Honoring Gaetano Merola: The Visionary Behind San Francisco Opera

This week, we celebrate the birthday of Gaetano Merola (1881–1953)—a pioneer whose vision and passion forever changed San Francisco’s cultural landscape and left an indelible mark on American opera.

In 1923, Merola founded the San Francisco Opera, believing the city deserved its own world-class opera company, not one reliant on visiting troupes. His dream took shape in 1932 with the grand opening of the War Memorial Opera House, built during the Great Depression entirely through Merola organizing community donations—a remarkable achievement symbolizing resilience and collective ambition.

Under Merola's leadership, the company flourished, presenting landmark performances like Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen in 1935 and touring cities across the West Coast, solidifying San Francisco Opera as a cultural leader in America.

On August 30, 1953, Merola passed away while conducting a performance at Stern Grove. As the soprano performing “Un bel di” from Madama Butterfly sang the word morire (to die), Merola fell—suffering a fatal heart attack. He died conducting the music he loved.

Merola’s legacy extends far beyond the stage. In 1957, the Merola Opera Program was established in his honor, becoming one of the world’s most prestigious training grounds for aspiring singers, coaches, accompanists, and stage directors. Independent yet closely aligned with San Francisco Opera, the program nurtures future opera stars while offering outreach and educational opportunities to students and the wider community.

Merola's profound influence lives on in every note sung on the War Memorial Opera House stage and in every artist shaped by the Merola Opera Program.

Thank you, Maestro Merola, for giving San Francisco a timeless gift of music and artistry—and happy birthday