LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Latest Episodes:

A Conversation with Dr. Tyshawn Sorey and Nadia Hallgren, Creators of the Digital Short DEATH Mar 20, 2021

Show notes

DEATH is a new digital short in three parts, based on a poem of the same name by the great American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906). Composer Dr. Tyshawn Sorey crafts a breathtaking reflective musical setting, and filmmaker Nadia Hallgren creates a visual story that gives a glimpse into the creative process of both composer and poet, and addresses the Black experience in America. In this Behind the Curtain conversation, Dr. Muriel McClenndon, Associate Professor for History at UCLA, speaks with D. Sorey and Ms. Hallgren, discussing how the project originated, and how its poetry, music and image resonate together. DEATH premiered on February 19, 2021, and can be accessed for free on our website at: LAOpera.org/Death

Behind the Curtain LIVE: Celebrating Women Composers Mar 02, 2021

Show notes

Enjoy this inspiring conversation with composers Juhi Bansal, Gabriela Lena Frank, Nia Imani Franklin and Laura Karpman, moderated by mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán. These women are redefining classical and film music, while smashing preconceptions and barriers for other artists. Each has become a champion of a more vibrant and inclusive future. This podcast was recorded on December 3, 2020 as part of a live, Zoom event in partnership with The Hildegards, Arts for LA, and the Women’s Opera Network of OPERA America.

Opera Happy Hour: "Operatic Family Reunions " Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

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 episode, Jeremy dives into some of opera's most famous family reunions (some more heartwarming than others). Enjoy more Opera Happy Hour here: www.laopera.org/discover/la-opera…/opera-happy-hour

Bass Morris Robinson in Conversation with LA Opera's Christopher Koelsch Feb 16, 2021

Show notes

Bass Morris Robinson is considered one of the most compelling and sought-after performers in opera today. He regularly appears at the Metropolitan Opera, where he is a graduate of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. He made his LA Opera debut in 2009 with The Magic Flute and has appeared subsequently in numerous thrilling roles. LA Opera audiences love him - especially our teen audiences. Mr. Robinson regularly meets with students and has been one of the greatest ambassadors in welcoming young people into the opera house. In this conversation, recorded immediately before the final dress rehearsal of Rigoletto in 2018, Mr. Robinson chats with LA Opera's President and CEO Christopher Koelsch and an audience of several hundred local students.

Behind the Curtain LIVE: Los Angeles as Opera: On Gold Mountain Feb 09, 2021

Show notes

Discover On Gold Mountain, the true story of Fong See, a pioneer of Los Angeles’ Chinatown who immigrated to America to work on the railroad and find his fortune. Author and librettist Lisa See and composer Nathan Wang join Li Wei Yang, curator for the Pacific Rim Collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, for a conversation with music exploring See’s Chinese immigrant family’s extraordinary history and impact upon Los Angeles, and the opera it inspired. The three are joined by soprano Shana Blake Hill, an original cast member of On Gold Mountain, and violinist Shelly Ren. This podcast was recorded in front of a live Zoom audience on November 19, 2020. On Gold Mountain will be produced in the newly-expanded Chinese gardens of The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens during the spring of the 2021-22 season.

Conversation with the LA Composers of Modulation Feb 02, 2021

Show notes

Presented in collaboration with the Prototype Festival, Modulation is a ground-breaking exploration of opera and theater adapting to a new format. Audience members are in control as they navigate through a landscape of new musical pieces—each with its own visual component—exploring the strands that weave together our lives over this past tumultuous and revelatory year. With themes of isolation, identity and fear, with the connection of breath, the experience brings together 13 of the most provocative and diverse voices in the contemporary music idiom. In this conversation, we are honored to welcome four of these extraordinary composers, all of whom are Los Angeles natives or based now in Los Angeles. Composer Juhi Bansal welcomes Jojo Abot, Yvette Janine Jackson, and Carmina Escobar. Please note that this conversation delves into contemporary issues and includes adult language which might not be suitable for all listeners. Modulation can be accessed on LA Opera's website until February 28, 2021 at 8:59pm PT: https://www.laopera.org/performances/upcoming-digital-performances/modulation

Opera Happy Hour: "Tying the (K)not" Jan 26, 2021

Show notes

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 special audio edition of Opera Happy Hour, toast to love with Jeremy as he explores the (many) depictions of wedding scenes in opera. Enjoy more Opera Happy Hour here: www.laopera.org/discover/la-opera…/opera-happy-hour

From the Vaults: "p r i s m" Composer Ellen Reid with Brian Lauritzen Jan 19, 2021

Show notes

This episode of Behind the Curtain features a conversation between Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen and composer Ellen Reid. It was recorded and first shared in November 2018 prior to LA Opera's world premiere of "p r i s m" by Ellen Reid and librettist Roxie Perkins. Directed by James Darrah, the opera went on to win the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in music. Beginning on January 26, 2021 at 4pm PT, LA Opera's On Now digital platform will feature a stream of a full-length performance of "p r i s m", which was filmed in New York in 2019. "p r i s m" will stream online, free of charge for two weeks. As well, on January 29 at 11am PT, LA Opera On Now will offer the digital premiere of "Lumee's Dream," which will be available free of charge through February 12. This new digital short is inspired by a pivotal scene in "p r i s m". CONTENT WARNING: "p r i s m" explores the psychological aftermath of a traumatic event, and the boundaries we erect to protect our hearts and minds. The subject matter is mature and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Discussions of violence and its aftermath begin at about 13 minutes into the conversation.

Opera Happy Hour: "Pop Culture and Opera - Friends or Foes" Jan 12, 2021

Show notes

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 special audio edition of Opera Happy Hour, Jeremy explores how opera transcends space, time and cultural genres, while inviting everyone to take a sip and enjoy opera and your beverage of choice. Enjoy more Opera Happy Hour here: https://www.laopera.org/discover/la-opera-on-now/la-opera-on-now-all-events/category/opera-happy-hour

Opera's Romantic Nationalism: Wagner's Tannhäuser and Masculinity Dec 29, 2020

Show notes

Dr. Mitchell Morris, UCLA's Chair and Professor of Musicology, explores the intersections of Romantic Opera and nationalism in the context of Wagner's operas, as well as their resonances for today. This presentation was recorded live as a part of LA Opera Connects' professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators, on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

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