David Gockley Reflects

Matthew Shilvock has been named General Director of San Francisco Opera and will assume his new position as the Company’s seventh director on August 1, 2016 with a five-year contract through July 2021.

He succeeds General Director David Gockley, who announced in October 2014 his intention to retire in July 2016.

Before the announcement was made BayCrossings checked in with Mr. Gockley to share a few reflections.

Bay Crossings: Our readers spend a good part of their commute listening to radio broadcasts, podcasts, and recordings on their portable devices. Any advice for them on how to prepare for the opera season?

David Gockley: There is ample material on our website (sfopera.com) including a preview of each opera that I research and produce.

BC: The San Francisco Opera Guild’s “Insight Panels” also provide a great educational opportunity. Can you tell us more about how these are put together?

Gockley: The Guild arranges for the space. We provide the panelists.

BC: Each of the productions this season pose their own unique challenges in staging, casting, and orchestration. Can you give us a few examples of how SFO if using innovation to get over these hurdles?

Gockley: The production of Lucia di Lammermoor uses very high resolution projections to create many different stage pictures at a surprisingly reasonable cost.

BC: Now a little bit about you. As general director you have a frantic social agenda and extremely complex management duties. Can you describe your daily routine during the season?

Gockley: I go to work between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. Meetings and desk work consume the day. I stay for many—but not all—performances, but remain through the first intermission unless I’m out of town.

BC: When you do have time to relax, what are your favorite activities? (Books; Entertainment; Dining etc….)

Gockley: Walking in the Marin Headlands and sailing on the Bay.

BC: Finally, can you sum up how SFO has evolved since you first took the helm? What is your vision for this season and beyond?

Gockley: We have become more accessible, including via a number of electrically-conveyed platforms: Opera at theBallpark, KDFC and international radio, West Coast cinemas and KQED telecasts.