“Children’s Enchantment Walk of Lights,” Free and Open to the Public, turns Opera House and Beyond into a Winter Wonderland

San Francisco, CA — The San Francisco Ballet, joined by PG&E Corporation, today officially flips the switch to light up the War Memorial Opera House, to celebrate SF Ballet’s new Nutcracker production, and enhance public awareness of SF Ballet’s Children’s Enchantment Fund.

San Francisco Ballet’s Children’s Enchantment Fund provides underprivileged children, who might otherwise not have access to live performing arts performances, the opportunity to see San Francisco Ballet perform free of charge.

“We are honored to partner with PG&E Corporation on this festive lighting event which highlights our new Nutcracker production, and shines a beacon on the Children’s Enchantment Fund,” said SF Ballet Executive Director Glenn McCoy. “We hope the community will join us in our celebration. Not only is it the Ballet’s 60 th anniversary of the first Nutcracker in America, but the new production is set right here in San Francisco.”

This first-ever lighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at the front entrance of the opera house (301 Van Ness), with musical entertainment provided by a brass quartet comprised of San Francisco Ballet Orchestra musicians. The formal program begins at 5:30 p.m., and will include special appearances by beloved characters from SF Ballet’s new Nutcracker production, as well as free giveaways of Ghiradelli chocolates and other goodies, while supplies last.

The event will culminate at 6 p.m. when the Opera House, and the one-block radius surrounding it, will be turned into a brilliant winter wonderland. On air talent for KDFC Radio, Hoyt Smith, will serve as the master of ceremonies. The free event is open to the community and the lights will remain for the duration of this year’s new SF Ballet Nutcracker production, which opens December 17 and runs through December 31.

PG&E Corporation, which has supported the San Francisco Ballet as far back as 1980, renewed its commitment to the community by providing a $75,000 charitable contribution to support the SF Ballet’s 2004-2005 season.

“PG&E Corporation is proud to support the San Francisco Ballet in making the Children’s Enchantment Walk of Lights possible, and bringing the performing arts to underprivileged children in our community,” said PG&E Corporation Chairman, CEO and President Robert D. Glynn, Jr.

PG&E lighting experts also provided technical assistance to incorporate energy efficient LED (light emitting diode) technology into the design of the Opera House lighting display.

San Francisco Ballet’s New Nutcracker

On December 17, San Francisco Ballet unveils a new production of the holiday classic, Nutcracker, with original choreography by SF Ballet Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson, scenery by internationally recognized designer Michael Yeargan, costumes by Tony-award winning designer Martin Pakledinaz, and lighting by James F. Ingalls. This grand-scale new Nutcracker, set in early 20th-century San Francisco, is one of the most anticipated productions ever staged by San Francisco Ballet and promises to be the holiday event of the season. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ticket Services at (415) 865-2000, open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or online at www.sfballet.org. A service charge applies.

San Francisco Ballet’s Children’s Enchantment Fund

Created in 1992, San Francisco Ballet’s Children’s Enchantment fund is designed to provide underprivileged children, who might otherwise not have access to live performing arts performances, the opportunity to see San Francisco Ballet perform free of charge. Tickets are distributed through a CHEF network of more than 200 area social service agencies and community groups in collaboration with SF Ballet’s Center for Dance Education and audience development team. The grant from the Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation will enable SF Ballet to expand the CHEF program for the 2004 Nutcracker Season to include not only children, but their families as well.

PG&E Corporation

PG&E Corporation has a long history of making charitable grants tailored to the needs of the wide variety of communities it serves. The company's charitable contributions program provides cash grants, in-kind contributions, and volunteers for community-based nonprofit organizations, and for schools and other governmental programs throughout northern and central California. All charitable contributions are entirely funded by the company's shareholders, not ratepayers. For more information about the company’s charitable contributions program, please go to www.pge.com/contributions.