SF Opera Comes Full Circle: “The Ring” Returns in 2028
A historic event returns to San Francisco Opera in 2028. Plus, cellist Gautier Capuçon performs at San Francisco Symphony, and a new video from Berkeley Rep explores the creative process of their latest play.
It’s official: San Francisco Opera is bringing back Wagner’s epic four‑opera cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen, in summer 2028. Marking one of the most ambitious undertakings a company can mount, the 2028 run will include three full cycles from June through early July. With conductor Eun Sun Kim at the helm and director Francesca Zambello reprising her acclaimed staging, this is more than a return—it’s a new chapter in the city’s opera history.
For those new to Wagner, The Ring is a sweeping saga of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, all revolving around a powerful ring that grants ultimate control—but at a terrible cost. Across four operas—Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung—the story explores love, greed, betrayal, and redemption, weaving a tale that feels both ancient and strikingly relevant today.
San Francisco Opera has a rich history with The Ring. The company first presented the complete cycle in 1935, helping cement its reputation as a major Wagner-performing institution. More recently, the Zambello production was staged in 2011 and again in 2018, making this 2028 revival highly anticipated. For audiences, this is a chance to witness one of opera’s greatest achievements, to experience the drama and spectacle live, and to be part of a monumental cultural event.
Voted San Francisco Magazine's Best Dance Experience, ODC/Dance returns to the stage with the beloved Bay Area holiday tradition, The Velveteen Rabbit. Brimming with wit, madcap characters, world-class dance, and the perfect amount of holiday cheer!
On the Stage
Gautier Capuçon: Gaïa
Classical | San Francisco Symphony
November 16 | Tickets
Cellist Gautier Capuçon presents a recital program dedicated to and inspired by Earth. Featuring world premiere performances of commissioned works by 16 composers, Gaïa pays tribute to Earth: its beauty, its fragility, its strength.
More Events
- Stereophonic | American Conservatory Theater & BroadwaySF | Now – November 23
- The Monkey King | San Francisco Opera | Now – November 30 | View Print Program
- Open Captioned: All performances
- Mother of Exiles | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – December 21 | View Print Program
- Closed Captioned: November 20
- Vienna Boys Choir | Cal Performances | November 16
Next Line
- Playwright Jessica Huang visits Angel Island—the historic place that inspired Mother of Exiles—and she reflects on her ancestors’ artistry and resilience. Watch the video to see how the cast and creative team brought that experience to the stage.
- BroadwaySF announces the next Unscripted event: an evening with John Cusack, including a special screening of High Fidelity on December 14. Tickets are now on sale.
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