We love this art form. We love the murder, the mayhem, the drama of love lost and love found. We love moments when the dynamism of the orchestra, the grace of the dancers, and the vocal artistry of the singers comes together to create a truly transcendent experience. In this frenetic and media-saturated world, there is still something magical in watching art performed live – and we never cease to be amazed by how deeply opera can move us.
We are the members of Orpheus at San Francisco Opera, a group established in 2008 in order to connect young donors who share a passion for opera. We come from all walks of life. Some of us attended the opera with our families, and some of us had never set foot in an opera house until we were grown adults. But what unites us is our desire to invest in this great Company, inspire and lead the “next generation” of opera patrons, and to learn more about the inner workings of this magnificent art form.
Members of Orpheus at San Francisco Opera receive some pretty great perks. We host networking opportunities with fellow young opera fans, access to exclusive private luncheons with artistic staff, backstage tours, working rehearsals, and VIP seating at community events like Opera at the Ballpark. Orpheus members also receive Medallion Society Founder level benefits, which include invitations to four final dress rehearsals per season, complimentary ticket exchanges, Medallion Society concierge service, and invitations to exclusive Medallion Society events throughout the year.
The Orpheus Fund, generously sponsored by board member Ben Nelson and his wife Marina in addition to a grant from the Koret Foundation, offers matching gifts to help young donors become a part of Orpheus and reach the $3,000 Founder level of the Medallion Society. Gifts received by July 31, 2012, will be matched as follows:
• Gifts of $500 from donors ages 18-24: 5 to 1 match
• Gifts of $600 from donors ages 25-29: 4 to 1 match
• Gifts of 1,000 from donors ages 30-34: 2 to 1 match
• Gifts of $1,500 from donors ages 35-40: 1 to 1 match
Please consider joining this innovative and dynamic branch of the San Francisco Opera family. If you would like to attend an Orpheus event or to request more information, please contact Elizabeth Hounshell at (415) 551-6239 or ehounshell@sfopera.com. Follow us on Facebook.
Orpheus is generously supported by a grant from the Koret Foundation 
In keeping with IRS regulations, the fair-market value of certain membership benefits and privileges may reduce the tax deductibility of your gifts. The value of these benefits will be noted in the Opera’s acknowledgment of your gift. Tax-deductibility will be assessed based on your actual gift.