LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

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.

Today's episode of the podcast brings contemporary art downstage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as we unveil the many inspirations—both artistic and scientific—behind LA Opera's jaw-dropping new curtain! This 70-foot commissioned curtain is the vision of artist and author Enrique Martínez Celaya, who joins us today on the podcast. Alongside Enrique is Christina Nielsen, Director of the Art Museum at The Huntington Library, who discusses the impact of the curtain and the importance of Celaya's work. See the new curtain unfold in person when you visit your opera house, with tickets to LA Opera's 2026/27 season, available now at LAOpera.org.

On today's episode of "Behind the Curtain," soaring Tunisian-Canadian soprano Rihab Chaieb reveals her surprising musical past, shares about the hustle it takes to become an opera star, and spills the secrets of "Carmen," our season opening production. To her, Carmen is an unwavering beacon of freedom who aches to be loved for the right reasons, and collaborating on this world premiere has opened up a plethora of creative questions. It's a joyfully multilingual episode of "Behind the Curtain" that will have francophiles smiling and opera fans singing along. Get your tickets to "Carmen" now at LAOpera.org.