Highlights of the season, the last for SFO general director Pamela Rosenberg, include the world premiere of John Adams' much-anticipated Doctor Atomic and a new production of La forza del destino directed by Ron Daniels.

The company is performing two operas for the first time: Handel's Rodelinda, in a production that originated at Bavarian State Opera, and Tchaikovsky's The Maid of Orleans, in a production from Teatro Regio Torino.

The season also includes revivals of Beethoven's Fidelio, The Marriage of Figaro, and Madama Butterfly, as well as a newly imported production of Bellini's Norma.

Among the singers engaged for the season are Christine Brewer, who stars in Fidelio; Dolora Zajick, who plays the title role in The Maid of Orleans opposite Rodney Gilfrey; and Patricia Racette, singing Cio-Cio-San in Madama Butterfly.