Three Decembers. The opera stars mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and is about loving but often-strained relationship between a famous actress and her two grown children. (Length: 7:00). QuickTime Format (Get free player) Broadband version Dial-up version
	Podcasts Listen to composer Jake Heggie and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade talk about Heggie's new chamber opera Three Decembers in which von Stade stars. The story revolves around the loving but often-strained relationship between a famous actress (sung by von Stade) and her two grown children, one of whom is a gay man whose partner is dying of AIDs and the other an alcoholic daughter in a failing marriage. Heggie and von Stade talked with California magazine writer Andrew Gilbert. (Length: 15:00) Frederica von Stade talks with Michael Krasny on KQED's Forum. Described by the New York Times as "one of America's finest artists and singers," Frederica von Stade is a world-renowned mezzo-soprano with a prolific career spanning over three decades. She joins Krasny to discuss her upcoming appearance in "Three Decembers" at Zellerbach Hall. (Length: 52:00)
	Education/Community Events Key Notes Fri, Dec 12, 5-6:30 pm Zellerbach Hall Lobby Mezzanine Composer Jake Heggie talks with Cal Performances' Director Robert Cole about Three Decembers, Heggies' new opera presented in association with San Francisco Opera and Houston Grand Opera.

Artists links: Jake Heggie site
San Francisco Opera site

Thu, Dec 11, 7:30 pm
Fri, Dec 12, 8 pm
Sun, Dec 14, 3 pm
Please note early curtain times.

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		Pre-performance Dining

Venue: Zellerbach Hall A

Price: $48/$72/$86

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