LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Latest Episodes:

Gender and Ritual in Meiji Japan with Dr. Rebecca Corbett and Dr. Kristi Montesano-Brown Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

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.

Madame Butterfly in Conversation with Melody Chang, Rodell Rosel, and Yuntong Han Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

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.

Madame Butterfly: Historical Context with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

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.

James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on Madame Butterfly Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

Madame Butterfly: Annotated Listening Guide Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

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

BambinO: A Baby Opera with Dr. Nita Baxani Aug 27, 2024

Show notes

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.

James Conlon's Notes on LA Opera's 24/25 Season Aug 23, 2024

Show notes

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.

Fire and Blue Sky in Conversation with Dr. Tiffany Kuo, Imani Tolliver and Joel Thompson Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

Contextualizing Turandot with Dr. Tiffany Kuo, Julius Ahn and Dr. Gordon H. Chang Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

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.

Turandot: Scene-by-Scene May 17, 2024

Show notes

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.