Behind The La Opera Curtain

In this podcast, mezzo-soprano and host Suzanna Guzmán interviews Mexican tenor Javier Camarena regarding his journey to the operatic stage, his extensive career, and his love of music. See Javier Camarena in recital on March 31 and April 2, 2022, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

In this podcast, composer Tamar-kali Brown and filmmaker dream hampton discuss the genesis of their work with We Hold These Truths, a musical and cinematic triptych setting three iconic poems from Paul Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, and Claude McKay. We Hold These Truths is available now on LA Opera's digital platform LA Opera On Now available at LAOpera.org.

In this podcast, LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon explores Bach's St. Matthew Passion in this pre-recorded pre-performance talk.

In this podcast, Susan Graham, Artistic Advisor to the LA Opera's Young Artists Program, takes us through a scene-by-scene description of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. This production of St. Matthew Passion opens March 12, 2022.

In this podcast, composer Carla Lucero, poet and translator Dr. Rita Urquijo-Ruiz, and Silvia Nuñez director of UNAM (La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en Los Ángeles) discuss The Three Women of Jerusalem or Las tres mujeres de Jerusalén the first Spanish-language work commissioned by LA Opera for performances at the Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels. This production will premiere on Saturday, March 19, 2022. We hope you will join us for this historic production. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

In this podcast, musicologist Dr. Mitchell Morris continues our Exploring the Canon podcast series with a discussion of Spanish composer Manuel de Falla and his work El retablo del Maese Pedro, a puppet opera based on Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. This recording was created as part of LA Opera Connects professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators, in celebration of the premiere of The Three Women of Jerusalem, or Las tres mujeres de Jerusalén, a new Spanish-language opera by composer and librettist Carla Lucero. This production will premiere at Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels on March 19, 2022.

In this podcast, composer Carla Lucero discusses the upcoming premiere of her work The Three Women of Jerusalem or Las tres mujeres de Jerusalén with stage director Eli Villanueva and consulting Vice President of LA Opera Connects Stacy Brightman. The Three Women of Jerusalem will premiere on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels in Downtown Los Angeles. This recording was created as part of LA Opera Connects professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators.

In this podcast, Dr. Ariane Helou, a scholar whose research focuses on drama, music and poetry in early modern Europe, and artist and choreographer Kitty McNamee discuss choreography and communication in the music, libretto and visuals of Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

LA Opera is proud to share this special conversation recorded on November 9, 2015 between renowned opera artist Maria Ewing and Michael Hackett of UCLA. Throughout her remarkable career, Miss Ewing astonished audiences with her searing performances in both soprano and mezzo-soprano roles. As one of the early leading artists at LA Opera, she spoke with Dr. Hackett as part of LA Opera's oral history project to discuss her career, roles and a life in opera. We celebrate Maria Ewing's life, honor her legacy and remember her artistry and performances across the world.

In this podcast, which continues our Exploring the Operatic Canon series, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano takes us through the influences on the canon and helps us to examine the nature of opera as well as the possibilities and challenges for its future.

In this podcast, which continues our Exploring the Operatic Canon series, Dr. Tiffany Kuo discusses the identity and accessibility of the traditional canon, from production to reception, and the ways in which we can discover new works and address equity in the performing arts today.

In this podcast, which continues our Exploring the Operatic Canon series, Dr. Naomi André discusses the Italian origin of opera and the concept of the operatic canon, as well as changes and influences over the years and some of her joy as she looks forward to the inclusion of wonderful new works.

In this podcast, the first of an Exploring the Operatic Canon series, Maestro James Conlon discusses one of opera lovers' favorite parts of the canon: the operas of the 19th and 20th centuries. From Verdi to Stravinsky, Maestro Conlon shares his wisdom and insight.

Jeremy Frank, LA Opera's Associate Chorus Master, is actually a man of many talents: conductor, pianist, educator and... mixologist? He is certainly the delightful host of LA Opera Connects' popular Opera Happy Hour web series. In this podcast version of the episode, join Jeremy for a piano-side chat all about countertenors. Jacob Ingbar, a current member of our Young Artist Program and all-star countertenor, pops in for some musical conversation and speciality sipping vermouth (a rare cocktail to match his rare vocal Fach).

In this special episode of Behind the Curtain, join LA Opera's Senior Director of Artistic Programs Joshua Winograde and Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artists as they share and dive into their favorite songs and recordings to listen to during the holidays. Follow the link below for full-length recordings featured in this episode. https://www.laopera.org/discover/podcasts/behind-the-curtain-holiday-special/

In this podcast, Associate Chorus Master Jeremy Frank explores classic operatic holiday tunes in an episode of Opera Happy Hour. If you're ready for an Opera Happy Hour, sip (and sing) along with Jeremy as he plays favorites from "La Bohème" and "Die Fledermaus" with a festive Manhattan in hand. For an even more participatory experience, head over to the video linked in the description and enjoy. This episode aired originally in December 2020. https://www.laopera.org/discover/la-opera-on-now/la-opera-on-now-all-events/holiday-opera-happy-hour/

In this special episode of Behind the Curtain, the whole family can discover the story of Rossini's opera Cinderella (La Cenerentola). Introduce your young ones (and the young at heart) to spunky Cinderella (no damsel in distress here), who overcomes adversity and finds true love with the dashing prince. This unforgettable family-friendly comedy delivers laughs, love and, of course, stunning music. Come feel the magic for yourself at our Family Days event on Sunday, December 12. Get your tickets at laopera.org

In this podcast, tilted "Rossini's Plucky Mezzos", Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong, LA Opera Connects affiliated scholar, presents a historical and cultural context behind Italian opera - exploring voice types, characters, and how these influenced Rossini's work. This recording was created as part of LA Opera Connects' professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators.

Before you enter the (bright pink) fantasy world of Cinderella, learn more about the opera and its composer with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano, Chair of Music History at the Colburn Conservatory of Music and a LA Opera Connects affiliated scholar. This pre-show talk gives you the ins and outs of Rossini's life, his magical opera, and the characters of Cinderella.

In this podcast, Andréa Fuentes, Director of LA Opera Connects, takes us through a scene-by-scene description of Rossini's La Cenerentola. This production of La Cenerentola, new to Los Angeles Opera, opens November 20, 2021.