International opera stars Susan Graham and Rod Gilfry discuss LA Opera's The Merry Widow. Ms. Graham and Mr. Gilfry describe the elegant waltzes, timeless melodies and laugh-out-loud humor of this light-hearted classic. They also explain the operetta art form and talk about the versatility and 'endurance' that today's opera singers must embody.
Bass-baritone Kevin Short discusses his leading role as Porgy in LA Opera's Porgy and Bess. Mr. Short describes his background and how he's preparing for the upcoming production. He also touches on the controversial nature of the work and why he believes Porgy and Bess is 'the great American opera'.
Acclaimed international opera director Lotfi Mansouri discusses his elegant and witty production of Franz Lehárs classic operetta, The Merry Widow. Mr. Mansouri also describes his original journey from Iran to Los Angeles, where he discovered an unexpected passion for opera, and explains what continues to drive him more than 40 years after making his directorial debut.
Director Ian Judge discusses LA Opera's company premiere of Richard Wagner's most voluptuous opera, Tannhäuser. With only a week to go before opening night, Mr. Judge explains the challenges of putting together such a monumental work. He also vividly describes how he mirrors the opera's musical eroticism on stage in his daring new production.
Tony Award-winning legend Patti LuPone and LA Opera Music Director James Conlon reminisce about their days together at The Juilliard School and describe what it's like working together again in LA Opera's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Ms. LuPone and Mr. Conlon also share fascinating discussions on agitrop (political) theater and 'cross-over' entertainment.
With only two weeks before opening night, 2006 Tony Award-winning Director John Doyle describes the direction and concept of his production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Mr. Doyle talks about the sex appeal and accessibility of the work and also explains what the experience has been like preparing for his LA Opera debut.
Four-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald stars in LA Opera's risqué new production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. From a rehearsal room at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ms. McDonald talks about making her LA Opera debut and also discusses her approach to building the character of Jenny, a tart-with-a-heart in an "Old West Boomtown."
Internationally acclaimed Mezzo-soprano, Susan Graham makes her LA Opera stage debut as Poppea in Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea (L'incoronazione di Poppea). Ms. Graham previews the Company Premiere, discusses her leading role, and describes the ancient Roman setting and culture of this Baroque masterpiece.
Celebrated Artist Douglas Fitch discusses his role as Director and Designer of the upcoming Los Angeles Opera production, Hansel and Gretel. Fitch shares his vision for a playful and unconventional new setting of Engelbert Humperdinck's beloved masterpiece.
Director/choreographer Vincent Paterson and vocal director Denise Massé discuss the upcoming LA Opera production of Manon, their collaboration and what it takes to prepare vocally for a production of this complexity.
Bass-baritone Kevin Short discusses his leading role as Porgy in LA Opera's Porgy and Bess. Mr. Short describes his background and how he's preparing for the upcoming production. He also touches on the controversial nature of the work and why he believes Porgy and Bess is 'the great American opera'.
Acclaimed international opera director Lotfi Mansouri discusses his elegant and witty production of Franz Lehárs classic operetta, The Merry Widow. Mr. Mansouri also describes his original journey from Iran to Los Angeles, where he discovered an unexpected passion for opera, and explains what continues to drive him more than 40 years after making his directorial debut.
Director Ian Judge discusses LA Opera's company premiere of Richard Wagner's most voluptuous opera, Tannhäuser. With only a week to go before opening night, Mr. Judge explains the challenges of putting together such a monumental work. He also vividly describes how he mirrors the opera's musical eroticism on stage in his daring new production. 
With only two weeks before opening night, 2006 Tony Award-winning Director John Doyle describes the direction and concept of his production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Mr. Doyle talks about the sex appeal and accessibility of the work and also explains what the experience has been like preparing for his LA Opera debut. 
Four-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald stars in LA Opera's risqué new production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. From a rehearsal room at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ms. McDonald talks about making her LA Opera debut and also discusses her approach to building the character of Jenny, a tart-with-a-heart in an "Old West Boomtown." 
Internationally acclaimed Mezzo-soprano, Susan Graham makes her LA Opera stage debut as Poppea in Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea (L'incoronazione di Poppea). Ms. Graham previews the Company Premiere, discusses her leading role, and describes the ancient Roman setting and culture of this Baroque masterpiece.
Celebrated Artist Douglas Fitch discusses his role as Director and Designer of the upcoming Los Angeles Opera production, Hansel and Gretel. Fitch shares his vision for a playful and unconventional new setting of Engelbert Humperdinck's beloved masterpiece.
Director/choreographer Vincent Paterson and vocal director Denise Massé discuss the upcoming LA Opera production of Manon, their collaboration and what it takes to prepare vocally for a production of this complexity.
