San Diego Opera Office Records MS-0477
Special Collections & University Archives
10/10/2011
5500 Campanile Dr. MC 8050
San Diego, CA 92182-8050
askscua@sdsu.edu
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & University Archives
Title: San Diego Opera Office Records
Creator:
San Diego Opera Office
Identifier/Call Number: MS-0477
Physical Description:
12.68 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1968-2007
Language of Material:
English
.
Scope and Contents
The
San Diego Opera Office Collection (1968-2004) documents the administration, creative history, development, and growth of the San Diego Opera (SDO). It includes
correspondence, memoranda, clippings, minutes, photographs, budgets, financial records, and detailed documentation of numerous
productions. The collection consists of three major series:
Administrative Files (1968-2004),
Production Files (1973-1995), and
Publicity (1980-2007). The
Administrative Files have three sub-series:
Correspondence (1976-2004),
General Files (1975-2000), and
Rental Files (1968-1996). The
Production Files are filed in two sub-series:
Production Binders (1973-1990) and
Production Photographs (1974-1995).
The
Administrative Files (1968-2004) include three subseries:
Correspondence (1976-2004),
General Files (1975-2000), and
Rental Files (1968-1996). These files document SDO's general operations, activities and functions, interaction with the public, and the
company's growth and development over several decades. The
Correspondence (1976-2004) subseries documents some of SDO's interactions with the public. It primarily consists of letters sent to SDO
from audience members and reviewers in response to performances, show selection, and other topics. Responses from San Diego
Opera staff, especially Director Ian Campbell and Artistic Administrator Marianne Flettner are sometimes included. Letters
sometimes include clippings, and the sub-series is filed chronologically. The
General Files (1975-2000) document daily operations, work with various performers, and early production preparation. It includes clippings,
brochures, receipts, internal correspondence, correspondence exchanged with performers and other opera companies both in the
US and abroad, photos of former Director Tito Capobianco, performer head shots, and audition forms, and is filed alphabetically
by file name. The
Rental Files (1968-1996) document the San Diego Opera's Scenic Studios rental relationships with various opera and production companies
around the US who have used sets designed and created by San Diego Opera in their own productions. It includes set rental
forms, diagrams, photographs, slides, rental agreements, correspondence, and shipping forms, and is filed alphabetically by
file name.
The
Production Files (1973-1995) include two subseries:
Production Binders (1973-1990) and
Production Photographs (1974-1995). These files document the creation and performance of SDO's regular season productions. The
Production Binders (1973-1990) include materials originally stored in large 3-ring binders, and document the complex and detailed processes
necessary to stage an opera production. The subseries includes casting information, correspondence with principal performers,
information on orchestral musicians, choruses, dancers, sets, props, contracts, costumes, technical staff, rehearsal schedules,
rental documentation, handwritten notes, correspondence, set diagrams, and some photographs, and is filed chronologically.
The
Production Photographs (1974-1995) document finished opera performances as they were staged at SDO. The majority of photographs are from performances
staged in the 1970s and 1980s, though some productions are undated. The subseries includes production stills only, and is
filed chronologically.
The
Publicity (1980-2007) series documents the SDO's coverage in various print media outlets, and consists primarily of published reviews
of SDO performances. Clippings were gathered by the San Diego Clipping Service from various local and national publications
including the
San Diego Union,
Evening Tribune,
San Diego Daily Transcript,
La Prensa,
Seattle Post Intelligencer,
Los Angeles Times, and numerous others. The series is filed chronologically.
Arrangement Note
I. Administrative Files, 1968-2004
a.) Correspondence, 1976-2004
b.) General Files, 1975-2000
c.) Rental Files, 1968-1996
II. Production Files, 1973-1995
a.) Production Binders, 1973-1990
b.) Production Photographs, 1974-1995
III. Publicity, 1980-2007
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with
the creators of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of historical archival and manuscript collections
is such that copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. Requests for permission to publish must be
submitted to the Head of Special Collections, San Diego State University, Library and Information Access. When granted, permission
is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical item and is not intended to include or imply permission
of the copyright holder(s), which must also be obtained in order to publish. Materials from our collections are made available
for use in research, teaching, and private study. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including
but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials.
Source of Acquisition
San Diego History Center
Accruals and Additions
2008-029
Custodial History
The San Diego Opera Office Collection was originally donated to the San Diego History Center from 1984 to 2008. In 2008 it
was transferred by the San Diego History Center to San Diego State University Library and Information Access.
Related Materials
San Diego Opera Association Records
San Diego Opera Guild Records
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, folder title, box number, San Diego Opera Office Records, Special Collections and University Archives,
San Diego State University Library.
Historical Note
San Diego Opera, with roots back to the formation of the San Diego Opera Guild in 1950, took its present administrative form
in 1974, with the creation of the San Diego Opera Association. The San Diego Opera Office's work focuses on the company's
production and performance of opera both during the regular season and for special programs and series.
In 1976, with the passing of founding Director Walter Herbert, the San Diego Opera Association hired Tito Capobianco, formerly
of the New York City Opera, as General Director of the San Diego Opera. Capobianco's tenure saw the San Diego Opera gain international
renown. He introduced an annual summer Verdi Festival, which usually featured two operas, one a late composition and the other
from Verdi's "galley years." Capobianco also expanded the regular season to six productions, and brought such renowned opera
superstars as Joan Sutherland, Luciano Pavarotti, and Beverly Sills to San Diego opera audiences.
In 1983, the SDOA hired a new General Director, Ian Campbell, formerly of Opera Australia and the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Campbell restored fiscal stability to the San Diego Opera, and has worked throughout his tenure to increase San Diego Opera's
audience. While the Verdi Festival only continued through 1985, he expanded the regular season, and introduced a new concert
program designed to bring internationally renowned opera stars to San Diego. His work with the
North American Voices Project adds contemporary American operas to the traditional repertoire performed at San Diego Opera each year.
Notable artists who have performed with San Diego Opera include Luciano Pavarotti, Beverly Sills, Joan Sutherland, Richard
Bonynge, Richard Leech, Placido Domingo, and Renee Fleming. San Diego Opera has staged the World Premieres of numerous productions,
including Myron Fink's
The Conquistador, Gian Carlo Menotti's
La Loca, and Alva Henderson's
Medea. Also significant are the United States Premieres of such operas as Daniel Catan's
Rapaccini's Daughter, Hanz Werner Henze's
The Young Lord, Ricardo Zandonai's
Giulietta e Romeo, and Emmanuel Chabrier's
Gwendoline. Other notable performances include Beverly Sills' farewell performance opposite Joan Sutherland in
Die Fledermaus, and the commissioned Zandra Rhodes productions of
The Magic Flute and
The Pearl Fishers.
San Diego Opera is ranked by OPERA America as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States, and was recently honored
as one of 13 "Cornerstone Arts Organizations" by the James Irvine Foundation. In addition, San Diego Opera is the only San
Diego arts organization to receive an almost perfect ranking from both the California Arts Council and the City of San Diego
Commission for Arts & Culture.
Administrative Files Series 1
1968-2004
Correspondence Sub-Series 1
1976-2004
box 1, folder 1
Composer Correspondence-Pasatier, Thomas Folder 1
1976
box 1, folder 2
Pavarotti, Public Response Letters Folder 2
1980
box 1, folder 3
Correspondences Folder 3
1983-1984
box 1, folder 4
Composer Correspondence-Kalman, Yvonne Folder 4
1984-1986
box 1, folder 5
Correspondence Folder 5
1984
box 1, folder 6
January-June, 1985 Folder 6
box 1, folder 7
July-December, 1985 Folder 7
box 1, folder 8
January-March, 1986 Folder 8
box 1, folder 9
April-June, 1986 Folder 9
box 1, folder 10
July-December, 1986 Folder 10
box 2, folder 1
January-March 1987 Folder 1
box 2, folder 3
July-August 1987 Folder 3
box 2, folder 5
Completed Speeches-Ian Folder 5
1989-1993
box 2, folder 6
January-June, 1993 Folder 6
box 2, folder 7
July-December, 1993 Folder 7
box 2, folder 8
January-March, 1994 Folder 8
box 3, folder 1
April-June, 1994 Folder 1
box 3, folder 2
July-December, 1994 Folder 2
box 3, folder 3
January-March, 1995 Folder 3
box 3, folder 4
April-June, 1995 Folder 4
box 3, folder 5
July-August, 1995 Folder 5
box 3, folder 6
September, 1995-December, 1996 Folder 6
General Files Sub-Series 2
1975-2000
box 4, folder 7
Cassilly, Richard Folder 7
box 4, folder 9
Cruz-Romo, Gilda Folder 9
box 4, folder 10
Price, Leontyne Folder 10
box 4, folder 13
Verrett, Shirley Folder 13
box 4, folder 14
Sutherland, Joan Folder 14
box 4, folder 15
Capobianco, Tito Folder 15
box 4, folder 16
Mr. and Mrs. Capobianco Folder 16
box 5, folder 1
Capobianco and others Folder 1
box 5, folder 2
Founders' Day, 1999-2000 Folder 2
box 5, folder 4
History, Publicity 1963-1971, 1980, Promotions, 1986-1987 Folder 4
box 5, folder 6
Reveles, Nicolas Folder 6
box 5, folder 7
Conference, 1991-1992 Folder 7
box 5, folder 10
Campbell, Ian 2003 Folder 10
box 6, folder 1
Beverly Sills Contracts, 1975-1977 Folder 1
box 6, folder 3
Ensemble, 1993-2006 Folder 3
box 6, folder 4
Education, 1997-1999 Folder 4
box 6, folder 5
City of San Diego Proclamations 30th Anniversary, 1995 Folder 5
box 6, folder 7
Ticket Pricing, 1979-1983 Folder 7
box 6, folder 8
Zapata, 1981-1983 Folder 8
Rental Files Sub-Series 3
1968-1996
box 6, folder 9
Albert Herring, 1987-1991 Folder 9
box 6, folder 11
Carmen, 1968-1996 Folder 11
box 6, folder 12
Carmen, 1968-1996 Folder 12
box 6, folder 14
Daughther of the Regiment, 1973-1996 Folder 14
box 7, folder 1
Daughter of the Regiment. 1973-1996 Folder 1
box 7, folder 2
Flying Dutcman, 1986-1987 Folder 2
box 7, folder 3
Flying Dutchman, 1986-1987 Folder 3
box 7, folder 4
Hamlet, 1978-1989 Folder 4
box 7, folder 5
Hamlet, 1978-1989 Folder 5
box 7, folder 6
The Lighthouse, 1985-1989 Folder 6
box 7, folder 7
Lucia di Lammermoor, 1984-1995 Folder 7
box 7, folder 8
Lucia di Lammermoor, 1984-1995 Folder 8
box 7, folder 9
Madama Butterfly, 1976-1996 Folder 9
box 8, folder 1
Merry Widow, 1977-1992 Folder 1
box 8, folder 2
Merry Widow, 1977-1992 Folder 2
box 8, folder 3
The Rape of Lucretia, 1988-1996 Folder 3
box 8, folder 4
Rappachini's Daughter, 1994 Folder 4
box 8, folder 5
The Rape of Lucretia, 1988-1996 Folder 5
box 8, folder 6
Rusalka, 1975-1988 Folder 6
box 8, folder 8
La Traviata, 1981-1985 Folder 8
box 8, folder 9
La Traviata, 1981-1985 Folder 9
Production Files Series 2
1973-1995
Production Binders Sub-Series 1
1973-1990
box 9, folder 1
Mefistofele, 1973 Folder 1
box 9, folder 2
Mefistofele, 1973 Folder 2
box 9, folder 3
Lucia di Lamamoor (Sutherland Debut), 1974 Folder 3
box 9, folder 4
Lucia di Lamamoor (Sutherland Debut), 1974 Folder 4
box 10, folder 1
Village Romeo and Julliet, 1975 Folder 1
box 10, folder 2
Village Romeo and Julliet, 1975 Folder 2
box 10, folder 4
Aida (Verdi Festival Prologue), 1978 Folder 4
box 10, folder 5
Aida (Verdi Festival Prologue), 1978 Folder 5
box 10, folder 6
Cinderella, 1977-1978 Folder 6
box 10, folder 7
Cinderella, 1977-1978 Folder 7
box 11, folder 1
Cinderella, 1977-1978 Folder 1
box 11, folder 2
Gotterdammerung, Ring Cycle Part IV. 1977 Folder 2
box 11, folder 3
Gotterdammerung, Ring Cycle Part IV, 1977 Folder 3
box 11, folder 4
Gotterdammerung, 4th in Ring Cycle, 1977 Folder 4
box 11, folder 5
Gotterdammerung, 4th in Ring Cycle, 1977 Folder 5
box 11, folder 6
Gotterdammerung, 4th in Ring Cycle, 1977 Folder 6
box 12, folder 1
The Medium, 1977 Folder 1
box 12, folder 2
The Medium, (Education), 1977 Folder 2
box 12, folder 3
Hamlet Production Book, 1978 Folder 3
box 12, folder 4
Hamlet Production Book, 1978 Folder 4
box 12, folder 6
The Love for Three Oranges, 1978 Folder 6
box 13, folder 2
Manon Lescaut Vocal Score, 1979 Folder 2
box 13, folder 3
Die Fledermaus, 1979 Folder 3
box 13, folder 4
Die Fledermaus (Sills, Sutherland), 1980 Folder 4
box 13, folder 5
Die Fledermaus (Sills/Sutherland), 1980 Folder 5
box 14, folder 1
Giovanna d'Arco (Verdi Festival), 1980 Folder 1
box 14, folder 2
Giovanna d'Arco (Verdi Festival), 1980 Folder 2
box 14, folder 3
Andrea Chenier, 1981 Folder 3
box 14, folder 4
Andrea Chenier, 1981 Folder 4
box 14, folder 5
Andrea Chenier, 1981 Folder 5
box 14, folder 6
Andrea Chenier Production Score, 1981 Folder 6
box 15, folder 1
Andrea Chenier Production Score, 1981 Folder 1
box 15, folder 2
Nabucco (Verdi Festival), 1981 Folder 2
box 15, folder 3
Nabucco (Verdi Festival), 1981 Folder 3
box 16, folder 1
Corsano (Verdi Festival), 1982 Folder 1
box 16, folder 2
Corsano (Verdi Festival), 1982 Folder 2
box 16, folder 3
Gwendoline, American Premiere, 1982 Folder 3
box 16, folder 4
Gwendoline, American Premire, 1982 Folder 4
box 16, folder 5
Henry VIII, 1983 Folder 5
box 16, folder 6
Henry VIII, 1983 Folder 6
box 17, folder 4
Albert, Herring, 1988 Folder 4
box 17, folder 5
Boris Gudonov (Russian Festival), 1989 Folder 5
box 18, folder 1
Boris Gudonov (Russian Festival), 1989 Folder 1
box 18, folder 2
Dialogues of the Carmelites, 1990 Folder 2
box 18, folder 3
Dialogues of the Carmelites, 1990 Folder 3
Production Photographs Sub-Series 2
1974-1995
box 18, folder 4
La Boheme, 1974-1975 Folder 4
box 18, folder 5
Lucia di Lammamoor, 1974-1975 Folder 5
box 18, folder 6
Manon, 1974-1975 Folder 6
box 18, folder 7
Die Valkyrie, 1974-1975 Folder 7
box 18, folder 9
Norma, 1975-1976 Folder 9
box 18, folder 10
Gátterdämmerung, 1976-1977 Folder 10
box 18, folder 11
Saint of Bleecker Street, 1976-1977 Folder 11
box 19, folder 1
Cinderella, 1977 Folder 1
box 19, folder 2
La Traviata, 1976-1977 Folder 2
box 19, folder 3
The Medium, 1977 Folder 3
box 19, folder 4
Don Giovanni, 1977-1978 Folder 4
box 19, folder 6
Hamlet, 1978-1979 Folder 6
box 19, folder 7
Madame Butterfly, 1977-1978 Folder 7
box 19, folder 8
Love for the Three, 1977-1978 Folder 8
box 19, folder 9
Abduction from the Seraglio, 1979 Folder 9
box 19, folder 10
Don Carlo, 1979-1980 Folder 10
box 19, folder 12
La Loca, 1978-1979 Folder 12
box 19, folder 13
La Serva Padrona, 1979 Folder 13
box 19, folder 14
Verdi Festival, 1979-1982 Folder 14
box 19, folder 15
La Bohème, 1979-1980 Folder 15
box 19, folder 16
Ballo in Maschera, 1980-1981 Folder 16
box 19, folder 17
Elektra, 1980-1981 Folder 17
box 19, folder 18
Die Fledermaus, 1980 Folder 18
box 19, folder 19
Hansel and Gretel Folder 19
box 19, folder 21
The Secret of Suz Anne, 1980 Folder 21
box 19, folder 22
The Telephone, 1980 Folder 22
box 20, folder 1
Techinical Set-ups, Makeup, etc., 1980 Folder 1
box 20, folder 2
Prodigal, Betsy, Game of Chance Folder 2
box 20, folder 3
La Travatore, 1980 Folder 3
box 20, folder 6
Barber of Seville, 1982 Folder 6
box 20, folder 7
Guilietta e Romeo, 1982 Folder 7
box 20, folder 9
La Perichole, 1982 Folder 9
box 20, folder 10
Der Rosenkavalier, circa. 1982 Folder 10
box 20, folder 11
Shirley Verrett, 1982 Folder 11
box 20, folder 12
Tulipatan, Nancy Patrick, 1982 Folder 12
box 20, folder 13
Adriana Lecoverir, 1983 Folder 13
box 20, folder 15
Henry VIII, 1983 Folder 15
box 20, folder 16
Lohengrin, 1983 Folder 16
box 20, folder 19
Don Giovanni, 1984 Folder 19
box 20, folder 20
Hansel and Gretly, 1984 Folder 20
box 20, folder 21
I Masnadieri, 1984 Folder 21
box 20, folder 22
Richard Cassilly, 1984 Folder 22
box 21, folder 1
Student Performance Folder 1
box 21, folder 2
La Traviata, 1984 Folder 2
box 21, folder 3
Eugene Onegin, 1985 Folder 3
box 21, folder 8
Boccanegra, Simone Folder 8
box 21, folder 10
The Medium, 1977 Folder 10
box 21, folder 12
Mefistofele, n.d. Folder 12
box 21, folder 13
Unidentfiied Photos, n.d. Folder 13
box 27, item 1
Faust, February, February, 1987-1988 Item 1
Material Specific Details: Ferruccio Furlanetto
box 27, item 2
La Boheme, 1965 Item 2
Material Specific Details: Maralin Niska, Nicholas Di Virgilio
box 27, item 3
Carmen, 1992 Item 3
Material Specific Details: Adria Firestone
box 27, item 4
Marry Widows, 1992 Item 4
Material Specific Details: Glennys Fowles
box 27, item 5
Count in Figaro, 1992 Item 5
Material Specific Details: David [not legible]
box 27, item 6
Salome, 1967 Item 6
Material Specific Details: Felicia Weathers
box 27, item 7
La Nazze di Firgaro Item 7
box 27, folder 8
Act III, Boris Godunov, 1989 Folder 8
box 27, item 9
Russian Festival, 1989 Item 9
Material Specific Details: Boris Godunov
box 27, item 10
Act III, Opening Scence, 1989 Item 10
Material Specific Details: Boris Godunov
box 27, item 12
Otello, 1986-1987 Item 12
Material Specific Details: Guiseppe Giacomim, Silvado Carohl
box 27, item 11
Boris Godunov, 1989 Item 11
Publicity Series 3
1980-2007
box 21, folder 14
Clippings, 1980-1981 Folder 14
box 21, folder 15
Clippings, 1982 Folder 15
box 21, folder 16
Clippings, 1983 Folder 16
box 21, folder 17
Clippings, 1983 Folder 17
box 21, folder 18
Clippings, 1984 Folder 18
box 21, folder 19
January-March, 1986 Folder 19
box 21, folder 20
August-December, 1986 Folder 20
box 22, folder 8
October 15-30, 1987 Folder 8
box 22, folder 14
March-April, 1989 Folder 14
box 22, folder 15
May, June, 1989 Folder 15
box 23, folder 1
July-October, 1989 Folder 1
box 23, folder 2
25th Opera Season, Programs and Brochures, 1989-1990 Folder 2
box 23, folder 3
November, 1989-January, 1990 Folder 3
box 23, folder 4
February-May, 1990 Folder 4
box 23, folder 5
August-October, 1991 Folder 5
box 23, folder 17
September, 1992 Folder 17
box 24, folder 3
January-February, 1993 Folder 3
box 24, folder 4
March-December, 1993 Folder 4
box 24, folder 5
January-February, 1994 Folder 5
box 24, folder 6
SDO Publicity March-June, 1994 Folder 6
box 24, folder 7
SDO Publicity July-December, 1994 Folder 7
box 24, folder 8
SDO Publicity September 1994-July 1995 Folder 8
box 25, folder 1
SDO Publicity September 1994-July 1995 Folder 1
box 25, folder 2
SDO Publicity January-March, 1995 Folder 2
box 25, folder 3
Publicity October 1995-March 1996 Folder 3
box 25, folder 4
Publicity April 1996-December 1996 Folder 4
box 25, folder 5
Publicity-January, 1997 Folder 5
box 26, folder 1
Publicity, February, 1997 Folder 1
box 26, folder 2
Publicity, March, 1997 Folder 2
box 26, folder 3
Publicity, April-December, 1997 Folder 3
box 26, folder 4
Publicity, 2000-2005 Folder 4
box 26, folder 5
Publicity, 2006-2007 Folder 5
box 29, folder 1
News Clippings, 1991 Folder 1
box 30, folder 1
News Clippings, 1990-1991 Folder 1
box 28, item 1
Passion of Jonathan Wade, April 1991 Item 1
box 28, item 2
Recital 1992 Item 2
Material Specific Details: Herman Prey
box 28, item 3
Faust, 1989-1988 Item 3
Material Specific Details: David Malis, Jane Bunnehh
box 28, item 4
Rope of Lucretia Item 4
Material Specific Details: Louis Otey as Tarquinius
box 28, item 5
The Merry Widow, 1977 Item 5
box 28, item 6
The Barber of Seville Item 6
Material Specific Details: Rodney Gilfry
box 28, item 7
Rosenkavalier, 1992 Item 7
box 28, item 8
Faust, 1988 Item 8
Material Specific Details: David Malis
box 28, item 9
Faust, 1987-1988 Item 9
Material Specific Details: David Malis
box 28, item 10
Der Rosenkavalier Item 10
Material Specific Details: Ashley Putnam
box 28, item 11
H Travatore, 1987-1988 Item 11
Material Specific Details: Dolora Zajick, Jonathan Summers
box 28, item 13
Der Rosenkavalier, 1992 Item 13
Material Specific Details: Ashley Putnam
box 28, item 14
Der Rosenkavalier, 1992 Item 14
Material Specific Details: Ashley Putnam
