Created in 1986 by a team of visionaries, LA Opera has become a leader in artistic innovation, while honoring the great historical legacy of opera. Through the powerful art form of opera, we celebrate the diversity and pioneering spirit of our great city.
Listeners of LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain that love the show mention: best opera podcast, bravo, la, behind, love, james conlon.
The LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain is an exceptional podcast that provides a captivating and educational exploration of the world of opera. Hosted by James Conlon, these episodes offer valuable insights into the art form while showcasing the talents and expertise of various artists and scholars. As someone who is deeply passionate about opera, stumbling upon this podcast has been a revelation for me.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is James Conlon himself. His pre-show lectures have been invaluable in deepening my love and appreciation for opera, and his role as the host of this podcast is no different. He effortlessly combines his vast knowledge with a charming delivery, making each episode engaging and informative. His enthusiasm for the subject matter is infectious, and his talent as a teacher shines through in every conversation. Additionally, along with Aria Code, this podcast stands out as one of the best opera podcasts available, thanks to James Conlon's expertise and natural hosting abilities.
Another noteworthy aspect of The LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain is its ability to provide fantastic context. Whether it's taking listeners behind the scenes of their on-stage productions or unpacking larger societal and cultural contexts related to opera, this podcast offers a comprehensive understanding of the art form. I particularly appreciate how it features interviews with artists and scholars who pull back the curtain on the intricacies of opera.
If there are any drawbacks to this podcast, they are few and far between. One potential criticism could be that some episodes may not cater to those who are new to opera or have limited knowledge of the art form. While James Conlon does an excellent job at explaining concepts, certain discussions might require a basic understanding that beginners might lack. However, for those already familiar with opera or willing to dive into more complex ideas, this should not deter them from listening.
In conclusion, The LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain is truly one of LA's shining jewels when it comes to opera podcasts. It provides a wealth of information, context, and behind-the-scenes insights that are invaluable for both opera enthusiasts and anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of this beautiful art form. James Conlon's expertise and enthusiasm make him the perfect host, and the diverse range of topics covered ensures there is something for everyone. Bravo to The LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain for delivering such intellectually stimulating content.
This February 2026, Akhnaten returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the first time in a decade. In this special episode, we rewind to a 2017 conversation between Akhnaten's composer, Philip Glass, and LA Opera's then-artist-in-residence, Matthew Aucoin. Together, they explore the radical reign of the pharaoh Akhnaten, the revolutionary vision that reshaped ancient Egypt, and the hypnotic score that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera. Tickets to our historic anniversary season, including Akhnaten, West Side Story, The Magic Flute, and more are on sale now at LAOpera.org.
This episode is an in-depth analysis of the music of Rigoletto, with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank. From his piano, Jeremy takes us on a journey through the music of Rigoletto, providing context from the end of the bel canto period into Verdi's early, middle, and late periods. This episode was recorded as part of LA Opera's learning series, now known as Exploring Opera. Tickets for Rigoletto are available now at LA Opera.org.
In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with Rigoletto star Quinn Kelsey to discuss the baritone's artistic journey, his experience of embodying one of Verdi's most iconic roles, and how his Hawaiian cultural heritage has influenced it all. Playing now through June 21, tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, musicologist Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong illuminates the women of Rigoletto and their archetypes, drawing on history, literature, and fine arts. This lecture was recorded as part of Opera for Educators, LA Opera Connects' professional development series for teachers and anyone interested in a deeper dive. Tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Verdi's Rigoletto. Don't miss this heart-pounding drama playing May 31-June 21. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino, alumna of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Rigoletto, with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo.
In this episode, LA Opera Connects is looking forward to the 4th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13. Listen in to this panel conversation recorded at last year's Summit, featuring Renée Fleming leading a discussion about the future of embedding the arts into healthcare with Dr. Daniel Levitin, Sarah Lyding, Dr. Indre Viskontas, and Stacie Aamon Yeldell. Join us here at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on June 13 for conversations and participatory experiences highlighting creative ways to approach wellness. RSVP now at LAOpera.org/Summit.
In this episode, scholar Dr. Luis Martin-Cabrera provides context for Ainadamar with an introduction to the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, and the fate of poet Federico GarcÃa Lorca. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through May 18, tickets for Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this pre-recorded pre-performance lecture, Dr. Tiffany Kuo guides you through Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadamar: the plot, the history, and, of course, the music. Tickets to Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.
What does trauma-informed mean? How can the opera be a place of catharsis? In this episode, composer, performer, and mental health professional Danielle Birrittella explores the links between opera, mental health, and the operatic imagination. Hear more conversations like this at the 4th annual Los Angeles County Arts and Health Week Summit, hosted by LA Opera. Visit LAOpera.org/Summit to register now.
In this episode, soprano and Grammy Award winner Ana MarÃa MartÃnez sits down with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank to discuss transitioning from the comedic and crafty Despina in Così fan tutte to the reverent keeper of Federico GarcÃa Lorca's legacy, Margarita Xirgu, in Ainadamar. Playing April 26-May 18, tickets to Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank provides a musical overview of Ainadamar. Playing April 26 through May 18 - don't miss the opera LA Times calls "one of the most moving and meaningful" of our time. Tickets are on sale now. This lecture was recorded in partnership with the Opera League of Los Angeles at the historic Ebell of Los Angeles. To learn more about the Opera League and view upcoming events, visit OperaLeague.org. Don't miss LA Opera's Celebracion de las Artes on Sunday, May 4th. Immerse yourself in artistry and culture, shop our mercado featuring local artists and small businesses, and enjoy live musical performances from Mariachi Las Colibri, Mariachi Divas, LA Opera Connects Zarzuela Project, and Rumba Flamenca. Visit LAOpera.org/Celebracion for more details, and we'll see you on the Jerry Moss Plaza on May 4th.
In this episode, VinÃcius Costa, member of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Ainadamar with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing April 26 through May 18, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo sits down with Ainadamar composer Osvaldo Golijov and librettist David Henry Hwang to discuss the evolution of this contemporary opera and the themes of loss, legacy, and liberation. Join Dr. Tiffany Kuo for additional historical and musical context at free community lectures on April 1 at the Los Angeles Central Library and on April 3 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes; learn more at LAOpera.org/Lectures, then don't miss Ainadamar playing April 26-May 18.
In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano provides an introduction to the women of Così fan tutte and the gender roles and expectations of Mozart's time. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through March 30, tickets for Così fan tutte are available now at LAOpera.org.
LA Opera Connects' annual Community Opera invites hundreds of performers to join LA Opera professionals on stage, no experience necessary. After weeks of rehearsals with Connects teaching artists, performers share that they feel more confident, a sense of belonging, and excited to perform again. Listen in as Dr. Nita Baxani, Chair of Early Childhood Music at the Colburn School, interviews composer and librettist of this year's Community Opera Carla Lucero, and assistant conductor Mercedes Juan Musotto on their experiences with communal music-making and their role in breaking down barriers to opera. Come see The Three Women of Jerusalem, playing March 14 and 15. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org/CommunityOpera.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Mozart's Così fan tutte. Don't miss this razor-sharp comedy playing March 8-30. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Jonathan Lacayo, LA Opera Connects teaching artist shares the synopsis for Cosi fan tutte, with annotated musical notes from musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing March 8-30, tickets are available now at LA Opera.org
In this episode, an installment of our Music and Wellness series, Arts and Healing Initiative Founder and Director, Ping Ho shares the power of music in helping you to free your voice, reduce stress, and heal through drumming and thought exercises she uses in her everyday practice. Learn more about how LA Opera Connects is exploring the connections between music, wellness, and recovery at LAOpera.org/ArtsandHealth and be sure to save the date for our Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13, 2025.
From the embroidery on a single gown, to the hair in every wig, LA Opera's costume shop creates gorgeous looks and magical moments with every show. Go Behind the Curtain with LA Opera Costume Director Jeannique Prospere as she sits down with Xochi Hernandez to discuss how her team spends months sourcing materials and putting each look together by hand. Experience the magic LA Opera's costume shop creates during Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.
Pablo Larrain's biopic, Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie as the illustrious Maria Callas has the opera world abuzz. Listen in as long-time LA Opera chorus member and vocal coach to Angelina Jolie for the film, Lori Stinson, sits down with Chorus Director Jeremy Frank to discuss her process in preparing Jolie for the role.
In this special episode of Behind the Curtain, join LA Opera staff and affiliated scholars as they share their favorite songs and recordings to listen to during the holidays.
Kathleen O'Mara didn't expect to win Operalia when she travelled to Mumbai for the renowned competition, but since winning first place, she's been offered roles around the world. Listen in as she discusses her journey to the competition, her experience as a member of LA Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, and her upcoming roles with Senior Director of Artistic Planning, Paul Hopper.
In this episode, Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with conductor Domingo Hindoyan to discuss his musical background and how he brings his artistic passion for creativity and emotional expression to Romeo and Juliet. Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode LA Opera Chorus Director, Jeremy Frank, provides additional context for Romeo and Juliet by diving deep into the music of Gounod and the history of French opera. This lecture was recorded as part of LA Opera Connects, professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators. Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this pre-recorded, pre-performance lecture, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano guides you through Gounod's Romeo and Juliet, the plot, the history, and of course the music. Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this pre-recorded lecture (recorded Sunday, October 20, 2024), courtesy of the Opera League of Los Angeles and Hispanics for LA Opera, hear from film archivist Alejandra Espasande about the history of Spanish language film in Los Angeles and the making of Spanish Dracula. Then get a sneak peek of the music you'll hear from conductor Lina González-Granados. Playing October 25-27, tickets for Spanish Dracula are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, made possible by generous support from Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, GRoW @ Annenberg, music critic Gerardo Kleinburg sits down with two-time Oscar winning composer, instrumentalist, and producer Gustavo Santaolalla; discussing his approach to creativity and the process of scoring the rediscovered classic, Spanish Dracula. Don't miss Gustavo's brand-new score, conducted by Lina González-Granados. Playing October 25-27, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org. Learn more about GRoW @ Annenberg at https://growannenberg.org
In this episode, Vinicius Costa, member of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program shares the synopsis for Romeo and Juliet, with annotated musical notes from musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing November 2 - 23, tickets are available now at LA Opera.org
In this episode, a part of our Music and Wellness series, music therapist Stacie Aamon Yeldell shares her perspective on the power of the voice, and guides us through a musical grounding exercise. Learn more about how LA Opera Connects is exploring the connections between music, wellness, and recovery at LAOpera.org/ArtsandHealth and be sure to save the date for our Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13, 2025.
In this episode Dr. Rebecca Corbett, USC's Director of Special Projects and Japanese Studies Librarian in the East Asian Library provides additional context for Madame Butterfly, through her research on Japanese tea practices. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series, Opera for Educators.
In this episode, Executive Director of the Asian Opera Alliance, Melody Chang sits down with Madame Butterfly cast members, Rodel Rosel and Yuntong Han discussing their experiences in Madame Butterfly, how their identities influence their performances, and the work being done by LA Opera in collaboration with AOA to mitigate potential harm. Tickets to Madame Butterfly are on sale now.
In this episode, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano provides additional context for Madame Butterfly in this pre-recorded lecture a part of Connects professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators. Tickets for Madame Butterfly are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and, of course, the music of Madame Butterfly by Puccini. Don't miss this unforgettable masterpiece, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo shares an annotated listening guide and synopsis for Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Playing September 21 - October 13, tickets are available now at LA Opera.org
In this episode, Dr. Nita Baxani, chair of the Early Childhood Music Department at the Colburn School shares her research on BambinO, an opera for babies - and why early music exposure is so important for childhood development. Learn more about LA Opera Connects touring production BambinO at LAOpera.org/BambinO.
This upcoming season, LA Opera presents 5 exciting works, Madame Butterfly, Romeo and Juliet, Cosi fan tutte, Ainadamar and Rigoletto. Listen in as Richard Seaver Music Director Maestro James Conlon shares his insights into these operatic treasures in this pre-recorded conversation, a part of Opera for Educators. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Connects-affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo, sits down with Fire and Blue Sky librettist Imani Tolliver and composer Joel Thompson to discuss the creative process behind this biographical work in this pre-recorded pre-show conversation.
In this episode, Connects-affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo, sits down with Turandot cast member Julius Ahn and Stanford University professor Dr. Gordon H. Chang to contextualize Turandot in this pre-recorded post-show conversation.
In this episode, LA Opera Legacy Ambassador, Kennedy-Rue McCullough, reads the synopsis for Turandot. Playing May 18-June 8, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and, of course, the music of Turandot by Puccini. Don't miss this thrilling masterpiece, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.
In this pre-recorded episode, Book of Mountains and Seas composer and librettist Huang Ruo and director and production designer Basil Twist join Beth Morrison for this post-performance conversation to discuss this adaptation of Chinese mythology, reshaped to match contemporary times.
Shawna Lucey and Rachel Willis-Sorensen bring the story of La Traviata to life through extensive research and world-building, sharing glimpses of their unique rehearsal process and personal stories that shape their artistry with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano. Don't miss this new to LA production, playing now through April 26. Tickets are available at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon guides you through history of Verdi's La Traviata. Tickets to this new to LA production of La Traviata are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Sarah Saturnino, member of the LA Opera Young Artist Program, reads the synopsis for La Traviata. Playing April 6 through the 27. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org .
William Grant Still's Highway 1, USA is an opera about family. Listen in as affiliated scholar, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano and the grand-daughter of William Grant Still - Celeste Headlee, discuss who Still was at home - and how the powerful women in his life influenced the drama we see unfold on stage.
Written in 1942 under the title A Southern Interlude, William Grant Still's Highway 1, USA was not performed by a professional opera company until 2021. In this podcast, Dr. Tiffany Kuo explores the work's production history and reception. Tickets to Highway 1, USA are available now at LAOpera.org.
Erica Petrocelli and Roderick Dixon are no strangers to the LA Opera stage. Listen as they join Senior Director of Artistic Planning Paul Hopper to explore their characters and favorite musical moments in Zemlinsky's The Dwarf, as well as what it means to truly see oneself. Don't miss this rarely performed one-act opera, playing now through March 17. Tickets are on sale at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Karen Mack, founder of LA Commons, reads the synopsis for Highway 1, USA and The Dwarf. Playing February 24-March 17, tickets to this exciting Double Bill are available now at LAOpera.org.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and of course the music of Highway 1, USA by William Grant Still. Don't miss this rarely performed one-act opera featured in our upcoming Double Bill, tickets are on sale now at LA Opera.org.
In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and of course the music of The Dwarf by Alexander Zemlinsky. Don't miss this a rarely performed one-act opera featured in our upcoming Double Bill, tickets are on sale now at LA Opera.org.
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