SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/26/09 -- On November 14, 19 and 21st, San Francisco Parlor Opera will perform Jules Massenet's "Thaïs." All performances will take place at the historic Zellerbach Mansion at 1550 Fell Street in San Francisco. Instead of the scenes changing on a dedicated stage, the audience will follow the action from room to room.

Matthew Shilvock, Assistant General Director of San Francisco Opera says about San Francisco Parlor Opera "You have created something magical and incredibly effective with very few resources. The experience of interacting with opera when you are just feet from the singers is very different from what happens in a large opera house, and you create a connection with the audience that is powerful and very moving."

"Thaïs" is the story of a radiant courtesan infamous for her beauty and charms. As her life progresses she becomes more and more aware that one day time will steal her beauty. She begins to wonder if there is deeper meaning to her existence. Enter Athanel, a monk desperately trying to regain his devout ways while slowly falling from grace. He becomes obsessed with converting Thais to Christianity, only to find his seemingly pure motivation rooted in lust. Massenet's gorgeous but demanding score is singular in opera repertoire. Don't miss your chance to see and hear it in an intimate setting.

San Francisco Parlor Opera is based in San Francisco and performs operas in their original language to small audiences in private homes and other intimate settings. SF Parlor Opera is committed to carrying the power and beauty of opera in an immediate environment with the audience as close to the music and drama as possible.