Judy and David Anderson

Why is Opera Important to you?
Opera is important to us because it’s the perfect combination of many arts forms – music, dance, and theater, as our late good friend Delia Fleishacker Erlich said. Thrilling!

What are your first opera memories?
Judy: My Mom always listened to the Metropolitan Opera on the radio on Saturdays and now I do, too, on KDFC and the PBS Met broadcasts.

David: I was working at home on a project (not sure what year) and La Bohème came on TV from the Met. On a very small screen, with questionable speaker quality. I was transfixed. Stood there and watched. It was clear to me that I wanted to see more opera, and I knew that being at a performance in person would be much more rewarding.

What are your best memories or experiences at San Francisco Opera?
Judy: My best memory is Manon with Ellie Dehn because she is a family friend; we were taken to her dressing room after a performance and have a great picture.

David: My best memory is the London production of Carmen with the cars on stage. Also the drama of the final act of Lucia di Lammermoor, and seeing modern sets in operas like La Traviata. Another memorable experience for both of us was being taken to see Maestro Luisotti before a performance.

Is there an aspect of opera that most resonates with you?
Watching the Merola Opera program and following the Adler Fellows. One sees wonderful artists and then seeing them on the main stage in the regular season is quite wonderful.

Why did you make a legacy gift to San Francisco Opera?
Both of us feel that being at the War Memorial Opera House is such a wonderful experience, from the time one arrives until it is time to leave. The performances are very high quality. The SFO must survive and thrive for future generations.

Why is it important for patrons to consider making a legacy gift to the Opera, if they can?
While current donations are important, a legacy gift is an opportunity to provide even more for the Opera without impinging on one’s current lifestyle. Party now and make that final gift automatic through one’s will.