LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Latest Episodes:

Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artists Liv Redpath & Michael Hawk with Joshua Winograde Apr 23, 2019

Show notes

Ever wanted to know how our Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artists became participants in this renowned program? Joshua Winograde, LA Opera’s Senior Director of Artistic Programs, sits down with two of these talented folks for this week's podcast: soprano Liv Redpath and baritone Michael Hawk. The trio discuss their artistic journeys, the incredible family support they both had and continue to have, the impact their time in the program has had on their artistry and careers, and their dream roles. More information on the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist program: https://www.laopera.org/company/yap/

Behind the Curtain: Soprano Ana Maria Martinez with Christopher Koelsch Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

For over two decades soprano Ana Maria Martinez has been featured on LA Opera’s stage. Back in the fall, when she was in Los Angeles for “Don Carlo”, Ana Maria and President & CEO Christopher Koelsch sat down for a chat in front of a live audience. Listen in as the two have an open and genuine conversation ranging from her thoughts about her thriving career, advice for young singers, the inspiration and influence her mother and her father gave her, and being the proud mom of a middle schooler.

Behind the Curtain: Artist-in-Residence Matthew Aucoin & Writer Megan Amram Mar 26, 2019

Show notes

Thanks to our friends at the Hammer Museum, we are able to share this fun and freewheeling conversation between composer, conductor, pianist, and writer Matthew Aucoin and comedy writer and performer Megan Amram. Best known for his operas, Aucoin is LA Opera’s first artist-in-residence and has been commissioned by the Company as well as the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and NPR's This American Life. Amram currently works on “The Good Place” and has written for the series “Transparent”, “Silicon Valley”, “Parks and Recreation”, and “The Simpsons”, as well as for publications such as the New Yorker and McSweeney’s. This event on March 21, 2019 was a co-presentation between the Hammer and LA Opera. Watch video of the conversation here: https://livestream.com/accounts/5045103/events/8520463/videos/189015021

Behind the Curtain: "Moses" Creators Henry Mollicone & Shishir Kurup Mar 19, 2019

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Listen in as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement Stacy Brightman chats with Composer Henry Mollicone and Librettist Shishir Kurup on the creation of LA Opera’s Community Opera: “Moses”. “Moses” has its world premiere at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown LA on March 22 and 23, 2019. Henry and Shishir talk with Stacy about how they each first came to opera, the development of this special work (an opera for professionals and community members to perform together?!), and their hopes for the piece. Want more information on “Moses”? Visit LAOpera.org/Moses.

Behind the Curtain: Actor and Opera Director Christoph Waltz with James Conlon Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

Music Director James Conlon and opera super-fan, actor and opera stage director Christoph Waltz chat about Waltz’s relationship to opera (saw his first opera at 10 in Vienna), his experience directing opera, and his inspiring ideas about securing the future of opera. Recorded after the March 10, 2019 performance of "The Clemency of Titus".

Behind the Curtain: Director & Designer Thaddeus Strassberger with Christopher Koelsch Mar 08, 2019

Show notes

Listen in on a fascinating conversation between Thaddeus Strassberger - stage director and scenic designer for our production of “The Clemency of Titus” – and President and CEO Christopher Koelsch. They discuss Mr. Strassberger’s general philosophy as a director and designer, as well as how this brand-new production (a "feast for the eyes" says the LA Times) - came to be.

Behind the Curtain: James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on "The Clemency of Titus" Mar 05, 2019

Show notes

LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon explores Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "The Clemency of Titus" during his pre-show talk prior to LA Opera's opening performance on March 2, 2019.

BONUS Behind the Curtain: "The Clemency of Titus" Scene-By-Scene Feb 28, 2019

Show notes

Thaddeus Strassberger, stage director and scenic designer for LA Opera’s production of “The Clemency of Titus,” takes us through a scene-by-scene description of the opera. In Mozart’s final masterpiece, the most powerful civilization in the world falls vulnerable to the machinations of power players seeking glory. In a drama marked by shifting layers of morality and loyalty, Mozart’s unmistakable love for humanity shines through in his glorious and endlessly inventive music.

Behind the Curtain: Tenor Russell Thomas with Christopher Koelsch Feb 26, 2019

Show notes

There's no room for mistakes with Mozart's music. Renowned tenor Russell Thomas talks with LAO President and CEO Christopher Koelsch about the joy and challenges of singing the composer’s music and specifically the role of Titus in our upcoming production of Mozart’s "The Clemency of Titus". The two also discuss his process of preparing a role, his ideal rehearsal environment, and the complicated dance of crafting his performance schedule.

From the Vaults: Renowned Opera Artist Maria Ewing and UCLA's Michael Hackett Feb 12, 2019

Show notes

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, Ms. Ewing has 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.

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