norman lebrecht
September 16, 2026
Three more performances were cancelled last night due to the orchestra strike. Nothing is scheduled before Monday.
General Director Matthew Shilvock said: ‘It is heartbreaking to have to cancel additional performances, but I remain very hopeful that we will get back to the stage soon. Both the Opera and the Orchestra are working hard to reach a deal, having spent two full days and evenings negotiating immediately following the strike. Everyone at the Opera is eager to get back to doing the thing we all love: producing sublime works of art for this incredible community. We remain committed to finding that deal that brings us all back together in collective art-making. I am deeply grateful to everyone involved—ticket holders, donors, Company members, guest artists and the community—for their patience as we work to resolve a new contract with our valued colleagues of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.’