The summer’s staged opera, Benjamin Britten’s “强奸卢克丽霞,” is now behind us, but the young musicians of the Merola Opera Program continue to hone their artistry for the benefit of themselves and the public.
The upcoming event on the program’s schedule, the annual “Schwabacher Summer Concert,” offers a chance to hear these rising stars in extended scenes from the standard repertoire. It’s a Goldilocks-like compromise between a full opera and the nuggets of single arias, which can often feel truncated in this context.
Steven White is slated to conduct the Merolini in scenes by Handel, Donizetti, Verdi and others.
Omer Ben Seadia, an alum of the program, serves as stage director, along with current Merola participant Tania Arazi Coambs.
Datebook Tips
Given its proximity to Hayes Valley, there aretons of dining optionsfor a pre-performance meal that’s walking distance to the Herbst. On the fine dining end, there’sJardiniereandCala. For something casual,SouvlaandRT Rotisserieare both excellent choices. On the east side of Van Ness — and also within walking distance — head to favorites likeCorridorandAugust 1 Five, or you couldtake a cue from Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamarand dine atBrenda’s French Soul Foodover on Polk Street.