LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

Shimmering soprano Sydney Mancasola shares her pre-show secrets, her Mozart favorites, and the joys of working with Maestro Conlon on LA Opera's upcoming production of "The Magic Flute," all on this episode of "Behind the Curtain." Listen in as Sydney and our host Gail Eichenthal chat about tiny violins, larger-than-life voices, unexpected contemporary opera collaborations... and you'll even find out what's on Sydney's playlist these days. Enjoy this lively conversation and then get your tickets to "The Magic Flute" at LAOpera.org—including our newly added performance on Saturday, June 20.

Get ready for the 5th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit with this conversation hosted by LA Opera Connects Vice President Dr. Andréa Fuentes. This conversation was recorded live as part of our most recent Exploring Opera session—LA Opera Connects free virtual learning series—with this session focused on all things arts and health. In this episode, Andréa facilitates a dialogue about LA Opera's unique collaboration with the LA Children's Chorus and the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, featuring Dr. Assal Habibi, Susan Kotses, and Dr. Michele Patzakis. Did you know that singing and storytelling enhance cognitive and social/emotional skills? The science is there, and if this research excites you, join us for the Arts and Health Week Summit on June 12. Learn more and RSVP now at LAOpera.org/Summit.

In this pre-recorded post-show talk Maestro James Conlon sits down with actor and comedian Stephen Fry to explore Falstaff’s roles across Shakespeare’s plays, his wit and humanity, and why he remains one of the playwright’s most enduring and beloved characters. Don't miss the final performances of this witty and lavish opera, Falstaff. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org

Get ready for the 5th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit with this conversation hosted by Elisabeth Nails of the Los Angeles Department of Arts and Culture. This conversation was recorded live as part of our most recent Exploring Opera session, LA Opera Connects' free, virtual learning series - focused on all things arts and health, including an opportunity for moving meditation. In this episode, Elisabeth facilitates a session about Creative Wellbeing, which is a healing-centered approach for building communities of wellness, joined by four of Creative Wellbeing's many partners, Contratiempo, Families Uniting Families, LA County Department of Mental Health, and Center for Empowerment of Families. It's a truly embodied episode on this week's Behind the Curtain! And if arts and health excite you, join us for our upcoming Arts & Health Week Summit, this June 12th. You can RSVP now at laopera.org/summit.

On today's episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank welcomes bass-baritone Craig Colclough for a conversation about “Falstaff,” in which Colclough plays the titular role. Learn what Craig's first instrument was, how he feels to see himself on a show banner, and what his first impressions of LA Opera were. Craig and Jeremy also analyze “Falstaff” through a Shakespearean lens, with Craig sharing his personal interpretation of the role he's played for over a decade. “Falstaff” runs now through May 10th on the LA Opera stage. Get your tickets at LAOpera.org.