About Us
West Bay Opera's history begins in Vienna in the 1930's, where founder Henry Holt received his training as a concert pianist and conductor. After a successful touring career, Mr. Holt gave a final performance in Europe as a soloist with Toscanini and the Vienna Philharmonic, and then left for the United States. He began as an accompanist and vocal coach for many well-known opera singers, working in New York and on tour throughout the United States. Mr. Holt settled in Palo Alto in 1955, and formed an opera workshop called the "Little Opera Guild." From presentations of operatic excerpts with piano accompaniment, Mr. Holt's workshops soon developed into fully staged performances. While local residents participated in the chorus, leading singers from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area appeared in the principal roles. Thus West Bay Opera was born.
Following Henry Holt's death in 1969, his wife, the late Maria Holt, guided the company as General Director for nearly three decades. Under Maria Holt's leadership, West Bay Opera grew significantly in prominence and distinction. The West Bay Opera Orchestra was founded in 1974, and in 1983, as a result of the efforts of the entire West Bay Opera community, the Holt Building was constructed. Today this facility provides space for rehearsals, administrative offices, a costume shop, and set and properties storage.
Under the direction of Maria Holt and her successor, David Sloss, West Bay Opera has strengthened its commitment to the mission first articulated by Henry Holt:
To offer audiences in the San Francisco Bay Area operatic productions of the highest quality while providing for the professional growth of emerging artists, as well as experienced directors, designers, and other artistic personnel, and maintaining the traditions of community participation and education
