Barihunk trio in successful Pop-Up Opera in San Francisco nightclub

Hadleigh Adams at SF Opera's Lab Pop-Up Opera in San Francisco

For years, opera companies have been trying innovative ways to attract younger audiences to the artform. The San Francisco Opera may have figured out the formula, as their Pop-Up concert at The Chapel, an old mortuary converted into a 1914 nightclub, drew a packed audience of 500 rowdy attendees to the heart of San Francisco's hip Mission District.

Hadleigh Adams sings "Come un'ape ne'giorni d'aprile" from La Cenerentola:

Barihunk Hadleigh Adams was the perfect emcee, eliciting shouts from men and women to take off his shirt (which he didn't do!). He was joined by fellow barihunks Anthony Reed and Brad Walker, tenor Pene Pati, mezzo Laura Krumm and soprano Amina Edris. All are alums of the prestigious Merola Opera Program, who went on to become Adler Fellows with the San Francisco Opera. They were joined by Ronny Michael Greenberg at the piano, who recently accompanied barihunk Marco Vassalli for his U.S. debut recital.

The SF Opera Lab explores innovative programming that celebrates the power of the human voice theatrically in intimate spaces beyond the War Memorial Opera House. They are also intended to be informal and drinks are allowed at the performance.

Hadleigh Adams & Laura Krumm sing "Dunque io son" from The Barber of Seville:

 The next SF Opera Lab production opens tonight with seven performances running through APril 10th. Michael Cavanagh will direct Ana Sokolović's Svadba-Wedding and audience members will be part of the action with actual champagne served at the wedding. Additional information is available online.

Hadleigh Adams will be performing Falke in Die Fledermaus with the Cincinnati Opera in June. Anthony Reed can be seen this season at the San Francisco Opera in Jenufa, Andrea Chenier, Aida and Madama Butterfly. Brad Walker will be appearing with the San Francisco Opera this season in Carmen, Andrea Chenier and The Makropulos Case.