Forsythe’s
2026 OPENING NIGHT GALA
JAN 14, 2026
SF BALLET’S OPENING NIGHT GALA
RITA MORENO
BLAKE WORKS I
COSTUME DESIGN
William Forsythe
James Blake
Sasha Mukhamedov // © Studio Schuller for San Francisco Ballet
Performance One – 49min
Intermission – 20min
Performance Two – 36min
War Memorial Opera House
Step into an evening of bold inspiration. Curated by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, this one-night-only program inaugurates San Francisco Ballet’s 2025–2026 Repertory Season with a tribute to the history and traditions of American dance, celebrating icons of our art form.
THE NIGHT DOES NOT END WHEN THE CURTAIN FALLS
Dance the night away at our post-performance After Party set within the grandeur of San Francisco City Hall’s iconic rotunda. Enhance your Opening Night experience by adding this exclusive event to your ticket directly from your cart. Join fellow SF Ballet enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and celebration. Immerse yourself in the legendary After Party atmosphere—bursts of bold color, dazzling creativity, top Bay Area DJs, live music, and interactive experiences—all complemented by hand-crafted cocktails, exquisite local wines, and late-night culinary delights by McCalls Catering & Events. Raise a glass to the transformative power of dance and a night of elevated community revelry!
Proceeds from the Opening Night Gala performance and festivities help us create groundbreaking new works, preserve ballet’s timeless masterpieces, and provide scholarships for young artists at SF Ballet School, while also supporting our community education programs, which serve thousands of children, families, and seniors across the Bay Area.
You won’t want to miss this spectacular evening—a festive celebration at the very heart of SF Ballet and the enduring impact of the performing arts in our community.
We are proud to feature the following live entertainment partners during the After Party:
Live Band: Wonder Bread 5
8 PM (After Party* begins immediately after the performance)
*General Admission After Party tickets can be purchased as an “add-on” to the performance ticket.
San Francisco City Hall
- General Admission After Party Entrance: Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place (Polk Street)
- VIP After Party Entrance: Van Ness Avenue
Special Offers
season packages
Pick Eugene Onegin and one other program and save up to 20% off the single ticket price* with a CYO Duet package.
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season packages
Pick Eugene Onegin and one other program and save up to 20% off the single ticket price* with a CYO Duet package.
*Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
single tickets
Plan a night to remember with single performance tickets. Limited-time offers available* – including student, senior, and group discounts. Treat yourself to an evening of artistry and elegance.
30% off the following dates:
Saturday January 24 – 8PM
Saturday January 24 – 2PM (MAT)
Sunday January 25 – 8PM
*Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Casting & Credits
FRI JAN 23 - 8PM
Find out which dancers will take the stage in the current productions at San Francisco Ballet. Please note Casting subject to change.
Conductor
Martin West
Dores André, Max Cauthorn, Frances Chung, Cavan Conley, Nikisha Fogo, Esteban Hernández,Jasmine Jimison, Victor Prigent, Archie Sullivan, Wei Wang
Sir Wayne McGregor
Joby Talbot and Jack White III
Joby Talbot
Christopher Austin by arrangement with Chester Music
John Pawson
Moritz Junge
Lucy Carter
Antoine Vereecken
November 17, 2006–The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House; London, England
April 7, 2011—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
II – WITHIN THE GOLDEN HOUR
Dores André, Max Cauthorn, Frances Chung, Cavan Conley, Nikisha Fogo, Esteban Hernández,Jasmine Jimison, Victor Prigent, Archie Sullivan, Wei Wang
Cordula Merks
Yi Zhou
Sasha De Sola and Harrison James
jennifer stahl and rubén cítores nieto
frances chung and joseph walsh
Thamires Chuvas, Luca Ferrò
SunMin Lee, Dylan Pierzina
Tyla Steinbach, Lleyton Ho
Seojeong Yun, Benjamin Davidoff
Sir Wayne McGregor
Joby Talbot and Jack White III
Joby Talbot
Christopher Austin by arrangement with Chester Music
John Pawson
SUPPORT FOR San Francisco Ballet PROUDLY PROVIDED BY
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