New: Learning Series
Introducing our pilot program: affordable, community-focused adult education sessions with two tracks: 1) G&S repertoire and 2) performance. Designed to bring more people into the world of Gilbert & Sullivan. This initiative creates meaningful pathways for creativity, connection, and lifelong growth.
“The Lost Songs of Iolanthe”
Thursday, August 20th
7-8 pm PT
This never-before-heard music from Gilbert & Sullivan was hidden for over a century. Until now.
Join Music Director Jennifer Ashworth and Stage Director Ted Zoldan for a
1-hour virtual session featuring: a live performance of the 3 rediscovered songs, the story behind their discovery (detective work included), and “Ask Me Anything.”
Special Guest, performer and scholar Marc Shepherd (who actually discovered the lost music!) will also Zoom in for an exclusive interview.
This is a rare gift to the theatre world and the perfect encore to Iolanthe, All’s Fairy in Love and War. Don’t miss the magic.
Experience history. Celebrate discovery. Hear the music the world forgot.
Get your tickets, here.
Intended Audience: Those who celebrate Gilbert & Sullivan and those who are just getting acquainted with their magic, whether you’re a seasoned Savoyard or a first-time listener, there’s something here for you.
About our Hosts: Jennifer Ashworth joined the Lamplighters in 2001 with A Little Night Music. An avid Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiast, she has performed in nearly all of the G&S operettas, as well as numerous non-G&S operettas and musicals, transitioning from chorister to principal roles. Jennifer is a professional operatic and choral singer with a 30-year performance history and a seasoned conductor with 26 years of experience in music education. She is the Founder and was Director of the MAD Band, a middle-school instrumental program at Berkeley’s School of the Madeleine, where she excelled at tailor-made arrangements for students. Having recently served as assistant music director to the inimitable Baker Peeples, Jennifer just made her move from the stage to the pit, bringing her passion and meticulous musicality to the podium to make her Music Director and Conductor debut with Iolanthe.
Ted Zoldan is an actor, director and arts maker who has been active in the Bay Area theatre for 15 years. After graduating from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, he became a founding member of the community arts collective Waffle Opera, directing the West Coast premiere of Nicholas Isouard’s Cendrillon there, alongside Die Zauberflöte and The Threepenny Opera. Zoldan has directed for San Francisco Pocket Opera, Custom Made Theatre Company, and the Hot Air Music Festival, and has taken the stage at West Edge Opera, San Francisco Playhouse, Ray of Light Theatre, Hillbarn Theatre, and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. He last worked with Lamplighters as a chorus member in his first professional job at age 20 and is thrilled to be back.
Marc Shepherd has been performing the operas Gilbert & Sullivan for over fifty years, but he is also known for his research into the textual history of the librettos and scores. He is co-author of The Variorum Gilbert & Sullivan, a series on the history of the librettos. He has also published new editions of the full scores and orchestra parts of six Gilbert & Sullivan operas (with others in preparation) that balance modern scholarship with practical utility. Lastly, he is also on the board of several Gilbert & Sullivan organizations, including Utopia Opera.
About this Learning Series: This one hour, virtual session on Thursday, August 20th from 7 to 8pm. This is a chance for people to hear the Lost Songs of Iolanthe. Suggested donation of $15+. Get your tickets now, here.
We will share the link starting mid-day on Thursday and then periodically leading up until start time. Any questions including late arrivals to the zoom, email donations@lamplighters.org
Education Programs
Lamplighters partners with local schools and nonprofits to deliver transformative arts education through programs like Lamps Lite + Student Opera Night. To join our initiatives, email info@lamplighters.org
We are looking to inspire the next generation of artists and advocates, join us!
Lamps Lite
In partnership with OUSD, SFUSD, and other local districts, Lamps Lite delivers beneficial and dynamic arts education to elementary classrooms through grade-specific workshops that ignite creativity, and a lifelong passion for the arts. Workshops are tailored to ensure every student can explore their artistic voice and build confidence.
Student Opera Night
Lamplighters collaborates with local schools and nonprofits to ensure every student and family can access the life-changing power of the arts. We invite organizations serving youth to partner with us in creating inclusive, inspiring experiences that nurture creativity and community.
