We are excited that there is a vital conversation about opera in Los Angeles. We welcome the ongoing dialogue about which operas should be produced and how – it helps inform our future seasons and speaks to the strength and continuing popularity of opera as an art form. It is exciting to see so many organizations putting their spin on this timeless and enduring art form.
LA Opera is known around the world for our innovative pursuit of perfection in opera. Regardless of whether it is a world premiere or a 150-year-old classic, we approach each piece with artistic integrity and a commitment to creating a heightened emotional and cultural experience for our audiences. We are proud stewards of an art form which allows for multiple aesthetic perspectives. We also select operas based on their artistic value without regard to the year they are composed. The hallmark of a great story or artwork is its ability to transcend generations — the popularity of our recent La Bohème is a perfect example of this.
That being said, opera is a rich and diverse art form and we strongly support the creation of new works and the exploration of varied repertory. Our track record proves this. For example, we enthusiastically supported The Industry's production of "Crescent City" by providing casting, lighting and sound equipment, media relations support and marketing. On our own stage, we have often been accused of being too adventurous.
The onset of the recession, coinciding with a bold and ambitious Ring cycle, led to a slight and temporary shift toward less modern repertory. It was a financially responsible course that allowed us to continue to produce opera of the highest caliber, bring in new audiences and weather the recession. Best of all: it worked. We are well on our way to being debt free — an amazing accomplishment considering the challenging economy.
We continue to value diversity in programming and already have several world premieres and modern operas in the planning stages. In the meantime, however, we invite you to partake of opera — LA Opera style — in all of its glory: elaborate, evocative scenery, fully-staged drama, a entire symphony orchestra in the pit, unamplified singing, world-class couture...unrivaled stagecraft and musicianship.
From LA Opera’s upcoming The Two Foscari — a brand new production (of a 168-year-old opera) starring Plácido Domingo.