Podcasts about la opera

Lost and recovered voices. Contemporary composers and community opera. This episode of Behind the Curtain is a special one because it is the final episode in our miniseries with Maestro Conlon, as he rounds out his final season as Music Director with LA Opera. It's also one of the last episodes of our podcast season as the opera season sings to a close. We'll bring you some episodes from the vault this summer before starting up again with new episodes for our 26/27 season in the fall. But first, enjoy this fascinating exploration of 20th century music with the Maestro, and join us, with all of Los Angeles, in thanking him for an incredible 20 years as Richard Seaver Music Director of LA Opera. What a legacy. Thank you, Maestro, from all of us.

In this episode, LA Opera Connects affiliated scholars Dr. Tiffany Kuo and Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano discuss "The Magic Flute," lighting up the LA Opera stage. They tackle the tough issues of gender raised by depictions of the Queen of the Night. Is she good, or is she evil? Empowered or beholden? Or is it far more complicated than any binary? They also touch on the influence of Freemasonry in Mozart's magical fairy tale, with plenty of musical interludes to whet your appetite. Enjoy, and then get your tickets to "The Magic Flute" at LAOpera.org.

La conductora presenta de una forma fresca y coloquial historias, anécdotas e interpretaciones de las y los mejores cantantes de ópera nacionales e internacionales. Sus roles, preparación,experiencias, personajes, , etc. Conducido por la Soprano Conny Palacios, Cantante de opera y jazz

[@ 3 min] Alright, this week…Maestro James Conlon takes a Free Throw on his tenure as Music Director of LA Opera, a post he held for 20 years…and we're rewarding him by letting him talk to Oliver? Poor guy! [@ 23 min] Then, in Monday Evening Quarterback…The Tony Awards were last Sunday, but as many longtime listeners will attest, Weston doesn't know anything about Broadway. Luckily, Ashlee Hardgrave is here to take him through a new segment she's calling, ‘Tonys for Dummies!' [@ 35 min] Plus, in the Two Minute Drill...things are getting messy at Sarasota Opera, but marginally, slightly, a liiiiittle bit less messy at the Kennedy Center? Maybe? GET YOUR VOICE HEARD Stream new episodes every Saturday at 10 AM CT on amplisoundsradio.com operaboxscore.com facebook.com/obschi1 operaboxscore.bsky.social

Today on the podcast, Gail Eichenthal is joined by leaders at the intersection of Arts & Health to celebrate LA Opera's partnerships and impact as we as we reflect on 5 years of LA County Arts and Health Week Summits. Listen in to conversations covering our 5th annual Summit's Core Themes. From Research to Practice with Sunil Iyengar of the NEA; Five Years of Progress with Kristin Sakoda, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture; and Advocacy Across Sectors with Co-Director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab Dr. Nisha Sajnani. Then, we'll hear from LA Opera Connects Vice-President Dr. Andréa Fuentes as we look the future of caring for our communities through the arts. LAOpera.org/Summit Arts.gov/Impact/Research LACountyArts.org JameelArtsHealthLab.org

James Conlon is known as one of the most versatile and respected conductors of a generation, and throughout his career, has cultivated a vast symphonic, operatic, and choral repertoire. Today, we are honored to welcome him to our show. Since his 1974 debut with the NY Philharmonic, he has conducted virtually every major American and European symphony orchestra with precision. Needless to say, Mr. Conlon is one of classical music's most recognized interpreters. We will be speaking with him about his early days in music and conducting, his influences, and how he earned a spot as one of the premiere influences in this genre. His finale with the LA Opera with Falstaff was simply jaw-dropping, an event that will be hard to replicate for even the most seasoned and decorated conductors. Mr. Conlon makes it look effortless, which is part of his magic, because his work and career are nothing short of extraordinary. Please find our full interview with Mr. Conlon on all video and audio platforms of #DeborahKobyltLIVE, #LittleItalyPodcast and #LittleItalyOfLAPodcast. I'm your host, #DeborahZaraKobylt, and it's my pleasure to welcome you here.

Shimmering soprano Sydney Mancasola shares her pre-show secrets, her Mozart favorites, and the joys of working with Maestro Conlon on LA Opera's upcoming production of "The Magic Flute," all on this episode of "Behind the Curtain." Listen in as Sydney and our host Gail Eichenthal chat about tiny violins, larger-than-life voices, unexpected contemporary opera collaborations... and you'll even find out what's on Sydney's playlist these days. Enjoy this lively conversation and then get your tickets to "The Magic Flute" at LAOpera.org—including our newly added performance on Saturday, June 20.

Get ready for the 5th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit with this conversation hosted by LA Opera Connects Vice President Dr. Andréa Fuentes. This conversation was recorded live as part of our most recent Exploring Opera session—LA Opera Connects free virtual learning series—with this session focused on all things arts and health. In this episode, Andréa facilitates a dialogue about LA Opera's unique collaboration with the LA Children's Chorus and the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, featuring Dr. Assal Habibi, Susan Kotses, and Dr. Michele Patzakis. Did you know that singing and storytelling enhance cognitive and social/emotional skills? The science is there, and if this research excites you, join us for the Arts and Health Week Summit on June 12. Learn more and RSVP now at LAOpera.org/Summit.

On today's episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank welcomes bass-baritone Craig Colclough for a conversation about “Falstaff,” in which Colclough plays the titular role. Learn what Craig's first instrument was, how he feels to see himself on a show banner, and what his first impressions of LA Opera were. Craig and Jeremy also analyze “Falstaff” through a Shakespearean lens, with Craig sharing his personal interpretation of the role he's played for over a decade. “Falstaff” runs now through May 10th on the LA Opera stage. Get your tickets at LAOpera.org.

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Los Angeles-based dancer, Kitty McNamee. She's an artist, a creator and most importantly a collaborator. Her early years in LA were spent honing her craft as Artistic Director of Hysterica Dance Co., a prolific collective that redefined dance in Los Angeles. Kitty's dance films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide and she currently has several dance-centric documentary projects in development.The long list of musical institutions and theaters she's worked with include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the LA Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the LA Ballet and the Pasadena Playhouse.In addition to her staged works, she's collaborated on campaigns for businesses that include Target, Mercedes Benz and Uniqlo. You won't want to miss Kitty's inspiring and collaborative approach to arts entrepreneurship. https://www.kittymcnamee.com/about and https://www.lapopsup.com/about

Gillian and Matt sing the praises of LA Opera's hypnotic production of Akhnaten. From the shimmering beauty of the sets to the meditative music, they share why an epic opera can be a cozy experience. Cozy in the News The Rolling Scones Gift Shop Possum  What's Opera, Doc? Candle Review Astier de Villatte Support All Things Cozy by joining our Patreon and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.

In this episode, Gail Eichenthal interviews the acclaimed opera director Shawna Lucey who helms LA Opera's "Falstaff." Shawna shares how she came to opera from theater, her long love affair with "Falstaff," and her formative training in Moscow. Experience Shawna's feminist perspective on Elizabethan society and find out why she says that "Falstaff" teaches us to love ourselves. "Falstaff" is playing now through May 10 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Get your tickets at LAOpera.org.

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Los Angeles-based dancer, Kitty McNamee. She's an artist, a creator and most importantly a collaborator. Her early years in LA were spent honing her craft as Artistic Director of Hysterica Dance Co., a prolific collective that redefined dance in Los Angeles. Kitty's dance films have screened at over 50 festivals worldwide and she currently has several dance-centric documentary projects in development.The long list of musical institutions and theaters she's worked with include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the LA Opera, the San Francisco Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the LA Ballet and the Pasadena Playhouse.In addition to her staged works, she's collaborated on campaigns for businesses that include Target, Mercedes Benz and Uniqlo. You won't want to miss Kitty's inspiring and collaborative approach to arts entrepreneurship. https://www.kittymcnamee.com/about and https://www.lapopsup.com/about

In this episode, LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch is joined by leaders and luminaries of the Los Angeles opera scene to discuss OperaFest, a two-month festival taking place this April and May that will give you the chance to experience opera all across Los Angeles County. Circle up with LA Opera, Beth Morrison Projects, Overtone Industries, Long Beach Opera, and REDCAT to discuss the radical possibilities of opera, from inclusion and accessibility to platforming living composers—then head on over to OperaFestLA.org to learn more. It's a fascinating discussion and it's happening right now, on "Behind the Curtain."

In this episode, we bring you the next edition of "Serious Fun with Opera," a "Behind the Curtain" mini-series that takes a romp through operatic themes with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano. This episode takes us into the story and the music of Verdi's "Falstaff," which lights up the LA Opera with hilarity from April 18-May 10. Delight in the details of the revenge plot of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and then get your tickets to "Falstaff" at LAOpera.org.

This episode continues our 20 Years With the Maestro Miniseries, in which veteran journalist Gail Eichenthal and Maestro James Conlon take on the highlights of our 40th Anniversary season, while exploring Maestro Conlon's legacy at LA Opera and beyond. This time around, they celebrate Conlon's upcoming Gala Concert on April 24, a glittering evening of excerpts from the operatic canon with special guests from the LA Opera stage. Share in the repertoire selection process, uncover which opera's name you should never speak aloud, and get excited for some stellar singers--all in this delightful episode. Tickets for the April 24 Gala are available now at laopera.org.

Forgiveness. Comeuppance. Transformation. And the power of storytelling. In this episode of the Behind the Curtain miniseries Opera in the Community, scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo talks to Melissa Chalsma of the Independent Shakespeare Company. They probe the enduring power of Shakespeare's comedies and enlighten us on some of the class and gender themes we'll uncover in LA Opera's production of Verdi's Falstaff, playing April 18th to May 10th at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Get your tickets for this merry farce at laopera.org.

“It's not until you're leading an ensemble that you really figure out how to make the music happen and how to motivate the people around you. It's humbling in a lot of ways, and it's so gratifying. As a conductor, you're providing the framework for musicians to do their best work. Both in the way that you structure rehearsal and the gestures that you are showing the music through, you're creating a scaffolding, inviting people in, and collaborating together. Ideally, you're creating a situation where everybody has ownership of the musical process and the musical result as well.”Grant Gershon currently celebrates his 25th season as the Kiki and David Gindler Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, which he has turned into the "best-by-far major chorus in America” (Los Angeles Times). Earlier in 2026, Grant and the Chorale were honored to receive their second Grammy™ Award for Best Choral Performance, and they have been nominated 3 times in the last 5 years in this category. In 2025 the Chorale was featured on the Academy Awards ceremony, broadcast to over 19 million viewers around the world.A champion of new music, Grant led the world premiere of John Adams' Girls of the Golden West at the San Francisco Opera. He also conducted its European premier at the Dutch National Opera. As Resident Conductor of LA Opera, Grant conducted the West Coast premiere of Philip Glass's Satyagraha, and he led the world premiere of Daniel Catán's Il Postino, subsequently released on Sony Classical Records.Among the highpoints of his tenure with the LA Master Chorale, he twice opened the famed Salzburg Festival—with Orlando di Lasso's Lagrime di San Pietro in 2019 and Heinrich Schütz' Music to Accompany a Departure in 2023. He and the Chorale also performed these works to enormous acclaim in London, Paris, Montreal, Toronto, Chicago and New Zealand.Grant's discography with the Chorale includes recordings of music by Billy Childs, Nico Muhly, Henrik Gorecki, David Lang, and Steve Reich. He has also led the Chorale in performances for motion picture soundtracks, including, at the request of John Williams, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.In New York, Grant has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Trinity Wall Street. Other major appearances include performances at the Ravinia, Aspen, Edinburgh, Helsinki, Salzburg, and Vienna festivals; Teatro Colon in Buenos Aries, the Barbican in London and the Paris Philharmonie. He has worked closely with numerous legendary conductors, including Claudio Abbado, Pierre Boulez, Gustavo Dudamel, Zubin Mehta, Simon Rattle, and his mentor, Esa-Pekka Salonen.To get in touch with Grant, you can email him at ggershon@lamasterchorale.org or find him on Instagram (@the_gershmeister).Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

Today, we bring you another episode of "20 Years with Maestro Conlon", our miniseries in which Gail Eichenthal illuminates the legacy of Maestro James Conlon, in his culminating season with LA Opera. This time, the dynamic pair focuses on 19th-century German Opera with an emphasis on Wagner. Learn why the Ring was a must, how many rehearsals a "Rheingold" fits into, and which 20th-century composers were Wagner devotées. Maestro Conlon rounds out our 40th Anniversary Season conducting Verdi's "Falstaff" and Mozart's "The Magic Flute". Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

This episode features a live recording of the opening night pre-performance lecture for "Akhnaten," which runs now through March 22 at LA Opera. In this lecture, musicologist and Connects affiliated scholar Dr.Tiffany Kuo takes you on an intellectual journey that is as mesmerizing as the performance itself. Focusing on the symbolism of the heart and the sun, Tiffany talks spells on papyrus and trancelike rhythms. Get your tickets to "Akhnaten" now at LAOpera.org.

Un barco condenado a navegar por la eternidad.En este episodio exploramos la leyenda del Holandés Errante, su eco en el poema The Rime of the Ancient Mariner de Samuel Taylor Coleridge y su versión operística en Der fliegende Holländer de Richard Wagner.Maldición, culpa y redención en alta mar.

Internationally acclaimed conductor Dalia Stasevska joins host Gail Eichenthal for a revealing conversation about the sounds, mentors, and moments that shaped her life. From Finland's legendary conducting tradition to the role models who changed her path, Dalia shares what inspires her on and off the podium, including her favorite moment in LA Opera's current production of Philip Glass's Akhnaten. Discover what makes this opera unforgettable, then experience it for yourself. Akhnaten is selling fast, with an additional performance just added on March 21. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode of "Serious Fun With Opera," a "Behind the Curtain" miniseries, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano interviews UCLA's Chair of Musicology, Bob Fink, about musical minimalism--a term that "Philip Glass would not answer to," he says, but that is a "quintessentially American form." They discuss the concepts of trance, aural wallpaper, and the sublime, all swirling around Philip Glass's "Akhnaten', coming up on the LA Opera stage. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

On today's episode, we'll hear from members of the LA Opera team who lead Opera Camp, one of the ways the company engages young people in opera and performance. Opera Camp is a core part of LA Opera's approach to meeting people where they are in their love for music, and to preparing the next generation of audience members and artists. For more information on Opera Camp, visit LAOpera.org/OperaCamp.

In this episode, music critic and regular "Detrás del telón" host Gerardo Kleinburg takes us into the world of "Akhnaten" — in his words, "an utterly singular opera unlike any other." Kleinburg's exploration pulls themes from history, art history, and religion to weave a fascinating portrait of the historical figure Akhnaten before taking us into musical minimalism and the surprising world of composer Philip Glass. LA Opera's hypnotic production of "Akhnaten" is playing February 28-March 22. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org. Did you know you can listen to LA Opera podcasts in Spanish? "Detrás del telón" takes you into the world of opera, with hosts including music critic Gerardo Kleinburg and musicologist Dr. Patricia Caicedo. Each episode is presented entirely in Spanish. Find "Detrás del telón" wherever you listen to podcasts or at LAOpera.org/Podcasts.

Following a performance of "West Side Story" earlier this season, LA Opera Connects hosted a special panel on Arts & Health to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Arts and Health Week video series. This conversation touches on the arts as an essential part of personal and community wellness, and features LA Opera Advisor for Special Projects Renée Fleming and soprano Gabriela Reyes in dialogue with community leaders Kristin Sakoda, Sarah Lyding, and Shavonda Webber-Christmas. Interested in learning more about how the arts are vital to healing? Visit LAOpera.org/ArtsandHealth and be sure to save the date for the 5th annual Arts & Health Week Summit on June 12, 2026, information is available at LAOpera.org/Summit. Recharge your mind, body, and spirit with LA Opera's Creative Care, a free Zoom series that invites you to experience the healing power of the arts. Led by Connects teaching artists, each online gathering incorporates mindfulness, creative expression, learning, and self-reflection, all rooted in themes from our upcoming performances and other special topics. Rsvp now for our next session highlighting Philip Glass's "Akhnaten" on February 10, 2026. Tap into some inner peace and joy via LAOpera.org/CreativeCare.

In this special look inside the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, LA Opera's Senior Director of Artistic Planning Paul Hopper is joined by Young Artist Emily Damasco. Today, Emily and Paul chat about early opera memories, pierogi pizza, the intersection of arts and health, and the two roles Emily will be singing on the LA Opera mainstage this season in "Akhnaten" and "The Magic Flute." You can get your tickets to see this young soprano soar at LAOpera.org.

Una nueva forma para viajar, a traves de las grandes obras musicales del genero clasico. Conducido por Juan Fernando Villafuerte Ex colaborador de la Deutsche Welle de Alemania y la Elizabeth Trabanino, Directora de Radio Clasica, quienes a traves de una tertulia contaran las historias que se esconden detras de las operas a manera de poner en contexto al publico sobre el origen de estas grandes composiciones.

In this special look inside the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, we're featuring Young Artist Vinícius Costa, a bass from São Paulo, Brazil, who is singing three roles on the LA Opera main stage this season. Listen in as he chats with LA Opera's Paul Hopper about his musical origin story, first impressions of the American vocal scene, and visions for the future of his career. Catch this Young Artist on stage in "Akhnaten," "Falstaff," and "The Magic Flute." Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

El día de hoy vamos a analizar la trama de La ópera de Carmen, la obra del genio de Bizet, que se lleva a cabo en Sevilla en el siglo XIX. 235 La entrada La opera de Carmen 7/217 se publicó primero en Edwin Carcaño Guerra.

Una nueva forma para viajar, a traves de las grandes obras musicales del genero clasico. Conducido por Juan Fernando Villafuerte Ex colaborador de la Deutsche Welle de Alemania y la Elizabeth Trabanino, Directora de Radio Clasica, quienes a traves de una tertulia contaran las historias que se esconden detras de las operas a manera de poner en contexto al publico sobre el origen de estas grandes composiciones.

In this episode of "Behind the Curtain," Richard Seaver Music Director Maestro James Conlon compares and contrasts Giacomo Puccini's "La Bohème" and Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata," painting a lively picture of 19th-century France. From consumptive heroines to young lovers in strife, these operas tug at our heartstrings while maintaining a timeless relevance. Experience the drama of "La Bohème" from November 22 through December 14 at LA Opera. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

Welcome back to Behind the Curtain's mini series, 20 Years with Maestro Conlon, in which Classical KUSC's Gail Eichenthal sits down with Maestro James Conlon to discuss his legacy here at LA Opera. In this episode, we explore Italian opera—Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, and beyond—touching on bel canto and what makes a 'perfect opera.' Get your tickets now for Puccini's "La Bohème" and Verdi's "Falstaff" at LAOpera.org.

On today's exciting episode of "Behind the Curtain," Classical KUSC's Gail Eichenthal sits down with Beth Morrison, the visionary behind Beth Morrison Projects. BMP's "Hildegard" is coming up at LA Opera's Off Grand series, November 5-9 at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. A world premiere, Hildegard is the first opera from Composer and Librettist Sarah Kirkland Snider, whose compositions have been hailed as “rapturous” by the New York Times, and “ravishingly beautiful” by NPR. Beth and Gail chat all things inspiration and collaboration, from bringing opera into the 21st century to the phone call that started it all. Get your tickets for "Hildegard" at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, veteran broadcast journalist Gail Eichenthal of Classical California KUSC sits down once again with Maestro James Conlon for the second episode of our miniseries, "20 Years with Maestro Conlon." This time, they transport us to the Classical period, with special emphasis on Maestro's legacy conducting Beethoven and Mozart—including Beethoven's only opera, "Fidelio," and Mozart's final opera, "The Magic Flute," which is the wonderful conclusion to this LA Opera season. From "La Bohème" to "The Magic Flute," get your tickets for this glittering LA Opera season at LAOpera.org.

This week's episode is a panel discussion that was recorded live at our Opera Prep series, which brings secondary school groups to the Dorothy Chandler to experience a dress rehearsal. Hosted by Ashley Faatoalia, this West Side Story panel features Maestro James Conlon, Assistant Director Andrea Beasom, Assistant Choreographer Courtney Ortiz, and a very special guest, George Chakiris, who won the Academy Award AND Golden Globe for playing Bernardo in the original motion picture of West Side Story. Enjoy this special bonus episode and get your tickets to West Side Story 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 LA Opera's historic 40th season opener—Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story." Don't miss this American classic, playing now through October 12. Tickets are on sale at LAOpera.org.

Slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk combined organizational acumen and internet savvy to build a political machine. Now his death is being used to justify a crackdown on the left. Actor, filmmaker, and activist Robert Redford died today at 89. He made dozens of legendary movies and founded the Sundance Film Festival. LA Opera Music Director James Conlon talks about the Recovered Voices program, the importance of educating young people about classical arts, and why “West Side Story” is significant to him. The Dodgers fight through injuries and a tough loss ahead of the MLB playoffs. The Valkyries hope to make WNBA playoff history. And UCLA football scrambles after another coaching shakeup.  

In this week's episode of "Behind the Curtain," we tune in to a live-discussion hosted by our friends at the Opera League of Los Angeles between LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank and "West Side Story" Assistant Director Andrea Beasom, who brings her background as a professional dancer to the rehearsing and staging of Jerome Robbins original choreography. "West Side Story" electrifies the LA Opera stage from September 20 to October 12, and you can get your tickets before they're gone at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, veteran broadcast journalist Gail Eichenthal of Classical California KUSC sits down with Maestro James Conlon for the inaugural episode of our new mini-series "20 Years with Maestro Conlon." Here in this introductory episode, we'll explore LA Opera's upcoming 40th Anniversary Season with an in-depth look at each production through the Maestro's eyes, as well as getting a peek behind the curtain at his extraordinary life and career. Tickets for LA Opera's spectacular 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org. Stay tuned for more captivating conversations in upcoming episodes of "20 Years with Maestro Conlon"—a special "Behind the Curtain" mini-series you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano is back with another installment of Serious Fun with Opera. Starting with a look at the relationship between musical theater and opera, she compares and contrasts the two art forms and how they interplay musically. She then tackles West Side Story, which opens LA Opera's 40th Anniversary Season. With its still relevant themes and catchy musical numbers, you won't want to miss West Side Story, playing September 20-October 12. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

On this week's episode of Behind the Curtain, KUSC's Gail Eichenthal interviews the director of West Side Story at LA Opera, Francesca Zambello. What unfolds is a fascinating conversation touching on Zambello's extensive work in the community, her vision for West Side Story, and this production's faithfulness to Jerome Robbins' original choreography. Listen in for a dose of inspiration, and get your tickets for LA Opera's West Side Story—playing September 20 through October 12—at LAOpera.org.

On today's episode of Behind the Curtain, Dr. Patricia Caicedo is a musicologist, a physician, and a world-class soprano whose work redefines the role of music in society. Today, she shares her excitement for LA Opera's upcoming production of West Side Story, and makes a passionate case for performers and listeners alike to engage with Spanish-language repertoire. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe, and get your tickets now to West Side Story at LAOpera.org.

LA Opera kicks off its 40th Anniversary Season this fall with West Side Story, and in this episode from the vault, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank joins Connects Teaching Artist and renowned tenor Ashley Faatoalia to try and answer the age-old question: what's the difference between opera and musical theater? Whether you call West Side Story an opera or a musical, one thing's for sure; you'll laugh, cry, and shimmy along in your seat when it hits the LA Opera stage this fall. Get your tickets now for West Side Story—playing September 20 through October 12—at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano takes us on a romp through the romantic relationships of the upcoming season, from tragic bohemians to passionate Egyptians (with more than a few nods to Shakespeare). LA Opera's 40th Anniversary productions have more steamy intrigue than an episode of—well, we'll let Dr. Brown-Montesano tell you about that. Get your tickets to romance at LAOpera.org, and get ready to feel the love.

As we joyfully prepare for our 40th Anniversary Season, which includes an original LA Opera production of La Bohème, we're going into the vault to bring you a special episode from 2016: a La Bohème talk by Duff Murphy. Here, he shares fascinating knowledge about Puccini, La Bohème's reception in its time, who the opera is dedicated to, and how the lush, enduring classic almost didn't come to be. How well do you know La Bohème? Listen in and get your tickets now to La Bohème, playing this November 22 through December 14. Tickets available at LAOpera.org.

For our historic 40th anniversary season, LA Opera brings back the world's most delightful opera, the Magic Flute playing May 2026. In this special episode we flash back to a 2019 conversation between Brian Lauritzen and former resident conductor Grant Gershon. Together, they discuss all things Magic Flute, including the secrets of performing on high platforms, staging an opera with animations, and why it's such a clever choice to stage the production as a silent film. Celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera and don't miss the world's most popular opera, The Magic Flute, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

As we approach the 4th of July, we're turning our attention to the bold, ever-evolving world of American opera. In this special episode, Dr. Tiffany Kuo explores what makes an opera “American,” highlighting works that span ragtime, hip hop, minimalism, and the avant-garde. It's a powerful reminder that American opera is not one sound—but many. From thrilling drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera this season, starting with the American classic, West Side Story. Tickets for LA Opera's historic 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

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.

#781. Kaitlyn sits down with friend & Injection/Skincare Specialist, Kat (Braswell) Campbell, to relive their recent trip to Saint-Tropez, talk about parenting, and answer all your questions from IG. The two recap their trip to Saint-Tropez, France - from the Lulu's Beach Club, befriending the locals, lunch culture in Europe, boat day, La Opera, & Kaitlyn's canceled flight home. Next, Kaitlyn & Kat answer YOUR questions from IG; raising such a sweet little boy in Chandler, her father's glioblastoma diagnosis, parenting styles, Botox Lip Flips, under eye filler dangers(?), PRF Gel, Botox vs Dysport for men, suggestions for sleep lines, favorite self-tanner, transitioning life with baby #2, her workout/self-care routine, and so much more!If you're LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE!Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these deals!BetterHelp: This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp!: Give Online Therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/VINE and get on your way to being your best self!Chewy: That's Chewy.com/vine to save $20 on your first order with free shipping. Minimum purchase required.Nutrafol: Go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code “VINE” for $10 OFF your first month subscription and FREE shipping.Oak Essentials: Use Promo Code “VINE15” at OakEssentials.com for 15% OFF your first order.Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/VineEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (02:14) – Saint-Tropez trip recap(25:45) – Kat's dad's illness(30:35) – Raising her kids(34:03) – Kat answers listener questions about Botox