San Francisco Opera Company Program (October 31 - November 12, 1950)
Ephemera: Printed souvenir program and music magazine • Published by 'Music: Magazine of Los Angeles'; General Director Gaetano Merola
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Typography / Mid-20th Century Operatic Ephemera
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography on paper with staple binding and decorative script typography
Creation Period
1950
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
Commemorative program for the San Francisco Opera Company’s engagement at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. The cover features elegant calligraphy, classical flourishes, and the logo for 'Music Magazine of Los Angeles'. It represents the cultural exchange between San Francisco and Los Angeles musical institutions during the post-war era.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows signs of handling and storage typical for vintage paper ephemera
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $50.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired by an attendee of the 1950 performance series at the Shrine Auditorium; part of a private collection of operatic or Los Angeles historical memorabilia
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a primary source for the history of the San Francisco Opera under founder Gaetano Merola. It documents the company’s touring history and the cultural significance of the Shrine Auditorium as a premier West Coast venue for grand opera during the Golden Age of singing.
Notable Features
Includes specific date range (Oct 31 - Nov 12, 1950) and venue (Shrine Auditorium). Features the unique branding of ‘Music: Magazine of Los Angeles’, which provides local context for the San Francisco company’s southern residency.
Condition Issues
Visible vertical creasing/folding near the spine; small staining/foxing spot in the center; edge wear and slight corner bumping; minor oxidation of metal staples
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve with a backing board. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the ink and paper yellowing. Control humidity to avoid additional foxing.