Overview
- The company announced on Tuesday that it has canceled all performances through Sunday, Sept. 20, including two performances of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra and the Sept. 20 premiere of Mary, Queen of Scots.
- The strike by the San Francisco Opera Orchestra began Sept. 12 and forced the abrupt cancellation of opening night and a free Opera in the Park concert the following day.
- Both sides have continued intensive talks, with General Director Matthew Shilvock saying they spent two full days and evenings negotiating immediately after the strike began, but bargaining remains deadlocked.
- Musicians represented by American Federation of Musicians Local 6 say the company’s proposal amounts to a wage freeze when inflation is counted, while management describes a five-year plan that raises hourly rates but reduces guaranteed weeks of work.
- The Opera says it faces a structural shortfall and drew unusually large sums from its endowment last year, and ticket holders for canceled dates can request refunds, donate the value, or apply it to a future 2026–27 performance.