The Bonesetter's Daughter by San Francisco Opera

Adapted from the best-selling novel by beloved Bay Area author Amy Tan, this world premiere tells a resonant story of belated intergenerational understanding that leads to emotional healing. A troubled Chinese-American woman learns the horrible secrets of her immigrant mothers past in this touching and terrifying tale, set in both modern-day San Francisco and the Chinese countryside during the tumultuous events surrounding World War II.

Composer Stewart Wallace (Harvey Milk) incorporates the timbres and textures of Chinese music into his highly expressive and lyrical score—an American opera with roots in China. Mezzo-soprano Zheng Cao, the splendid Suzuki in San Francisco Operas recent Madama Butterfly, heads the cast of this deeply personal work. Star of the Lincoln Center Festivals historic production of The Peony Pavilion, Kunju singer Qian Yi has been acclaimed by the The New York Times Magazine as Chinas reigning opera princess.

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• Daughter
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• Zheng
• Cao

[qpon1]

saw this live, love you aunt Qian Yi

[humgum44]

i think that thats Will Shiths Trailer like he owns like one his wife each one of his kids like the babys mommas benz lol get what i meen thats ok i thought when you become a Super Star you can make a decision to get or buy a place to live get it up dated aswell.

[humgum44]

MY WTTW IS SHOWING THE MAKING OF YOUR OPERA,I LIKE IT I WISH I COULD SEE IT.

[MissJessyeNorman]

I think Zheng Cao is phenomenal. Does any one know if she has recovered? Please let me know if you know how she is doing. I truly wish for her to return to good health!!! She is a blessing to the world!

[13blueace1]

i read the book for a book project and i really liked it

[terrixturmoil]

i rly liked the book...and like zheng cao. wish i could have seen it

[00jimbo00]

wow

it's clear that you dont need to make noise to be a contemporary composer

wooow

[mtrav95]

I agree that the music could have taken more risks, and that it lacked character and boldness.  But the ballad Precious Auntie sings at 1:18 of this video is just gorgeous--by far the best part of the score (and the simplest). It was very affecting even in the large War Memorial Opera House. Will it be a repertory stapleNot in its current form. But if it gets revised it could be. And how great is it to have an opera about complex women and about a minority largely ignored in the arts.

[CalifaJohn]

The staging and the story were wonderful, however the music quickly grew tedious. I would have enjoyed this production more as a play. I do not expect this opera will become well established because of the musical composition.

[DMagurkus]

Cavatina- I am a pasty-faced white boy, and I too was sobbing. I have never seen such a beautiful opera. Such tenderness and intimacy!