Description

The audio department in San Francisco Opera has evolved over the years into a state-of-the-art facility within the War Memorial Opera House, originally built in 1932 for symphony, opera and ballet productions. When the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall was completed in 1980, vacated office and storage space presented an opportunity for the audio facilities to expand and be modernized. In 1991, the sound department was recognized as a separate entity and five years later the in-house facility was completed. This was expanded to include TV and later HDTV capability for broadcast productions as well as an in-house network for audiences and performers alike. At present productions can be simulcast from the Opera House to SBC Park or specially-equipped cinemas throughout the country. We will be shown how this is accomplished without the need for external trucks and outside generators (as is the case for other opera houses in the US).

About the Speaker

Max Christensen has worked for San Francisco Opera since 1991. From 1967-1972 he attended Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz. From 1974-1980 he worked at Motion Picture Exhibition. At San Franciso Opera in 1991, he created the Sound Department as fourth stage department, along with Electrics', Carpenters and Props. In 1996 he supervised the construction of the Sound Center and ten years later planned the four-part Media Center (Production Room, Video Post, Audio Post and Central Equipment Room). In 2007, the Media Center began production, with the first Simulcast during the summer season. In 2008 productions started to be Cinemacast as well.

Address

Orchestra Rehearsal Studio, War Memorial Opera House

San Francisco Opera House
301 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102-4509

Directions

Note:  Look for the Stage Entrance and you will be asked to sign in and will be directed to the Orchestra Rehearsal Studio.

Mapquest Directions

From the East Bay - Take 80 West to Bay Bridge, cross and exit at 9th Street. Once on 9th Street, look for the lane to Hayes Street and turn onto Hayes Street. Cross Van Ness Avenue and turn right on Franklin Street. After 6pm, street parking is possible; no payment needed. Directly opposite City Hall is a plaza with Herbst Theater to the left and the Opera House to the right. Look for the Stage Entrance and you will be asked to sign in and will be directed to the Orchestra Rehearsal Studio.

From the Peninsula - Take 101 North to San Francisco. Exit at Central Freeway and continue to Octavia Boulevard. Turn right on Oak Street and left on Franklin Street. After 6pm, street parking is possible; no payment needed. Directly opposite City Hall is a plaza with Herbst Theater to the left and the Opera House to the right. Look for the Stage Entrance and you will be asked to sign in and will be directed to the Orchestra Rehearsal Studio.