LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

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. Brow...

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. H...

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, an...

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, celebra...

This February 2026, Akhnaten returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the first time in a decade. In this special episode, we rewind to a 2017 conversation between Akhnaten's composer, Philip Glass, and LA Opera’s then-artist-in-residence, Matthew Aucoin. Together, they explore the radical reign of the pharaoh Akhnaten, the revolutionary vision that reshaped ancient Egypt, and the hypnotic sco...

This episode is an in-depth analysis of the music of Rigoletto, with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank. From his piano, Jeremy takes us on a journey through the music of Rigoletto, providing context from the end of the bel canto period into Verdi's early, middle, and late periods. This episode was recorded as part of LA Opera's learning series, now known as Exploring Opera. Tickets for Rigolet...

In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with Rigoletto star Quinn Kelsey to discuss the baritone's artistic journey, his experience of embodying one of Verdi's most iconic roles, and how his Hawaiian cultural heritage has influenced it all. Playing now through June 21, tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, musicologist Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong illuminates the women of Rigoletto and their archetypes, drawing on history, literature, and fine arts. This lecture was recorded as part of Opera for Educators, LA Opera Connects' professional development series for teachers and anyone interested in a deeper dive. Tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Verdi's Rigoletto. Don't miss this heart-pounding drama playing May 31-June 21. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino, alumna of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Rigoletto, with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo.

In this episode, LA Opera Connects is looking forward to the 4th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13. Listen in to this panel conversation recorded at last year's Summit, featuring Renée Fleming leading a discussion about the future of embedding the arts into healthcare with Dr. Daniel Levitin, Sarah Lyding, Dr. Indre Viskontas, and Stacie Aamon Yeldell. Join us here at the Dor...

In this episode, scholar Dr. Luis Martin-Cabrera provides context for Ainadamar with an introduction to the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, and the fate of poet Federico García Lorca. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through May 18, tickets for Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.

In this pre-recorded pre-performance lecture, Dr. Tiffany Kuo guides you through Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadamar: the plot, the history, and, of course, the music. Tickets to Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.

What does trauma-informed mean? How can the opera be a place of catharsis? In this episode, composer, performer, and mental health professional Danielle Birrittella explores the links between opera, mental health, and the operatic imagination. Hear more conversations like this at the 4th annual Los Angeles County Arts and Health Week Summit, hosted by LA Opera. Visit LAOpera.org/Summit to register...

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.

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 an...

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.

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 a...

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.

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...

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.

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

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....

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...

Pablo Larrain's biopic, Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie as the illustrious Maria Callas has the opera world abuzz. Listen in as long-time LA Opera chorus member and vocal coach to Angelina Jolie for the film, Lori Stinson, sits down with Chorus Director Jeremy Frank to discuss her process in preparing Jolie for the role. 351105