Upcoming Salons

Cinballera Salon: Opera at the Villa

Every month, Cinballera hosts its own opera night, Cinballera Salon: Opera at the Villa!

We host these monthly opera nights at the historic Villa Montezuma Museum at 1925 K Street in San Diego’s Sherman Heights Historic District. We are honored to partner with fellow non-profit organization Friends of the Villa Montezuma to bring you these performances month after month.

We call this series Cinballera Salon because it is a loving tribute to the musical salons of years past, when friends would gather in lovely parlor to enjoy sharing music for an evening.

The Villa Montezuma is the perfect place to present a Salon because it was built to be a Palace of Art, Music & Literature by Victorian musician and spiritualist Jesse Shepard, who designed the gorgeous music room as a place to perform his own compositions for choice guests in otherworldly soirees.

Today, we are inspired by his creativity and talent to find creative ways to bring vocal music to life at the Villa. Each evening has a different theme. Music on the programs include opera arias, art songs, and other classical vocal music, performed by talented operatic singers from throughout the region. There is a special emphasis on duets, trios, and other ensembles, to recreate opera scenes in an intimate setting.

We usually host these events on the third Monday of the month at 7 PM. 

Cinballera Salon Subscription Package

2026 is our third season of the Cinballera Salon, and we have an exciting program planned for this year. 10 Salons, including one oratorio, one opera, and one original chamber opera. Build your package to save your seats for the most tempting Salons in advance, or get your tickets for individual Salons!

Choose between the Gold Savings Subscription (5 Salons) or the Unlimited Subscription (All 10 Salons!)

RESERVE YOUR PACKAGE

Cinballera Salon: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and Songs of Christmas
Dec
15

Cinballera Salon: “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and Songs of Christmas

On December 15, the 3rd Monday of the month, join us at the Villa Montezuma for the December Cinballera Salon - Amahl and the Night Visitors and Songs of Christmas! In December, we're presenting the most beloved Christmas opera, Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors," at the Villa! This heartwarming English opera tells the story of what happens when the Three Magi visit a crippled shepherd boy and his widowed mother one winter night during their journey following the Star of Bethlehem. You'll laugh and cry. The program's second half will feature classical holiday songs. In keeping with the Villa's gracious history, we encourage our guests to dress up for the evening! Gentlemen, dust off your favorite suit and tie, and ladies, here's a chance to wear that dress and hat you've been saving! For December, wear your holiday best! Join us for this Yuletide opera celebration!

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November Salon: Songs of Travel
Nov
17

November Salon: Songs of Travel

On November 17, the 3rd Monday of the month, joins us at the Villa Montezuma for the November Cinballera Salon - Songs of Travel! Join us for a musical journey around the world! We'll alternate between songs about traveling and musical tributes to the exotic places one might visit on adventures. Trot the globe through exciting art songs, arias, opera excerpts, and folk songs honoring one continent after the next! You'll feel like you've traversed the globe by the end! In keeping with the Villa's gracious history, we encourage our guests to dress up for the evening! Gentlemen, dust off your favorite suit and tie, and ladies, here's a chance to wear that dress and hat you've been saving! For November, wear anything travel-inspired, whether that's your favorite traveling outfit or a beloved garment or accessory you discovered on a trip. Join us for this operatic trip around the world!

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October Salon:    Songs of Autumn
Oct
20

October Salon: Songs of Autumn

On October 20, the 3rd Monday of the month, joins us at the Villa Montezuma for the October Cinballera Salon - Songs of Autumn! October is the first full month of fall! That's just the beginning of this most mysterious, sentimental season, a time of memories, shadows, falling leaves, and spiritualism. We'll be singing all about Fall, Automne, Herbst, Autunno, and however else you describe the autumnal season in a foreign language. You'll hear a diverse selection of art songs and opera excerpts, all with a melancholy, moody theme. In keeping with the Villa's gracious history, we encourage our guests to dress up for the evening! Gentlemen, dust off your favorite suit and tie, and ladies, here's a chance to wear that dress and hat you've been saving! For October, the dress code is fall fashion, focusing on leaves and fall colors. Join us for this vocal autumn celebration!

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