LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Latest Episodes:

Ainadamar in Conversation with Ana María Martínez and Jeremy Frank Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, soprano and Grammy Award winner Ana María Martínez sits down with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank to discuss transitioning from the comedic and crafty Despina in Così fan tutte to the reverent keeper of Federico García Lorca's legacy, Margarita Xirgu, in Ainadamar. Playing April 26-May 18, tickets to Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.

The Music of Ainadamar with Jeremy Frank Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank provides a musical overview of Ainadamar. Playing April 26 through May 18 - don't miss the opera LA Times calls "one of the most moving and meaningful" of our time. Tickets are on sale now. This lecture was recorded in partnership with the Opera League of Los Angeles at the historic Ebell of Los Angeles. To learn more about the Opera League and view upcoming events, visit OperaLeague.org. Don't miss LA Opera's Celebracion de las Artes on Sunday, May 4th. Immerse yourself in artistry and culture, shop our mercado featuring local artists and small businesses, and enjoy live musical performances from Mariachi Las Colibri, Mariachi Divas, LA Opera Connects Zarzuela Project, and Rumba Flamenca. Visit LAOpera.org/Celebracion for more details, and we'll see you on the Jerry Moss Plaza on May 4th.

Ainadamar: Annotated Listening Guide Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Vinícius Costa, member of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Ainadamar with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing April 26 through May 18, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

Loss, Legacy, and Liberation: Ainadamar in Conversation with Dr. Tiffany Kuo, Osvaldo Golijov, and David Henry Hwang Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo sits down with Ainadamar composer Osvaldo Golijov and librettist David Henry Hwang to discuss the evolution of this contemporary opera and the themes of loss, legacy, and liberation. Join Dr. Tiffany Kuo for additional historical and musical context at free community lectures on April 1 at the Los Angeles Central Library and on April 3 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes; learn more at LAOpera.org/Lectures, then don't miss Ainadamar playing April 26-May 18.

The Women of Mozart's Così fan tutte with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano provides an introduction to the women of Così fan tutte and the gender roles and expectations of Mozart's time. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through March 30, tickets for Così fan tutte are available now at LAOpera.org.

Community Opera and Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Nita Baxani, Carla Lucero, and Mercedes Juan Musotto Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

LA Opera Connects' annual Community Opera invites hundreds of performers to join LA Opera professionals on stage, no experience necessary. After weeks of rehearsals with Connects teaching artists, performers share that they feel more confident, a sense of belonging, and excited to perform again. Listen in as Dr. Nita Baxani, Chair of Early Childhood Music at the Colburn School, interviews composer and librettist of this year's Community Opera Carla Lucero, and assistant conductor Mercedes Juan Musotto on their experiences with communal music-making and their role in breaking down barriers to opera. Come see The Three Women of Jerusalem, playing March 14 and 15. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org/CommunityOpera.

James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on Così fan tutte Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Mozart's Così fan tutte. Don't miss this razor-sharp comedy playing March 8-30. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

Così fan tutte: Annotated Listening Guide Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Jonathan Lacayo, LA Opera Connects teaching artist shares the synopsis for Cosi fan tutte, with annotated musical notes from musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing March 8-30, tickets are available now at LA Opera.org

Healing Through Music with Ping Ho Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, an installment of our Music and Wellness series, Arts and Healing Initiative Founder and Director, Ping Ho shares the power of music in helping you to free your voice, reduce stress, and heal through drumming and thought exercises she uses in her everyday practice. Learn more about how LA Opera Connects is exploring the connections between music, wellness, and recovery at LAOpera.org/ArtsandHealth and be sure to save the date for our Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13, 2025.

Behind the Costumes: A Conversation with Jeannique Prospere and Xochi Hernandez Feb 04, 2025

Show notes

From the embroidery on a single gown, to the hair in every wig, LA Opera's costume shop creates gorgeous looks and magical moments with every show. Go Behind the Curtain with LA Opera Costume Director Jeannique Prospere as she sits down with Xochi Hernandez to discuss how her team spends months sourcing materials and putting each look together by hand. Experience the magic LA Opera's costume shop creates during Mozart's Cosi fan tutte. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

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