LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

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.

In this episode, Gail Eichenthal interviews the acclaimed opera director Shawna Lucey who helms LA Opera's "Falstaff." Shawna shares how she came to opera from theater, her long love affair with "Falstaff," and her formative training in Moscow. Experience Shawna's feminist perspective on Elizabethan society and find out why she says that "Falstaff" teaches us to love ourselves. "Falstaff" is playing now through May 10 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Get your tickets at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, LA Opera President and CEO Christopher Koelsch is joined by leaders and luminaries of the Los Angeles opera scene to discuss OperaFest, a two-month festival taking place this April and May that will give you the chance to experience opera all across Los Angeles County. Circle up with LA Opera, Beth Morrison Projects, Overtone Industries, Long Beach Opera, and REDCAT to discuss the radical possibilities of opera, from inclusion and accessibility to platforming living composers—then head on over to OperaFestLA.org to learn more. It's a fascinating discussion and it's happening right now, on "Behind the Curtain."