Get your opera on
Among the results of western expansion in the 19th century is that every pioneering town of reasonable size built an opera house — with faint hope of European sophistication — although it’s a good bet that a lot of what happened on stage was not exactly what Rossini and Mozart had in mind. These days, the biggest and wealthiest West Coast cities have grand venues for their world-class performing companies, although those vaunted concert halls are not the only places to appreciate opera’s pleasures and passion. 1. Sikora’s Classical Records, Vancouver, British Columbia Chances are if you’re a big fan of opera (or classical music in general), you’re also a fan of hearing it on old-school vinyl. For more than 30 years, Sikora’s has been building an inventory that includes 50,000 vinyl LPS, as well as 25,000 classical CDS and videos, including more than a thousand opera box sets. The Michelin guide calls it “a serious music lover’s treasure trove.” 432 W. Hastings St.; (604) 685-0625; www.sikoras classical.com. 2. Woodland Opera House, Woodland (Yolo County) By the time it was shuttered in 1913 — 28 years after it was built — this venue had hosted more than 300 touring companies (including more than a few opera companies) and pre-cinema luminaries such as George M. Cohan’s troupe, Sidney Greenstreet, Walter Huston and a bandleader named John Philip Sousa. It stayed closed until the 1970s when it was saved and declared a state historical park. Extensive work has restored it as a venue for community theater and other stage productions. 340 Second St., (530) 666-9617, www.parks.ca.gov (search “Woodland Opera House”). 3. Max’s Opera Cafe, Palo Alto You can’t get a decent 14-ounce rib eye or chicken tostadas at your typical high-class opera hall, but you can get a dose of “Pagliacci” or “The Marriage of Figaro” tableside at Max’s. Just remember to tip well and appreciate the fact that if the service is slow, it might be because your “singing server” is mid-aria. 711 Stanford Shopping Center, (650) 323-6364, www.maxsworld.com. 4. La Traviata restaurant, San Francisco The only thing more Italian than the menu at this third-generation family-owned restaurant hidden away in the Mission District is the gallery of opera-related ephemera covering the walls, including dozens of stills signed by a host of opera celebrities past and present. 2854 Mission St., (415) 282-0500. 5. San Francisco Opera We really had to go with the hometown favorites. And let’s face it, if you’re a real fan, the singingwaiters thing just isn’t going to provide the same thrill as a full company in a concert hall built for it. Summer productions include “Nixon in China,” “Attila” and “The Magic Flute.” 301 Van Ness Ave., (415) 864-3330, www.sfop era.com.