David Hockney started his relationship with Wagner's music over twenty years ago with a choreographed drive up the California coast. Each turn had a musical accent and his car's speed matched the crescendos and decrescendos. The union between the California sun and the passion of Wagner's music translated magically into the set design and lighting of LA Opera's production of Tristan und Isolde.
Listen while Music Director James Conlon guides you through the musical tapestry of Tristan und Isolde. He offers insight into Wagner's use of musical leitmotifs to develop characters and advance the plot.
Linda Watson (Isolde) and John Treleaven (Tristan) discuss the intense discipline it takes to be among the top Wagnerian singers in the world. They talk about this iconic production by renowned artist David Hockney and their excitement to be included in the cast of LA Opera's original Ring cycle designed by Achim Freyer.
Bass Erwin Schrott shares his feelings on the role of Don Giovanni, a role he is scheduled to play until 2012. He explains how he reached this point in his career and how he captures the passion, color, and energy of this extraordinary character. He expresses his love for Mozart and how that affects his performance.
Arturo Chácon Cruz (Rodolfo) and Maija Kovalevska (Mimi) engage in a conversation about the road that lead them to star in La Bohème at the LA Opera. They recall their Operalia wins and talk about Plácido Domingo's influence in their lives. The young opera stars rave about LA Opera's romantic and cinematic production of La Bohème from film director Herbert Ross
Music Director James Conlon discusses how Leos Janácek stands out as a composer with his own voices and how this relates to Jenufa. He also talks about the LA Opera production of this powerful Czech masterpiece and how this tragic story is in fact very uplifting. He comments on his work with the LA Opera chorus and orchestra as he starts his second season as Music Director.
Newly appointed Associate Conductor/Chorus Master, Grant Gershon, shares with us how he prepares the chorus for each production and his excitement about returning to LA Opera. He comments on LA Opera's opening weekend which includes Verdi's Requiem and Beethoven's Fidelio. He discusses his favorite moments in these pieces and his passion for conducting.
The internationally acclaimed stars of Beethoven's Fidelio, Anja Kampe and Klaus Florian Vogt, discuss their LA Opera debuts and the passion it takes to portray two separated lovers. Anja Kampe (Leonore) talks about her role and the strength of Fidelio's heroine while Klaus Florian Vogt (Florestan) speaks to the instrumental influences and challenges in singing Beethoven's only opera.
Director Emilio Sagi discusses LA Opera's upcoming production of Luisa Fernanda. Mr. Sagi talks about the Spanish zarzuela genre and the work's passionate storyline. He also describes his directorial background and explains why Luisa Fernanda holds such a special place in his own heart.
Award-winning director Francesca Zambello discusses LA Opera's Porgy and Bess. Ms. Zambello describes her background, her directing process and the concept behind this thrilling new production. She also talks about the universal story and the unforgettable music found within the classic American treasure.
David Hockney started his relationship with Wagner's music over twenty years ago with a choreographed drive up the California coast. Each turn had a musical accent and his car's speed matched the crescendos and decrescendos. The union between the California sun and the passion of Wagner's music translated magically into the set design and lighting of LA Opera's production of Tristan und Isolde.
Listen while Music Director James Conlon guides you through the musical tapestry of Tristan und Isolde. He offers insight into Wagner's use of musical leitmotifs to develop characters and advance the plot.
Bass Erwin Schrott shares his feelings on the role of Don Giovanni, a role he is scheduled to play until 2012. He explains how he reached this point in his career and how he captures the passion, color, and energy of this extraordinary character. He expresses his love for Mozart and how that affects his performance.
Music Director James Conlon discusses how Leos Janácek stands out as a composer with his own voices and how this relates to Jenufa. He also talks about the LA Opera production of this powerful Czech masterpiece and how this tragic story is in fact very uplifting. He comments on his work with the LA Opera chorus and orchestra as he starts his second season as Music Director.
Newly appointed Associate Conductor/Chorus Master, Grant Gershon, shares with us how he prepares the chorus for each production and his excitement about returning to LA Opera. He comments on LA Opera's opening weekend which includes Verdi's Requiem and Beethoven's Fidelio. He discusses his favorite moments in these pieces and his passion for conducting.
Director Emilio Sagi discusses LA Opera's upcoming production of Luisa Fernanda. Mr. Sagi talks about the Spanish zarzuela genre and the work's passionate storyline. He also describes his directorial background and explains why Luisa Fernanda holds such a special place in his own heart.
Award-winning director Francesca Zambello discusses LA Opera's Porgy and Bess. Ms. Zambello describes her background, her directing process and the concept behind this thrilling new production. She also talks about the universal story and the unforgettable music found within the classic American treasure.
