The season, titled "Return of the Divas," features Racette, Ruth Ann Swenson, and Dolora Zajick, all of whom were participants in the company's Adler and Merola young artist programs.

Other free event includes a free afternoon performance on July 1 in Dolores Park conducted by Donald Runnicles, a performance in association with San Francisco Gay Pride on June 24, the Adler Fellows in concert at Yerba Buena Gardens on May 28, and several preview lectures. Racette, Swenson, and Zajick will also sing the National Anthem at San Francisco Giants home games in June.

The company's new general director, David Gockley, said, "Opera is an art form for everyone. I want to take the company outside the opera house to let people enjoy opera in relaxed, comfortable settings. I am thrilled that our 'three Divas' have agreed to partner with us in bringing opera to thousands of people who either haven't been into the opera house or don't know much about what we do."