SAN JOSE, CA (3 February 2021) – In keeping with Opera San José’s mission to expand accessibility to its work, the company has announced that through the support of generous donors it is able to extend access to its hit virtual production of Jake Heggie’s chamber opera, Three Decembers, now making it available on a pay-what-you-can basis for streaming on demand. The production is being offered with subtitles in Spanish and Vietnamese, as well as English, furthering its accessibility to the Spanish and Vietnamese speaking members of the San Jose community, two of the largest populations in its home region. Featuring world-renowned mezzo-soprano Susan Graham in the central role, alongside celebrated Opera San José Resident Artists soprano Maya Kherani and baritone Efraín Solís, this world-class digital production has been met with widespread critical acclaim. Based on an unpublished play by Tony Award winning playwright Terrance McNally, Three Decembers follows the riveting story of a famous stage actress and her two adult children, struggling to connect over three decades, as long-held secrets come to light. With a brilliant, witty libretto by Gene Scheer and a soaring musical score by Jake Heggie, Three Decembers offers a 90-minute fullhearted American opera about family – the ones we are born into and those we create. Tickets for the modern work, which was recorded last Fall in the company’s Heiman Digital Media Studio, are pay-what-you-can beginning at $15 per household, which includes on-demand streaming for 30 days after date of purchase. Three Decembers is available via online streaming anytime.
This production of Three Decembers was made possible by the Carol Franc Buck Foundation and the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation. The Heiman Digital Media Studio was made possible by a generous lead donation from Opera San José trustee Peggy Heiman in honor of her late husband, devoted Opera San José supporter Fred Heiman. Opera San José is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose, and Applied Materials Foundation.
Determined to support artists and continue presenting art during this pandemic, Opera San José General Director Khori Dastoor envisioned this pioneering production as an opportunity to utilize the know-how of the company’s Silicon Valley environs to make music performances available during this crisis. The company operated under the strictest safety protocols to achieve a world-class digital capture, with the participating artists quarantined, allowing them to safely interact during the process. Cast and crew underwent frequent COVID testing and adhered to strict masking and social distancing protocols. The filming space was divided by clear plexiglass barriers, isolating musicians/conductors from singers, and all crew wore personal protective equipment (PPE). Members of the creative team included Christopher James Ray (Conductor), Tara Branham (Stage Director), Steven C. Kemp (Set Designer), Alyssa Oania (Costume Coordinator), David Lee Cuthbert (Lighting Designer) Christina Martin (Hair and Makeup Designer), Flying Moose Pictures(Video Production), and Jake Heggie (Artistic Advisor).
We are grateful for the generosity of our long-time donors who have made it possible for us to extend Three Decembers at an accessible ‘pay-what-you-can’ price. Opera San José is committed to broadening access to its programming, bringing world-class musical experiences for everyone in our community to enjoy. The arts have never been more essential, and this final extension will allow for opera and music lovers everywhere to view this critically-acclaimed production. – Opera San José General Director Khori Dastoor
For more information or to purchase tickets, the public can visit operasj.org or call (408) 437-4450 (open Monday through Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm).
