From www.sfcv.org New York City Opera's upcoming season has a veritable SF Merola Opera Program alumni reunion, including those in our "local opera," "Dead Man Walking": Joyce DiDonato (1997) as Sister Helen, Dennis Petersen (1984) as Father Grenville, Nicolle Foland (1993) as Kitty Hart; Mel Ulrich (1996) in the title role of "Don Giovanni," Twyla Robinson (1999) as Donna Anna; Mark Delavan (1985) in the title role of "Gianni Schicchi" and as Michele in the double bill with "Il tabarro." Also Mika Shigematsu (1991) as Suzuki, Marcus DeLoach (2000) as Prince Yamadori, Caroline Worra (1998) as Kate Pinkerton in "Madama Butterfly"; the well-used Delevan turns up as Jochanaan in "Salome"; Foland as the Countess, Michael Chioldi (1995) as the Count, and Gwendolyn Jones (1970) as Marcellina in "The Marriage of Figaro"; in the novelty department, Kevin Burdette (1998) as Siroco in Chabrier's "L'Etoile." In somewhat related news, Carol Vaness (1976) turned 50 on Saturday. Janos Gereben/SF [log in to unmask]