Plácido Domingo’s unique vision of combining the creative forces of Hollywood and the international opera and theatre worlds was realized like never before during LA Opera’s 2008-09 Season Opening Weekend. This spectacular event marked a historic occasion, when three prominent film directors – Woody Allen, William Friedkin and David Cronenberg – came together to launch the 23rd Season with exciting new productions under the baton of Maestros James Conlon and Plácido Domingo.

The Opening Weekend of LA Opera’s 2008/09 Season is an autumn highlight, a weekend of first-class opera and events that gather the leaders of the business, government, and cultural communities in Los Angeles and beyond.

The festivities began on Friday evening with a special al fresco ocean view dinner for Platinum patrons at the architecturally significant Pacific Palisades home of one of LA Opera’s Board members, Sandra Terner, and her husband, Jack. The evening of Saturday, September 6, began with a new production of Puccini’s three-opera masterpiece, Il Trittico, directed by Academy Award®-winning film directors William Friedkin (Il Tabarro and Suor Angelica) and, making his opera directorial debut, Woody Allen (Gianni Schicchi). The new production was designed by the celebrated film and Tony Award winner theater designer, Santo Loquasto. James Conlon led the LA Opera Orchestra and a cast of internationally renowned singers. The performance was followed by an elegant black tie gala dinner on the Music Center Plaza.

The weekend celebration concluded on Sunday, September 7. Following an elegant luncheon, Plácido Domingo conducted the U.S. premiere of The Fly, commissioned by LA Opera. The Fly was composed by Oscar-winning composer Howard Shore to a libretto by Tony Award winner, David Henry Hwang. The Fly is based on David Cronenberg’s critically acclaimed 1986 film of the same name. Mr. Cronenberg directed this new production. A Finale Celebration dinner with the cast rounded out the weekend of events.

Stay tuned for information on LA Opera’s next Gala event!