My first opera ever. Salome--gruesome story about a beautiful and majorly entitled princess. Men swooned and one was stupid enough to kill himself over her. Then she wanted to kiss a prisoner prophet who turned her down. So she had him killed and served his head on a platter. Ultimately they had her killed which was a good idea. Excellent voices and set. I was told this might have been a difficult first time opera but I'll definitely go again. read more

West Bay Opera - Performing Arts Near Me - Palo Alto, California

We are SF Opera subscribers but we drive down to Palo Alto once every season to catch an opera by West Bay Opera. They are usually high quality and it's really fun to see an opera in such a small house. The Samson and Delilah we just saw didn't live up to previous operas we've been there but it was pleasant. They are creative with sets and it was a good production. The chorus needs a lot of improvement but the leads were good . There is a lovely outdoor courtyard for intermission. Ticket prices are much less than SF Opera and I admire their goal of making opera available for all. read more

West Bay Opera - Taking bows after Samson and Delilah - Performing Arts Near Me - Palo Alto, California

The West Bay Opera company is not just a place for the arts and entertainment, they also rent out their costumes. I have yet to see a performance, so I'll defer to the posters before me. This review however is of their costume shop department. So they don't have a separate entity, the costumes you get to rent are the costumes the performers use. They are custom made for the performers as well, so when you come to browse, you really have to get into it. Luckily, the staff (Merna helped me!) was so sweet and very knowledgeable. She knew the histories behind things and why women wore certain things and not others. I sent in an email to make an appointment, explained that I needed a costume for the renaissance faire and she had ideas and costumes already picked out! It wasn't only renaissance things either. They have A TON of costumes. I'm not kidding you. And this isn't the kind of stuff you buy online. This is heavy, sturdy and well-made material. The colors can be vibrant and gorgeous, or muted and plain. They have wigs and hats and all kinds of accessories. Need help putting together an idea? Just ask! They're like walking historians! They are only open on Fridays from 1-4pm. Any other day or time requires an appointment be made. It's 20/hr with a one hour minimum. We got out of there in one hour tops. That's mainly because Merna just knew so much, she really helped read my mind. At first I thought I wanted to be a poor and disheleved peasant, but after seeing some of the other outfits, that went completely out the door. Instead I went for a merchant's wife/middle class outfit. It was a dull orange, which looked wonderful on my skin. I'm dark and Merna picked out colors that would really *pop* on me. (pop in the renaissance way) My total rental for an outfit that would've cost $500 to buy was $80, including my rental fee. Also, if you rent once, you get a 10% discount for your next rental. They do a lot of business during Halloween (of course), but even if you have a party and need a costume, I would really check them out because at the very least, they know so much...it helps to have someone to bounce ideas of off! 5 stars. Outstanding service. So friendly. So knowledgeable. Knew what would make me (short, chubby, dark-skinned) look good and amazing prices considering the high quality of the costumes. read more

West Bay Opera - Performing Arts Near Me - Palo Alto, California

There are two very different things here--the actual Opera (which performs at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto) and the Opera Costume Rentals (where you can rent the Opera costumes for three weeks at a time from 221 Lambert Avenue, Palo Alto.) This is a review for the Costume Rentals. For a costume-lover, this place is pure heaven. There are racks and racks and rows and rows of incredible costumes from many different eras. There are also many accessories and unique hats, but there are no top hats, no wigs and no shoes. I was going to the Edwardian Ball and I wanted to create a "vintage fantasy costume" and half the fun was trying on all the different gowns and jackets. My friend and I both rented costumes for $110 each. The selection is great, but each item only comes in one size, so it's easy to find the "perfect thing" that doesn't fit. It's much easier to find something in smaller sizes than in size 12 or 14. Myra was very helpful, but I'm afraid I must have irritated her by mixing hats and accessories from different centuries. "They would have never worn that hat with that dress!" When I was creating my outfit I wasn't going for authentic; I was going for "fun." And I fell in love with the head-piece I rented. When I wore my costume, I felt like the belle of the Ball. This place could be more successful (and raise more money for the Opera) if it was open more days (or hours) a week (right now it is only open Wednesday.) A $20 per hour surcharge applies for appointments outside of costume rental hours which are 12:30pm to 4:30pm on Wed. In other words, they are open 4 hours a week. (They do offer extended hours for Halloween Costume Rental in October.) It would be great if there were a less expensive option to rent the clothing for 2 or 3 days. Currently the only option is to rent the item for three weeks (as they typically cater to theater companies.) read more

West Bay Opera - I rented this costume. $50 for the hat, $50 for the dress, and $10 for the bustle for a 3-week period. - Performing Arts Near Me - Palo Alto, California

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Bought tickets in late 2019 or early 2020 for May 2020 la Traviata . They held our seats for over two years. Oct 2022 finally enjoyed a wonderful production. For anyone that would like to experience opera and not have to drive to San Francisco or downtown San Jose this is the place. Ample free parking! In a very safe area. read more

I love West Bay Opera. Fidelio, Carmen, Marriage of Figaro, all brought to life with beautiful production, live orchestra, professional and full of joy, not pretense. Similar to a regional company in Germany. More convenient, less expensive, better seats and more fun than traveling into the City. read more

We are fortunate in the SF Bay area to have three amazing opera companies, San Francisco Opera, San Jose Opera, and West Bay Opera in Palo Alto. All have something great to offer opera fans, but for some reason, few people know about West Bay Opera. I have to admit, I am not the opera fan in the family, but having been dragged to dozens of productions at all of the above, I now have a good sense of what I like and don't like. All of the opera companies have their own style and characteristics. West Bay Opera is consistent in how it puts on, year after year, top quality productions on a fraction of the budgets of the other companies to the north and south of it. We saw Fidelio last year and I am still drafting on the beauty of the singing. West Bay Opera takes place at Lucie Stern Community Theatre, which is not a grand opera house like the other two, but it has the advantage of being a small, intimate place, so that no seat in the house is far away from the stage. When you attend an opera here, you always get the experience of both the singing and being able to see the emotion in the performances up close instead of on a screen. It is glorious always being able to afford a good seat! What's really nice about every production is that they manage to get absolutely top quality singers, but they also provide high quality production and staging. The direction and choices are always interesting -- even if I have seen something with one of the other companies, I am eager to see how WBO does the opera. Clearly, the leadership of the organization is passionate about it. The only criticism I have is not about the operas themselves, but it's very clear based on the size of the place and the relatively reasonable ticket prices on the low end of the spectrum that they, like most opera companies, operate from donations. When I had an unexpected ability to make a donation at the end of last year, I was unable to get through their website donation system to do it. I wish I had known about this place sooner. Hidden gem is a good term -- but they should not be hidden! read more

West Bay Opera is a hidden performing arts gem on the peninsula. Each of their shows I've seen has blown me away with top notch singing, creative productions and an intimate setting where the performers really get to act and connect with the audience. I now have taken 10 year old children of family friends to two different productions. Both have been asking to go back! One of the kids wanted to go back stage to collect autographs of the singers. What a powerful impact West Bay Opera made on a kid who had never before seen an opera! Worried that opera is too inaccessible for kids or adults? Think again! I understand the company relies on volunteers to fill the ranks of its chorus and other volunteers to help with all sorts of back stage and lobby activities. It's definitely worth checking out. read more

Enjoyed the performance of the Merry Widow. This opera was performed in Louis Stern Community Center. A smaller theater, the performers feel very close to the audience. The opera was presented in English with English subtitles. The singers are very professional and hit all the right notes. Stage setting was simple but effective. Had a wonderful time and will come back for more performances next season. read more

They have great productions! One of the best I've been to and yes, even better than SF Opera. They only have about 3 shows a season and we always try to catch everyone of them. read more

Opening night at Carmen. My first time seeing Carmen, after growing up with parents who had MET tickets and seeing operas as a child...which I didn't particularly appreciate. Enjoyed WBO's Carmen. Carmen herself was played beautifully by a woman with attitude. When she spat in someone's face, you could feel her disgust. The voices of all the protagonists were beautiful....Michaela, - her amazing Aria, Carmen in all her scenes, and Luis and the other two men, plus the gypsies and smugglers. The set designs were awesome. And although we were in the last row side, the seats in that small theater are all good. I only wish there was better projection/microphones. PS - the orchestra was fabulous - the bassoon, horns, clarinet, and flutes/pic and the rest of the orchestra played the beautiful music of Bizet fantastically. Bravo to Carmen @ WPO. read more

Saw this Opera Company advertised in a local newspaper and decided to give it a try. Saw Il Trovatore yesterday and give it a thumbs up. The theater is small but nicely taken care of. The director came onstage before the performance with a nice intro, a few jokes and a request for donations. He is also the musical director. The performers were excellent and from their bios, all had much experience locally and abroad- even the Vienna opera. There are 3 different productions this season and we intend to attend again. The theater is a bit off Middlefield road, but there is ample parking both in a lot and on the street. read more

West Bay Opera is very nice company. Singers are great. If you can sing,you can join the chorus anytime. You will get costumes and get great opportunities to perform with great casts and orchestra. Also rehearsals are great experiences.We always listen to gorgeous music every night at rehearsal. So nice! read more

I saw opening night of Nabucco. The basso who played Zechariah was profound singer and actor. He'll be amazing in his mid 30's! All of the leads were wonderful singers. Even Nabucco, (who was a replacement that evening) offered a voice that made his presentation realistic. The chorus did their best. Most unfortunately, "Va pensiero," the signature piece fell flat because no one seemed to convey to the singers that this was a lament by the captive Hebrews for their far away homeland. What a pity! As a Venetian, this piece means the world to me, and to hear it sung like a school song-with a reprise no less- was upsetting. Vabbene,enough said on tgat score. What was inexcusable was the violin section. Mr. Maestro, I didn't pay upwards $90 to hear that awful violinist. Now, I realize he or she was either a nice old mensch beloved by everybody, or the 12 year old daughter of a major donor...but you are ruining your art and the reputation of the company to allow this to persist. I will pass over the brass... read more

I've attended many productions at West Bay Opera, and every time I am astonished by the quality of the production and the singers. I don't have any idea how such a tiny company consistently puts on such amazing productions. The house is small and intimate, the singers make my spine quiver with excitement and the acting, staging, and costumes are awesome. I don't like paying so much for tickets, as I pay less at bigger companies, but I've got to take my opera glasses if I want to see anything, so it is definitely worth every penny. This company has a significant folllowing and it can be hard to get tickets. read more

I saw Cosi Fan Tutte a couple months ago and really enjoyed the performance. The theater is small, but it makes for a truly intimate atmosphere. The voices of all the singers were strong and for the quality of the performance, the ticket price was a bargain - even more of a bargain because my friend and I got discounted tickets through goldstar.com. I think my only complaint is that parking pretty much sucked. There was limited parking available in the community center's lot, so if you get there close to the performance time (like us), you're pretty much left roaming the surrounding neighborhood's streets and walking a block or two to the theater....not that bad, but also not great if it's raining. read more

The translation screen kept not showing the English translation of an Italian language play....that's my only critique and a bit disappointed on that but the voices...costume...background....all superb ...I'd definitely give this a 5 except for this minor thing.... read more

West Bay Opera is a wonderful gem on the Peninsula and it should not be missed. Opera is performed in Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto which seats 420 people. The kind of theatre in which opera should be performed - up close and personal - with the ability to understand all of what you are enjoying. MARRIAGE OF FIGARO - their latest - was outstanding! I am sorry you missed it. However, you don't have to miss future productions so connect to WBO by going on www.WBOpera.org or calling them at 650-424-9999. I urge you opera lovers to take advantage of this fabulous company in a magical setting. This is as good as life gets.... read more

Tosca was yet another beautiful production by Jose Luis Moscovich and the West Bay company. The principal singers had beautiful, well matched voices and were a delight to listen to. It is a treat to take in a performance like that in the intimacy of the Lucy Stern Theater. Bravi! read more