Six operas, casts, dates and tickets are already public.
WE STAND WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRATheir statement ↗Their Instagram ↗
Save SF OperaCitizens Concerned for SF OperaA citizen-led campaign · San Francisco · 2026
SF Opera is in crisis.
We, the citizens, are here to save it.
For 103 years, San Francisco Opera has helped define this city. Now money, power and priorities stand between its orchestra and a fair contract—and opening night hangs in the balance.
Independent of San Francisco Opera, the Orchestra and AFM Local 6. Citizen-led and publicly sourced.
Their fight. Our support.
The musicians spoke.
Citizens are answering.
Save SF Opera was created independently by concerned citizens. We are not part of, directed by, or speaking for the San Francisco Opera Orchestra or AFM Local 6. We are amplifying the musicians’ own public message and helping San Francisco respond.
THE CRISIS, IN FIVE STEPS
Scroll to understand what is happening—and who can stop it.STEP01
103 years of San Francisco history
The curtain should not fall now.
Founded in 1923, San Francisco Opera has survived a depression, a world war, earthquakes and a pandemic. Its 104th season is announced. Its audiences are returning. Its musicians should not be forced backward.
1923Company founded→2026Opening night at risk
STEP02
The crisis in one screen
The season is ready.
The orchestra has no contract.
Matthew Shilvock received a five-year extension through 2030–31.
The musicians’ agreement expired July 31.
“We cannot begin a season under proposals like these.”Read the full San Francisco Opera Orchestra announcement ↗
Our position: We support the musicians’ decision not to perform opening night without a fair contract.
STEP03
The number that changed everything
26% is not a trim.
It is a rollback.
Management’s opening proposal, according to musicians−26%
→Musicians say this would have returned compensation to 2015 wage levels.
Current proposal, according to musicians−20%
Musicians say this would return compensation to 2018—before COVID.
ORCHESTRAAsked to go backward
CEOFive-year extension
CEO REPORTED COMPENSATION≈ $760,000
The company describes its proposal differently.
Management says its five-year framework would keep annual earnings at current levels while changing the compensation structure, and cites a $15 million structural deficit. The musicians dispute the stability and effect of that proposal. The public deserves the full arithmetic—not slogans.
STEP04
How we reached the curtain
A deadline leadership could see coming.
Negotiations begin
CEO receives five-year extension
Orchestra contract expires
Season rehearsals begin
Musicians warn they will not play opening night without a fair contract
Opera Ball postponed to November 12
Scheduled opening night
OPERA BALLSEP 12POSTPONEDNOV 12
The gala moved. The deadline did not.
Moving the party does not solve the crisis.
The Opera postponed its annual gala because of the unresolved negotiations, while the September 12 performance remained scheduled. Our view: leadership protected the event from uncertainty while musicians remained under the deadline.
STEP05
Who decides what happens next
Accountability has a name—and a face.
These are the public leaders with the power to reach an agreement. We are documenting their roles and demanding accountability—not alleging unlawful conduct.
GENERAL DIRECTOR & CEO
Matthew Shilvock
≈ $760,000Latest publicly indexed total compensation: $717,377 reportable compensation plus $42,463 other compensation.
Five-year extension through 2030–31
CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barbara A. Wolfe
THE BOARDOversees senior management and carries responsibility for the company’s mission, strategy and leadership.
Has the power—and duty—to actWhat citizens are asking for
The opening-night clock
The city should not learn the truth at the door.
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Now act
Stand with the orchestra.
Nothing is sent automatically. Every email opens for you to review, personalize and send yourself.
01Sign the petition
Add your name to the demand for a fair contract.
Open petition →02Email leadershipTell the CEO and board to protect the orchestra.
Open prepared email →03Email Mayor LurieAsk City Hall to speak publicly before opening night.
Open prepared email →04Read the announcementHear the facts directly from the musicians.
Visit the orchestra ↗05Follow the musiciansFollow the Orchestra’s own account for updates in their words.
Open @sfoperaorchestra ↗Sources, methodology and legal note +
- San Francisco Opera Orchestra: statement to the public
- San Francisco Chronicle: strike warning, proposals and negotiations
- San Francisco Chronicle: Opera Ball postponement
- IRS Form 990 filings via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
- San Francisco Opera: Matthew Shilvock extension
This independent project is not affiliated with San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, AFM Local 6 or any political organization. Campaign interpretation is identified as opinion. Official portraits are shown for identification and commentary and do not imply endorsement.