LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

On today's episode, Gail Eichenthal interviews LA Opera Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados, who is conducting "Candide," November 21 through December 13 at LA Opera. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org. Lina reminisces about her father's record collection, taking long subway rides to see opera weekly in New York, and shares how what she calls 'compartmentalized presence' helps her be both a mother and a world-class conductor. Lina and Gail also look forward with excitement to LA Opera's annual celebration of Latino artistry and culture, the Celebración de las Artes, coming up December 13th. This event is free and you can learn more at LAOpera.org/Celebracion. Now grab a seat and let's go... behind the curtain.

LA Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program supports the future of opera by developing the gifts of exceptional young artists. Through a two-year residency, these rising talents are given opportunities including mainstage roles, as principal artists' covers, and in dedicated young artist recitals. Today on the podcast, LA Opera's Paul Hopper interviews one of our Young Artists, Gabrielė Žemaitytė. Find out what four productions she is on the music staff for this season, what role mentorship has played in her musical career, and, of course, learn all about her favorite soup... right here, on "Behind the Curtain." Get your tickets now to one of LA Opera's upcoming productions this season at LAOpera.org.

As a leader in the field of Arts & Health, LA Opera is thrilled to have two guests today on the podcast who are incredible advocates with long histories in the realm: Dr. Eraka Bath and Patrisse Cullors. Through UCLA’s HEARTS program, they are providing arts-based mental health workshops for civic leaders and healthcare workers who are experiencing stress and burnout. But how do you heal the healers? Dig into this question and more with host Gail Eichenthal, today on Behind the Curtain. Then learn more and celebrate November’s Arts & Health Month with LA Opera Connects by visiting LAOpera.org/ArtsAndHealth.

In this episode—an excerpt from our Exploring Opera series—Dr. Catalina Castillón, Emerita Professor of Spanish at Lamar University, unpacks the character of Carmen. Look beyond the timeless allure and discover the symbolism, the archetypes, and the mythos behind Carmen herself. Then, don't miss this classic opera, with a brand new twist. Tickets to "Carmen" are available now at LAOpera.org.

On today's episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank is back at the piano, exploring the themes that make "Carmen" universal, from love triangles to liberation. He'll share musical excerpts from "Carmen" that you know and love—such as the famous "Habanera"—and trace the motifs that run through the opera, with a special ear to how the musical score complements the story. It's an aria-filled episode today on "Behind the Curtain." Tickets to "Carmen" are selling fast. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.