LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Latest Episodes:

Behind the Curtain: Matthew Aucoin on "Rigoletto" May 01, 2018

Show notes

Matthew Aucoin (LA Opera's Artist In Residence) discusses Verdi's cornerstone of opera repertoire, "Rigoletto", with Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen.

Behind the Curtain: Orpheus Afterwards, Myth in Romantic Aesthetics (Mitchell Morris at Getty Villa) Apr 17, 2018

Show notes

UCLA Professor of Musicology Mitchell Morris at Getty Villa on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Composers and artists of the 19th century embraced the iconic figure of Orpheus, portraying him as the passionate hero of symphonic poems and concerti, the ultimate poet as prophet, and the very model of the Romantic musician. This talk traces the continuing power of the myth in music by Beethoven, Liszt, and Scriabin, as well as in paintings created at the turn of the century.

Behind the Curtain: Stephen Fry and James Conlon in Conversation Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

On Sunday, March 25 following the closing performance of Orpheus and Eurydice, Stephen Fry - English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, and film director — joined Maestro James Conlon in the Stern Grand Hall for a conversation about the Orpheus & Eurydice myth throughout literature and music.

Behind the Curtain: John Neumeier, Director, Choreographer, & Designer of Orpheus & Eurydice Mar 22, 2018

Show notes

On March 9, 2018, Christopher Koelsch, LA Opera’s President and CEO, interviewed John Neumeier, acclaimed Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet as well as the Director, Choreographer and Designer of LA Opera’s Orpheus and Eurydice.

Behind the Curtain: Music as Medicine with Renee Fleming & Dr. Antonio Damasio Mar 20, 2018

Show notes

On Monday, February 5, 2018 international opera star Renée Fleming, neuroscientist Antonio Damasio, and LA Opera CEO and President Christopher Koelsch discussed the connections between music and the brain—and the very real possibility that music is part of the solution to intractable problems like chronic pain and cancer. Listen and learn about the role music and other arts can play in tackling the most difficult diseases and improving health and wellness. The USC Visions and Voices event was presented at the Bovard Auditorium as part of the Provost’s Series on Wicked Problems, which brings together special guests and USC faculty to discuss the most intractable, multifaceted problems of our time.

Behind the Curtain: James Conlon Orpheus and Eurydice Pre-Show Talk 3.10.18 Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

Maestro Conlon gives his pre-show talk on Orpheus and Eurydice opening night March 10, 2018.

Behind the Curtain: Conlon on "Orpheus and Eurydice" Mar 06, 2018

Show notes

James Conlon (LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director) discusses Gluck's groundbreaking opera "Orpheus and Eurydice" with Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen.

Behind the Curtain: Opera Director Francesca Zambello with James Conlon Mar 05, 2018

Show notes

LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch interviews Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon and "Candide" stage director Francesca Zambello prior to the "Opera Prep" final dress rehearsal for students on January 25, 2018.

Behind The Curtain: Conlon on "Candide" Feb 07, 2018

Show notes

Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon discusses Bernstein's classic operetta "Candide" with Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen

Behind The Curtain: James Conlon Discusses "Nabucco" Nov 17, 2017

Show notes

Behind The Curtain: James Conlon Discusses "Nabucco" by LA Opera