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.
49episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
20 Years with Maestro Conlon: Beethoven, Mozart, and Classical Opera
Oct 7Tap to summarizeIn this episode, veteran broadcast journalist Gail Eichenthal of Classical California KUSC sits down once again with Maestro James Conlon for the second episode of our miniseries, "20 Years with Maestro Conlon." This time, they transport us to the Classical period, with special emphasis on Maestro's legacy conducting Beethoven and Mozart—including Beethoven's only opera, "Fidelio," and Mozart's final opera, "The Magic Flute," which is the wonderful conclusion to this LA Opera season. From "La Bohème" to "The Magic Flute," get your tickets for this glittering LA Opera season at LAOpera.org.
Transcribe →
Serious Fun with Opera: West Side Story, with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Aug 26Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →
Love/Hate/It’s Complicated Island: A New Season of Opera Romance with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Jul 22, 2025Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →
From the Vault: Making The Magic Flute
Jul 8, 2025Tap to summarizeFor 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.
Transcribe →
The Women of Mozart's Così fan tutte with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Mar 17, 2025Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →
Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano's Pre-Performance Talk on Romeo and Juliet
Nov 5, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this pre-recorded, pre-performance lecture, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano guides you through Gounod's Romeo and Juliet, the plot, the history, and of course the music. Tickets to Romeo and Juliet are available now at LAOpera.org.
Transcribe →
Gender and Ritual in Meiji Japan with Dr. Rebecca Corbett and Dr. Kristi Montesano-Brown
Oct 1, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this episode Dr. Rebecca Corbett, USC's Director of Special Projects and Japanese Studies Librarian in the East Asian Library provides additional context for Madame Butterfly, through her research on Japanese tea practices. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series, Opera for Educators.
Transcribe →Madame Butterfly: Historical Context with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Sep 17, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano provides additional context for Madame Butterfly in this pre-recorded lecture a part of Connects professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators. Tickets for Madame Butterfly are available now at LAOpera.org.
Transcribe →
La Traviata in Conversation with Shawna Lucey, Rachel Willis-Sørensen and Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Apr 8, 2024Tap to summarizeShawna Lucey and Rachel Willis-Sorensen bring the story of La Traviata to life through extensive research and world-building, sharing glimpses of their unique rehearsal process and personal stories that shape their artistry with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano. Don't miss this new to LA production, playing now through April 26. Tickets are available at LAOpera.org.
Transcribe →Highway 1, USA in Conversation with Celeste Headlee and Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano
Mar 13, 2024Tap to summarizeWilliam Grant Still's Highway 1, USA is an opera about family. Listen in as affiliated scholar, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano and the grand-daughter of William Grant Still - Celeste Headlee, discuss who Still was at home - and how the powerful women in his life influenced the drama we see unfold on stage.
Transcribe →