In a word, San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House is beautiful. Designed by architect Arthur Brown Jr.¹, the building is an aesthetic standout, but also, a technological one, as it boasts state-of-the-art equipment that ensures the acoustics are ideal for both orchestral accompaniments of the San Francisco Opera and Ballet companies.

Now playing is Mozart's The Magic Flute – a fairy-tale opera about “a man's search for love and his struggle to attain wisdom and virtue." Acclaimed tenor Piotr Beczala is Tamino, the young prince who is sent by the queen to save her daughter Pamina from the power of Sarastro. With the aid of the titular “magic flute,” Prince Tamino is successful in his quest and also comes to find the wisdom he sought, though from a surprising source.

The Magic Flute plays through November 3rd; single ticket(s) are still available. Call the box office at (415) 864-3330 or purchase online. Though tickets are high, $175 - $275, attending the opera is indeed a unique experience.² And if you go, don’t worry about dressing to the nines. As San Francisco Opera notes, patrons dress in what they feel most comfortable in. Jeans are more than fine.

^{* Tamino (Piotr Beczala) & Animals © Terrence McCarthy. | 1 Also designed Coit Tower and City Hall. | 2 Remaining dates: Oct 28, 31; Nov 3 / Running time: 3 hours, 15 minutes.}