War Memorial Opera House Seat Replacement Project

War Memorial Opera House Interior

December, 2019

Photo by Lisa Hirsch

My post last week about the opera house seat replacement project turns out not to have been too far off base. I just received this from SF Opera, over Matthew Shilvock's signature:

I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

I am writing today to share an update on the War Memorial Opera House seat upgrade project.

As you know, due to the current COVID-19 health crisis, both San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Ballet have had to cancel the remainder of their 2019–20 seasons. 

In looking ahead to the seat upgrade project scheduled for summer 2021, both companies have been concerned about the additional performance loss in 2021 needed to undertake the project. After much discussion, the Opera, Ballet, and the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center have agreed to reschedule the final phase of the War Memorial Opera House seat replacement installation originally scheduled for May–August 2021. This rescheduling will allow for as much performance activity as possible in the Opera House once it is safe to re-open to the public.

While this news is disappointing, I want you to know that all three organizations are dedicated to completing this project in a timely manner. We are in weekly conversations about next steps and, while discussions are ongoing and preliminary at this time, I am hopeful that we will find a solution that benefits us all. I will keep you updated as soon as we have news to share.

Thank you as always for your support and understanding. 

With gratitude,

As I read this, one implication is that they're expecting the fall season to be truncated in some way. As ever, I am sad, but not surprised.