McAnuff, who has never before directed an opera, told the San Diego Union Tribune, "It's my first time and I'm definitely concerned. Only a fool would take something like that for granted. Anytime you enter a new art form you have every right to feel a sense of intimidation and also excitement. I like to think that if something turns me on, enlightens me in some way, it's bound to do that for other people."

San Diego Opera general director Ian Campbell told the paper, "I see Wozzeck as exciting, challenging, artistically risky _ but hugely satisfying. Some [audience members] are not going to enjoy it. But it is our mission to deliver diverse repertoire, to try different things."

The company will stage Samson and Delilah for the first time in February, with mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves making her company debut in the title role. Tenor Clifton Forbis will sing Samson in the production, which will be conducted by Karen Keltner and directed by Lotfi Mansouri.

Boris Godunov will be staged by Lotfi Mansouri with bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role and Valery Ryvkin conducting. Il trovatore will features sets and costumes from Los Angeles Opera and will be conducted by Edoardo M‹ller. The season will close with The Marriage of Figaro, with soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian as Susanna in a production staged by Linda Brovsky with San Francisco Opera sets and costumes.