🎶 Dive into the world of young Giacomo Puccini, a musical genius shaped by love, loss, and the struggles of a newly unified Italy. From his early years in Lucca to the profound impact of his beloved mother, Albina, Puccini's journey is a testament to resilience and artistry. Discover how personal grief influenced masterpieces like La Bohème, and how the harsh realities of his time inspired his poignant storytelling. 🔗Read our latest blog, "Puccini: The Early Years," and explore the legacy of this remarkable composer! https://bit.ly/4kx9fod 📸 1. Librettist, Ferdinando Fontana and Giacomo Puccini (1885) / Puccini Museum 2. Michael Puccini / Puccini Museum 3. Albina Puccini / Agi Museo Di Celledei 4. La Bohème (1973) / Caroly Mason Jones_San Francisco Opera 5. Tenement Slums, Italy (1878) / Giorgio Somme 6. Elvira Gemignani (1886) / LondonFestivalOpera .co.uk 7. Musetta, La Bohème (2008) / Terrance McCarthy_San Francisco Opera (fb)

🎭 "I still remember the first time I walked through the grand doors of the War Memorial Opera House. It was the early 1960s, and I was a high school student on a field trip. We saw Madama Butterfly. I didn’t understand the words, but I didn’t need to. The music and the story reached straight into my soul. That’s when the love affair began." —Nancy Kraus Jerome and Thao Dodson have pledged to match all increased gifts to San Francisco Opera—dollar for dollar—now through July 31. That means your support will go twice to sustain the art we love. There’s never been a better time to give. Your gift—whatever size—is vital to sustaining this extraordinary work. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3AT2Pvf (fb)