THE SAN FRANCISCO Opera is really on a roll. Critics and audiences alike extol its 2009-2010 season opener, Verdi's "Il Trovatore," as a top-of-the-scale success; its second offering, Puccini's "Il Trittico," as a winning artistic coup, and now, most praise its latest staging of Mozart's "The Abduction from the Seraglio" as an entertaining 18th-century romp. Despite economic hard times, general manager David Gockley seems to have a keen sensitivity to the pulse of the public.

Frankly, up until "Seraglio's" opening last week, I always considered the work too long and too tedious — a bit of a bore. No more.

The S.F. Opera show, which included unashamedly picture-book sets

done up in gorgeous confetti colors by David Zinn, were mated beautifully to director Chas Rader-Shieber's unabashedly merry, don't-take-me-too-seriously direction. To further the fun, Cornelius Meister of Germany, in his U.S. debut, conducted the fray with contagious good spirits. Moreover, there were all sorts of clever sight gags and high jinks among the janissaries, women of the harem and Osmin the overseer's guards.

And the singing? Matthew Polenzani made a thrilling Belmonte with his clear, ringing, pitch-perfect Mozart tenor and beautiful Mary Dunleavy, although a bit strident of voice initially, soon settled into a lovely, expressive Constanze with fine coloratura flourishes. Peter Rose, with his expressive bass voice and

splendid gift for comedy, created a blustery but surprisingly lovable Osmin. Anna Christy's creamy voice and playful stage presence resulted in an adorable "Blonde"; tenor Andrew Bidlack, a second-year Adler Fellow, made a fine, athletic Pedrillo and Charles Shaw Robinson was an appropriately wise Saladin-like Pasha. Costumes were terrific — and the music staff made some judicious, welcome cuts in the score.

Remaining performances will be at 8 p.m. today and Oct. 23 and 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 17. Tickets range from $20 to $310. Call 415-864-3330 or visit www.sfopera.com.

A GALA WITH GRAVES: The Oakland East Bay Symphony celebrates Michael Morgan's 20th anniversary at the orchestra's helm with a gala concert at 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the newly refurbished Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Superstar mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves will lend glitz and glamour to the occasion, singing music ranging from popular favorites through moving spirituals to selections from her critically acclaimed signature operatic role, Carmen. Many in the Bay Area are likely to have an indelible picture of Graves in their minds' eyes, from 1991, when the plucky singer performed a sizzling "Seguidilla" aria on the S.F. Opera stage with a huge white cast on her broken foot.

Tickets for the concert, including the post-concert reception and dance, are $125. Concert-only tickets are $60. The event will benefit the OEBS' education and outreach program in East Bay schools. Call 510-644-GALA, 800-745-3000 or go to www.oebs.org.

CONCERTS AT KOHL: On another side of the Bay, Trio con Brio Copenhagen will return to Burlingame's sumptuous wood-paneled Kohl Mansion to inaugurate the 27th Music at Kohl concert series at 7 p.m. Sunday. Trio con Brio, composed of Korean sisters Soo-Jin Hong and Soo-Kyung Hong on strings and Danish Jens Elvekjaer on piano, will perform music by Sorensen, Smetana and Beethoven.

Kohl Mansion, one of my very favorite concert venues because of its acoustics, offers appealing chamber concerts, family concerts, children's concerts, informative music talks and much more, in an elegant setting ensconced amid splendid gardens. In addition, the organizers offer patrons congenial post-concert receptions with the musicians. It's at 1750 Adeline Drive, and parking is free. Tickets are $42 for adults and $39 for seniors. Call 650-762-1130 or go to www.musicatkohl.org.

LIVE IN LIVERMORE: The Livermore Valley Opera is gearing up for a real people pleaser — a "double-bill" of two favorite verismo operas: Donizetti's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Mascagni's "Pagliacci," at 8 p.m. Oct. 10, 16, and 17 and 2 p.m. Oct. 11 and 18 at the splendid new Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St. in Livermore. Tickets range from $39 to $59 with $10 discounts for students and youth 18 and younger. For an additional $50, patrons may enjoy a gala wine and full appetizer reception at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Madden Courtyard and Lobby of the Bankhead. Call 925-373-6800 or go to www.livermorevalleyopera.com. Parking, one block from the theater, is free.

Reach Cheryl North at cherylnorth@hotmail.com.