Podcast
LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain
Hosted by LA Opera · EN
Created in 1986 by a team of visionaries, LA Opera has become a leader in artistic innovation, while honoring the great historical legacy of opera. Through the powerful art form of opera, we celebrate the diversity and pioneering spirit of our great city.
47episodes
Episodes
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20 Years with Maestro Conlon: James Conlon's Legacy
Today00:38:10Summary readyLost and recovered voices. Contemporary composers and community opera. This episode of Behind the Curtain is a special one because it is the final episode in our miniseries with Maestro Conlon, as he rounds out his final season as Music Director with LA Opera. It's also one of the last episodes of our podcast season as the opera season sings to a close. We'll bring you some episodes from the vault this summer before starting up again with new episodes for our 26/27 season in the fall. But first, enjoy this fascinating exploration of 20th century music with the Maestro, and join us, with all of Los Angeles, in thanking him for an incredible 20 years as Richard Seaver Music Director of LA Opera. What a legacy. Thank you, Maestro, from all of us.
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The Queen of the Night: Gender Roles in The Magic Flute with Dr. Tiffany Kuo and Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
1w ago00:52:21Summary readyIn this episode, LA Opera Connects affiliated scholars Dr. Tiffany Kuo and Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano discuss "The Magic Flute," lighting up the LA Opera stage. They tackle the tough issues of gender raised by depictions of the Queen of the Night. Is she good, or is she evil? Empowered or beholden? Or is it far more complicated than any binary? They also touch on the influence of Freemasonry in Mozart's magical fairy tale, with plenty of musical interludes to whet your appetite. Enjoy, and then get your tickets to "The Magic Flute" at LAOpera.org.
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Advocates, Innovators, Changemakers: Conversations with Arts & Health Leaders
2w ago01:08:05Summary readyToday on the podcast, Gail Eichenthal is joined by leaders at the intersection of Arts & Health to celebrate LA Opera’s partnerships and impact as we reflect on 5 years of LA County Arts and Health Week Summits. Listen in to conversations covering our 5th annual Summit's Core Themes. From Research to Practice with Sunil Iyengar of the NEA; Five Years of Progress with Kristin Sakoda, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture; and Advocacy Across Sectors with Co-Director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab Dr. Nisha Sajnani. Then, we'll hear from LA Opera Connects Vice-President Dr. Andréa Fuentes as we look the future of caring for our communities through the arts. LAOpera.org/Summit Arts.gov/Impact/Research LACountyArts.org JameelArtsHealthLab.org
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Confronting Opera History: The Magic Flute with Dr. Lily Kass
3w ago00:34:59Summary readyHave you ever thought about what the supertitles at the opera do and do not reveal? In this episode, which was recorded as part of LA Opera Connects' Exploring Opera series, Dr. Lily Kass shares her research into translations—how they mediate across time and culture, beyond simply translating a libretto. In the case of Barrie Kosky's production of "The Magic Flute," supertitles are used to combat racism, updating and mitigating a problematic text for modern audiences. Dive into the history, confront the past, and learn the relevance of this fascinating field, and we hope you'll join us for the incredible and storied "The Magic Flute." Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.
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James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on The Magic Flute
4w ago00:29:18Summary readyIn this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Don't miss this fantastic and delightful opera, playing May 30-June 21, with a show just added on June 20. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.
SummarySydney Mancasola on Mozart and The Magic Flute with Gail Eichenthal
May 1900:39:39Summary readyShimmering soprano Sydney Mancasola shares her pre-show secrets, her Mozart favorites, and the joys of working with Maestro Conlon on LA Opera's upcoming production of "The Magic Flute," all on this episode of "Behind the Curtain." Listen in as Sydney and our host Gail Eichenthal chat about tiny violins, larger-than-life voices, unexpected contemporary opera collaborations... and you'll even find out what's on Sydney's playlist these days. Enjoy this lively conversation and then get your tickets to "The Magic Flute" at LAOpera.org—including our newly added performance on Saturday, June 20.
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Singing, Storytelling, and Cognitive Science
May 1200:59:49Summary readyGet ready for the 5th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit with this conversation hosted by LA Opera Connects Vice President Dr. Andréa Fuentes. This conversation was recorded live as part of our most recent Exploring Opera session—LA Opera Connects free virtual learning series—with this session focused on all things arts and health. In this episode, Andréa facilitates a dialogue about LA Opera's unique collaboration with the LA Children's Chorus and the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, featuring Dr. Assal Habibi, Susan Kotses, and Dr. Michele Patzakis. Did you know that singing and storytelling enhance cognitive and social/emotional skills? The science is there, and if this research excites you, join us for the Arts and Health Week Summit on June 12. Learn more and RSVP now at LAOpera.org/Summit.
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Stephen Fry on Falstaff: A LIVE Conversation with Maestro James Conlon
May 500:40:04Summary readyIn this pre-recorded post-show talk Maestro James Conlon sits down with actor and comedian Stephen Fry to explore Falstaff’s roles across Shakespeare’s plays, his wit and humanity, and why he remains one of the playwright’s most enduring and beloved characters. Don't miss the final performances of this witty and lavish opera, Falstaff. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org
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BONUS: At the Intersection of Arts and Health - Creative Wellbeing with Elisabeth Nails
May 100:50:55Summary readyGet ready for the 5th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit with this conversation hosted by Elisabeth Nails of the Los Angeles Department of Arts and Culture. This conversation was recorded live as part of our most recent Exploring Opera session, LA Opera Connects' free, virtual learning series - focused on all things arts and health, including an opportunity for moving meditation. In this episode, Elisabeth facilitates a session about Creative Wellbeing, which is a healing-centered approach for building communities of wellness, joined by four of Creative Wellbeing's many partners, Contratiempo, Families Uniting Families, LA County Department of Mental Health, and Center for Empowerment of Families. It's a truly embodied episode on this week's Behind the Curtain! And if arts and health excite you, join us for our upcoming Arts & Health Week Summit, this June 12th. You can RSVP now at laopera.org/summit.
SummaryA Knight to Remember: Falstaff with Craig Colclough and Jeremy Frank
Apr 2800:58:16Summary readyOn today's episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank welcomes bass-baritone Craig Colclough for a conversation about “Falstaff,” in which Colclough plays the titular role. Learn what Craig's first instrument was, how he feels to see himself on a show banner, and what his first impressions of LA Opera were. Craig and Jeremy also analyze “Falstaff” through a Shakespearean lens, with Craig sharing his personal interpretation of the role he's played for over a decade. “Falstaff” runs now through May 10th on the LA Opera stage. Get your tickets at LAOpera.org.
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