One of Mansouri 's triumphs was the overseeing of the reconstruction and renovation of the opera house following the October 1989 earthquake . After closing at the end of the 1995 Fall season for " a 21-month , US$ 88.5 million renovation , San Francisco 's War Memorial Opera House reopened on 5 September 1997 with a gala concert celebrating this occasion , as well the 75th anniversary of the San Francisco Opera . Fittingly , the concert featured operatic greats of the past , present and future . The project included repairs of damage caused by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , improvements for the audience and performers , seismic strengthening and a general cleanup that left the 65-year-old Opera House gleaming . " Donald Runnicles was named Music Director and Principal Conductor of SFO in 1990 , and assumed the posts in 1992
October 1989 earthquake
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
San Francisco Opera