Opera San Jose Presents Moby-Dick
February 9 through February 24

One more spectacular jewel from the creative, talented, and uniquely innovative Opera San Jose as it premiers the 2019 opera season with Moby-Dick, an opera based on the classic novel by Herman Melville. Set in 1820, it tells the story of Captain Ahab of the whaleship Pequod, who after losing one of his legs to a frightening white whale, becomes obsessed with finding and destroying the creature at any cost. Only one crew member, first mate Starbuck, realizes the deadly implications of Ahab’s obsession and the risks to the ship’s crew. Since its 2010 debut at the Dallas Opera, Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s opera adaption of Melville’s classic novel has captivated audiences with its inventive storytelling, spectacular music, sets, and visual effects. Thrilling and mesmerizing and definitely not to be missed. Run-time approximately three hours. Sung in English with English subtitles. Since it premiered in 2010, it has been presented by opera companies from Australia to Washington DC and Calgary to Los Angeles.  It is a special and exquisite treat for Silicon Valley opera lovers. See you there!

Tickets and Information
Prices start at $55
Groups of 10 or more receive 10% discount
408-437-4450
operasj.org
California Theatre
345 South First Street in San Jose

Photo courtesy of Opera San Jose

Chinese New Year Festivities with San Francisco Symphony
February 16 at 4 p.m.

Gung Hay Fat Choi! Celebrate Chinese New Year, The Year of the Boar, with a Conductor Mei-Ann Chen as she leads the San Francisco Symphony in works by Huan-zhi Li, Mao Yuan, and An-lun Huang, as well as traditional folk music and works by Asian composers. Composed using all western instruments and intertwining tonal harmonies with Chinese melodies, the concerto is considered the embodiment of a China in transition, and celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The concert will be accompanied by unique video projections by video designer Adam Larsen. A free pre-concert Festival Reception is open to all ticket-holders beginning at 4:00pm  in the Davies Symphony Hall lobbies. Entertainment and activities include lion dancing, Chinese calligraphy, “lucky” red envelopes, complimentary sweet and savory bites, wine and tea bars, and musical performances by Melody of China. An elegant Chinese New Year Banquet will follow the concert. Don’t forget to say Happy New Year to LiLou the Pig, San Francisco’s very own and first-ever therapy pig who will be making her special appearance at this event. Bring your iPhone to take a photo with LiLou.

Tickets and Information
415-864-6000
sfsymphony.org
Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco

Photo courtesy of SF Symphony

San Francisco Beer Week
February 1 through February 10

Something is brewing in San Francisco as Bay Area Beer aficionados pour and  share their special creations at the SF Annual Beer Week. The 10-day celebration of all things beer presents more than just beer. My favorite event (which is where you will find me) is the: Beer and Caviar Pairing (on February 5 at 5 p.m.) with this year’s menu featuring truffle popcorn, guacamole bites, arancini, and much more. Who needs champagne? This special event proves that caviar can be enjoyed as easily alongside a tasty craft beer! Included with the ticket price will be a favorite selection of caviar as well as two different beers. But don’t stop here all night, visit the more than 120 Northern California breweries pouring some 300 types of beer on Pier 35 in San Francisco. This is more fun than fits the page. Just enjoy and use Uber to drive you home. Cheers!

Tickets and Information
sfbeerweek.org

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.