Still dazed and thrilled with the premiere performance the evening before, we gathered at the Harborview Restaurant on the Embarcadero for a celebratory dimsum luncheon.  Many artists again joined us, and this time, with the premiere behind him, SF Opera’s General Director Matthew Shilvock was able to join us as well.  Arriving with him was Wray Armstrong, of Armstrong Entertainment based in China, who had flown in from Beijing for the occasion.

As the waitstaff served a carefully curated menu of delectable dimsums (below), animated conversations were swirling around all the tables, each with its own guests from the artistic teams.  As the last dish was served, these artists also regaled all of us of their unique experiences throughout their rehearsals and last evening’s premiere.  Conductor Carolyn Kuan talked about the sense of immediacy that her job required, constantly fine tuning the reactions/vibes that she stayed attuned to the signals from the singers/orchestra/audience/production staff.  No two performances are alike!

Then SF Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock spoke.  He was full of good cheer and excitement, delighted to have been partnering with us again, and declared that The Monkey King has ushered in a new canon in opera.  He was full of optimism for the future of continuing connecting with all constituencies in SF’s hometown and beyond, convinced that opera will be a conduit of world peace and trusting friendship.

As the luncheon came to an end and some of us began to disperse, the was a group, including Matthew, that stubbornly wanted to linger and chat.  There was no better sign that CHF’s goal of providing common ground and opportunities for dialogue had been accomplished!

燒賣siu mai 

蝦餃har gow 

瑤柱珍珠糯米雞steamed glutinous rice wrapped with lotus leaves

陳皮牛肉丸steamed beef balls cooked with mandarin orange peels

瑤柱灌湯餃jumbo soup dumpling in premium broth

鹹蛋流沙包steamed custard & egg yolk buns

羅漢齋布拉腸 vegetarian steamed rice flour rolls

蠔油芥蘭steamed Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce

楊枝甘露mango sago with grapefruit

Photo album