LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Latest Episodes:

20 Years with Maestro Conlon: LA Opera's 40th Anniversary Season Overview Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, veteran broadcast journalist Gail Eichenthal of Classical California KUSC sits down with Maestro James Conlon for the inaugural episode of our new mini-series "20 Years with Maestro Conlon." Here in this introductory episode, we'll explore LA Opera's upcoming 40th Anniversary Season with an in-depth look at each production through the Maestro's eyes, as well as getting a peek behind the curtain at his extraordinary life and career. Tickets for LA Opera's spectacular 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org. Stay tuned for more captivating conversations in upcoming episodes of "20 Years with Maestro Conlon"—a special "Behind the Curtain" mini-series you won't want to miss.

Serious Fun with Opera: West Side Story, with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano is back with another installment of Serious Fun with Opera. Starting with a look at the relationship between musical theater and opera, she compares and contrasts the two art forms and how they interplay musically. She then tackles West Side Story, which opens LA Opera's 40th Anniversary Season. With its still relevant themes and catchy musical numbers, you won't want to miss West Side Story, playing September 20-October 12. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

West Side Story with Gail Eichenthal and Francesca Zambello Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

On this week's episode of Behind the Curtain, KUSC's Gail Eichenthal interviews the director of West Side Story at LA Opera, Francesca Zambello. What unfolds is a fascinating conversation touching on Zambello's extensive work in the community, her vision for West Side Story, and this production's faithfulness to Jerome Robbins' original choreography. Listen in for a dose of inspiration, and get your tickets for LA Opera's West Side Story—playing September 20 through October 12—at LAOpera.org.

Spanish-language Art Song and West Side Story with Dr. Patricia Caicedo Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of Behind the Curtain, Dr. Patricia Caicedo is a musicologist, a physician, and a world-class soprano whose work redefines the role of music in society. Today, she shares her excitement for LA Opera's upcoming production of West Side Story, and makes a passionate case for performers and listeners alike to engage with Spanish-language repertoire. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe, and get your tickets now to West Side Story at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: Opera vs Musical Theater with Jeremy Frank and Ashley Faatoalia Aug 05, 2025

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LA Opera kicks off its 40th Anniversary Season this fall with West Side Story, and in this episode from the vault, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank joins Connects Teaching Artist and renowned tenor Ashley Faatoalia to try and answer the age-old question: what's the difference between opera and musical theater? Whether you call West Side Story an opera or a musical, one thing's for sure; you'll laugh, cry, and shimmy along in your seat when it hits the LA Opera stage this fall. Get your tickets now for West Side Story—playing September 20 through October 12—at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: La Bohème with Dr. Andréa Fuentes and Dr. Shana Redmond Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode from the vault, LA Opera Connects' Dr. Andréa Fuentes sits down with Colombia University's Dr. Shana Redmond to talk about why La Bohème so deeply resonates with us. They discuss the friendships, the economic struggle, the resilience, and the gender paradigms that populate this timeless opera, and what gives it its enduring charm. They also travel trains of thought-- from RENT to Paul Robeson to grand visions for the future of the art form. Get your tickets to La Bohème now at LAOpera.org and don't forget to leave a comment, rating, or review on this episode.

Love/Hate/It’s Complicated Island: A New Season of Opera Romance with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, the first installment of "Serious Fun with Opera", Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano takes us on a romp through the romantic relationships of the upcoming season, from tragic bohemians to passionate Egyptians (with more than a few nods to Shakespeare). LA Opera's 40th Anniversary productions have more steamy intrigue than an episode of—well, we'll let Dr. Brown-Montesano tell you about that. Get your tickets to romance at LAOpera.org, and get ready to feel the love.

From the Vault: La Bohème with Duff Murphy Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

As we joyfully prepare for our 40th Anniversary Season, which includes an original LA Opera production of La Bohème, we're going into the vault to bring you a special episode from 2016: a La Bohème talk by Duff Murphy. Here, he shares fascinating knowledge about Puccini, La Bohème's reception in its time, who the opera is dedicated to, and how the lush, enduring classic almost didn't come to be. How well do you know La Bohème? Listen in and get your tickets now to La Bohème, playing this November 22 through December 14. Tickets available at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: Making The Magic Flute Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

For our historic 40th anniversary season, LA Opera brings back the world's most delightful opera, the Magic Flute playing May 2026. In this special episode we flash back to a 2019 conversation between Brian Lauritzen and former resident conductor Grant Gershon. Together, they discuss all things Magic Flute, including the secrets of performing on high platforms, staging an opera with animations, and why it's such a clever choice to stage the production as a silent film. Celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera and don't miss the world's most popular opera, The Magic Flute, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: American Opera with Dr. Tiffany Kuo Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

As we approach the 4th of July, we’re turning our attention to the bold, ever-evolving world of American opera. In this special episode, Dr. Tiffany Kuo explores what makes an opera “American,” highlighting works that span ragtime, hip hop, minimalism, and the avant-garde. It’s a powerful reminder that American opera is not one sound—but many. From thrilling drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera this season, starting with the American classic, West Side Story. Tickets for LA Opera's historic 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org.