Classical and Opera: Premieres, Podiums and Budgets — 2026-09-11
San Francisco Opera faces a critical contract impasse with its orchestra just days before the season opener, with management citing a $15 million annual deficit. In Europe, the Cleveland Orchestra announced a farewell season for music director Franz Welser-Möst, while La Scala’s new season highlights include the 25th anniversary of its Academy project.
Classical and Opera: Premieres, Podiums and Budgets — 2026-09-11
Top developments
SF Opera Orchestra at Impasse as Season Opener Nears
Negotiations between San Francisco Opera and its orchestra musicians remain stalled, with the first performance of Simon Boccanegra scheduled for September 14, 2026. The musicians have threatened to strike over contract proposals they claim would cut pay by up to 20%, citing unsustainable working conditions.
Cleveland Orchestra Announces Farewell Season for Welser-Möst
The Cleveland Orchestra has unveiled its 2026-27 season, marking the conclusion of Franz Welser-Möst’s 25-year tenure as music director. The final season features a mix of opera, world premieres, and a farewell concert dedicated to Viennese music, signaling a major transition for one of America’s top ensembles.
La Scala Celebrates 25 Years of Academy Project with Donizetti
Teatro alla Scala is currently staging L’elisir d’amore (September 5–16, 2026), marking the 25th edition of its "Progetto Accademia." The production features young artists from the Scala Academy, conducted by Marco Alibrando and staged by Maria Mauti, highlighting the theater’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent.
Royal Opera House Principal Guest Conductor Scappucci’s Busy Season
Speranza Scappucci, Principal Guest Conductor at the Royal Opera House, is preparing for a demanding season that reinforces her role in London’s operatic landscape. Her continued prominence highlights the increasing visibility of women in high-profile conducting posts across major international houses.
Local view
In Germany, Klassik begeistert reported on the upcoming 2026/27 season at the Bayerische Staatsoper, noting seven opera and two ballet premieres. The coverage emphasizes the house’s strategy of balancing bel canto repertoire with contemporary works and star debuts.
In Italy, Web Lombardia focused on the educational and artistic significance of the "Progetto Accademia" at La Scala, framing the current L’elisir d’amore run as a milestone for young artist development rather than just a standard revival.
Context & numbers
San Francisco Opera management has stated that the company faces a structural deficit of approximately $15 million annually, arguing that the current operating model is unsustainable. Conversely, union representatives point out that the company’s net assets have increased by $128 million since 2011, and officer pay has risen by 35%, questioning why the financial burden falls on musicians.
On the radar
- International Competition for Young Symphony Orchestra Conductors: Scheduled for November 5–7, 2026, in Daugavpils, Latvia, in collaboration with the Daugavpils Sinfonietta orchestra. Applications are open to young conductors studying at music high schools.
- Royal Opera House Muscat Season: The 2026-27 season features Elīna Garanča, Franco Vassallo, and Enea Scala, signaling continued investment in Middle Eastern opera markets.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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