LA Opera Podcasts: Behind the Curtain

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.

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."

In this episode, we bring you the next edition of "Serious Fun with Opera," a "Behind the Curtain" mini-series that takes a romp through operatic themes with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano. This episode takes us into the story and the music of Verdi's "Falstaff," which lights up the LA Opera with hilarity from April 18-May 10. Delight in the details of the revenge plot of "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and then get your tickets to "Falstaff" at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and of course, the music of Verdi's "Falstaff." Don't miss this merry farce, playing April 18-May 10. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

This episode continues our 20 Years With the Maestro Miniseries, in which veteran journalist Gail Eichenthal and Maestro James Conlon take on the highlights of our 40th Anniversary season, while exploring Maestro Conlon's legacy at LA Opera and beyond. This time around, they celebrate Conlon's upcoming Gala Concert on April 24, a glittering evening of excerpts from the operatic canon with special guests from the LA Opera stage. Share in the repertoire selection process, uncover which opera's name you should never speak aloud, and get excited for some stellar singers--all in this delightful episode. Tickets for the April 24 Gala are available now at laopera.org.

Forgiveness. Comeuppance. Transformation. And the power of storytelling. In this episode of the Behind the Curtain miniseries Opera in the Community, scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo talks to Melissa Chalsma of the Independent Shakespeare Company. They probe the enduring power of Shakespeare's comedies and enlighten us on some of the class and gender themes we'll uncover in LA Opera's production of Verdi's Falstaff, playing April 18th to May 10th at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Get your tickets for this merry farce at laopera.org.

Today, we bring you another episode of "20 Years with Maestro Conlon", our miniseries in which Gail Eichenthal illuminates the legacy of Maestro James Conlon, in his culminating season with LA Opera. This time, the dynamic pair focuses on 19th-century German Opera with an emphasis on Wagner. Learn why the Ring was a must, how many rehearsals a "Rheingold" fits into, and which 20th-century composers were Wagner devotées. Maestro Conlon rounds out our 40th Anniversary Season conducting Verdi's "Falstaff" and Mozart's "The Magic Flute". Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

This episode features a live recording of the opening night pre-performance lecture for "Akhnaten," which runs now through March 22 at LA Opera. In this lecture, musicologist and Connects affiliated scholar Dr.Tiffany Kuo takes you on an intellectual journey that is as mesmerizing as the performance itself. Focusing on the symbolism of the heart and the sun, Tiffany talks spells on papyrus and trancelike rhythms. Get your tickets to "Akhnaten" now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank and critically acclaimed countertenor John Holiday sit down for an intimate interview. Listen in as they identify famous countertenors in popular culture and dish on Philip Glass's "Akhnaten", playing now through March 22—with an added performance on March 21st. With his inimitable spirit, John shares about growing up singing, his unexpected TV debut, and how he's taking care of himself during the run of this production. Get your tickets to Akhnaten now at LAOpera.org.

Internationally acclaimed conductor Dalia Stasevska joins host Gail Eichenthal for a revealing conversation about the sounds, mentors, and moments that shaped her life. From Finland's legendary conducting tradition to the role models who changed her path, Dalia shares what inspires her on and off the podium, including her favorite moment in LA Opera's current production of Philip Glass's Akhnaten. Discover what makes this opera unforgettable, then experience it for yourself. Akhnaten is selling fast, with an additional performance just added on March 21. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

Celebrated director Phelim McDermott has a long relationship with the opera "Akhnaten." In this episode, McDermott and our host, Gail Eichenthal, explore the "paradox of power and vulnerability" in opera, improvisation as the basis of theatre, and how each performance is different every single night. Join us as we get ready to raise the curtain on "Akhnaten," Philip Glass's tribute to a trailblazing pharaoh on February 28; and with ticket demand at an all-time high, we're adding an extra date on March 21st. You can get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode of "Serious Fun With Opera," a "Behind the Curtain" miniseries, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano interviews UCLA's Chair of Musicology, Professor Bob Fink, about musical minimalism--a term that "Philip Glass would not answer to," he says, but that is a "quintessentially American form." They discuss the concepts of trance, aural wallpaper, and the sublime, all swirling around Philip Glass's "Akhnaten', coming up on the LA Opera stage. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, LA Opera Connects affiliated scholar, Dr. Tiffany Kuo, brings you "Opera in the Community," a Behind the Curtain mini-series that pairs each opera in our historic 40th Anniversary Season with an arts organization in Los Angeles. This episode pairs Philip Glass's opera Akhnaten, which is set in ancient Egypt, with The Getty Villa, whose upcoming exhibition synchronicitously features the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead. Dr. Kuo's interview with The Getty's Dr. Sara Cole reveals many surprises: that the Book of the Dead isn't really a book... That mummies were often wrapped in writing... And all the secrets of the afterlife! Listen in as they talk sun gods, gold-plated statues, and disrupting the status quo--and then get your tickets for Akhnaten at laopera.org.

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from members of the LA Opera team who lead Opera Camp, one of the ways the company engages young people in opera and performance. Opera Camp is a core part of LA Opera’s approach to meeting people where they are in their love for music, and to preparing the next generation of audience members and artists. For more information on Opera Camp, visit LAOpera.org/OperaCamp.

In this episode, music critic and regular "Detrás del telón" host Gerardo Kleinburg takes us into the world of "Akhnaten" — in his words, "an utterly singular opera unlike any other." Kleinburg's exploration pulls themes from history, art history, and religion to weave a fascinating portrait of the historical figure Akhnaten before taking us into musical minimalism and the surprising world of composer Philip Glass. LA Opera's hypnotic production of "Akhnaten" is playing February 28-March 22. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org. Did you know you can listen to LA Opera podcasts in Spanish? "Detrás del telón" takes you into the world of opera, with hosts including music critic Gerardo Kleinburg and musicologist Dr. Patricia Caicedo. Each episode is presented entirely in Spanish. Find "Detrás del telón" wherever you listen to podcasts or at LAOpera.org/Podcasts.

Following a performance of "West Side Story" earlier this season, LA Opera Connects hosted a special panel on Arts & Health to celebrate the launch of the 2025 Arts and Health Week video series. This conversation touches on the arts as an essential part of personal and community wellness, and features LA Opera Advisor for Special Projects Renée Fleming and soprano Gabriela Reyes in dialogue with community leaders Kristin Sakoda, Sarah Lyding, and Shavonda Webber-Christmas. Interested in learning more about how the arts are vital to healing? Visit LAOpera.org/ArtsandHealth and be sure to save the date for the 5th annual Arts & Health Week Summit on June 12, 2026, information is available at LAOpera.org/Summit. Recharge your mind, body, and spirit with LA Opera’s Creative Care, a free Zoom series that invites you to experience the healing power of the arts. Led by Connects teaching artists, each online gathering incorporates mindfulness, creative expression, learning, and self-reflection, all rooted in themes from our upcoming performances and other special topics. Rsvp now for our next session highlighting Philip Glass's "Akhnaten" on February 10, 2026. Tap into some inner peace and joy via LAOpera.org/CreativeCare.

In this special look inside the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, LA Opera's Senior Director of Artistic Planning Paul Hopper is joined by Young Artist Emily Damasco. Today, Emily and Paul chat about early opera memories, pierogi pizza, the intersection of arts and health, and the two roles Emily will be singing on the LA Opera mainstage this season in "Akhnaten" and "The Magic Flute." You can get your tickets to see this young soprano soar at LAOpera.org.

In this special look inside the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, we're featuring Young Artist Vinícius Costa, a bass from São Paulo, Brazil, who is singing three roles on the LA Opera main stage this season. Listen in as he chats with LA Opera's Paul Hopper about his musical origin story, first impressions of the American vocal scene, and visions for the future of his career. Catch this Young Artist on stage in "Akhnaten," "Falstaff," and "The Magic Flute." Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

On this episode of "Behind the Curtain," UCLA scholar and musicologist Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano returns with another installment of "Serious Fun with Opera." She turns the pages of "La Bohème" all the way back to Henri Murger's original source material, immersing us in 1800's Paris and paying special attention to muses Mimì and Musetta. Enjoy this literary journey and be sure to get your tickets to "La Bohème" at LAOpera.org.

In this second episode of "Opera in the Community," musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo uses the lens of "La Bohème" to speak with three arts leaders and artist advocates —Asuka Hisa, who walks us through the exhibits at ICA LA; Mackenzie Royce, who shares about the affordable housing and work space rental programs at ArtShare LA; and artist Fatima Burns, who talks about the importance of having a safe place to create. Dr. Kuo shows us that although times can still be tough for the creative class, we've come a long way from the starving artist days of "La Bohème" to having robust institutional support for artists, right here in Los Angeles. Don't miss Puccini's blockbuster opera, get your tickets to "La Bohème" now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode—an excerpt from our Exploring Opera series— LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank guides you through the musical moments of "La Bohème." Join Jeremy as he shares his wealth of knowledge about Puccini and the arias of Mimì and Musetta and all of your favorite bohemians. Don't miss this classic opera, and be sure to catch Jeremy Frank one hour before each performance in Stern Grand Hall for our popular pre-performance lectures. Tickets to "La Bohème" are available now at LAOpera.org.

On today's episode of "Behind the Curtain," LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with "La Bohème" star Janai Brugger. Follow Janai's journey all the way back to the start as she shares spectacular stories about following her dreams, approaching opera as an actor, balancing work and family, and her unbelievable experience at the Operalia competition. She also shares her approach to embodying Mimì, a role debut and the timeless beauty of "La Bohème." Get your tickets to this lavish production of "La Bohème," playing November 22 through December 14, at LAOpera.org.

On this episode of "Behind the Curtain," Classical KUSC's Gail Eichenthal is joined by international director of opera and theater Brenna Corner. They discuss the addiction that is opera, the grandness of the operatic scale, advice for aspiring singers and directors, and, of course, "La Bohème." Dig deep into Brenna's directorial process here on Behind the Curtain, and then get your tickets to this timeless story, playing November 22 through December 14 at LAOpera.org.

In this episode of "Behind the Curtain," Richard Seaver Music Director Maestro James Conlon compares and contrasts Giacomo Puccini's "La Bohème" and Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata," painting a lively picture of 19th-century France. From consumptive heroines to young lovers in strife, these operas tug at our heartstrings while maintaining a timeless relevance. Experience the drama of "La Bohème" from November 22 through December 14 at LA Opera. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

Welcome back to Behind the Curtain's mini series, 20 Years with Maestro Conlon, in which Classical KUSC's Gail Eichenthal sits down with Maestro James Conlon to discuss his legacy here at LA Opera. In this episode, we explore Italian opera—Rossini, Puccini, Verdi, and beyond—touching on bel canto and what makes a 'perfect opera.' Get your tickets now for Puccini's "La Bohème" and Verdi's "Falstaff" at LAOpera.org.

On today's exciting episode of "Behind the Curtain," Classical KUSC's Gail Eichenthal sits down with Beth Morrison, the visionary behind Beth Morrison Projects. BMP's "Hildegard" is coming up at LA Opera's Off Grand series, November 5-9 at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. A world premiere, Hildegard is the first opera from Composer and Librettist Sarah Kirkland Snider, whose compositions have been hailed as “rapturous” by the New York Times, and “ravishingly beautiful” by NPR. Beth and Gail chat all things inspiration and collaboration, from bringing opera into the 21st century to the phone call that started it all. Get your tickets for "Hildegard" at LAOpera.org.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera with film archivist Alejandra Espasande as she interviews three of the leading experts on this horror classic, including Emmy Award-winning make-up artist and the definitive biographer on Lon Chaney himself, Michael F. Blake. Set your Halloween plans now and get your tickets to The Phantom of the Opera at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, veteran broadcast journalist Gail Eichenthal of Classical California KUSC sits down once again with Maestro James Conlon for the second episode of our miniseries, "20 Years with Maestro Conlon." This time, they transport us to the Classical period, with special emphasis on Maestro's legacy conducting Beethoven and Mozart—including Beethoven's only opera, "Fidelio," and Mozart's final opera, "The Magic Flute," which is the wonderful conclusion to this LA Opera season. From "La Bohème" to "The Magic Flute," get your tickets for this glittering LA Opera season at LAOpera.org.

This week's episode is a panel discussion that was recorded live at our Opera Prep series, which brings secondary school groups to the Dorothy Chandler to experience a dress rehearsal. Hosted by Ashley Faatoalia, this West Side Story panel features Maestro James Conlon, Assistant Director Andrea Beasom, Assistant Choreographer Courtney Ortiz, and a very special guest, George Chakiris, who won the Academy Award AND Golden Globe for playing Bernardo in the original motion picture of West Side Story. Enjoy this special bonus episode and get your tickets to West Side Story at LA Opera.org

In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar, Dr. Tiffany Kuo brings you "Opera in the Community," a Behind the Curtain mini-series that pairs each opera in our historic 40th Anniversary Season with an arts organization in Los Angeles. This episode pairs "West Side Story" with LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes. Their current immersive music exhibit, A Great Day in East LA, illustrates the heritage, rhythm, and struggle of East LA, the neighborhood that actually inspired the conflict in "West Side Story." Hear Tiffany Kuo and Karen Crews Hendon, Senior Curator of the museum, discuss A Great Day in East LA and don't miss West Side Story tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and of course, the music of LA Opera's historic 40th season opener—Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story." Don't miss this American classic, playing now through October 12. Tickets are on sale at LAOpera.org.

In this week's episode of "Behind the Curtain," we tune in to a live-discussion hosted by our friends at the Opera League of Los Angeles between LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank and "West Side Story" Assistant Director Andrea Beasom, who brings her background as a professional dancer to the rehearsing and staging of Jerome Robbins original choreography. "West Side Story" electrifies the LA Opera stage from September 20 to October 12, and you can get your tickets before they're gone at LAOpera.org. West Side Story will be presented in English with English surtitles projected above the stage.

Not every tenor gets to play both Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet" and Tony in "West Side Story," but Duke Kim is doing just that. In this episode, we go behind the curtain on Duke's burgeoning career, from his first aria to his success in prestigious vocal competitions. LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with Duke for a conversation that spans "West Side Story," "Romeo and Juliet," KPop, and so much more. Don't wait on tickets to "West Side Story. " "Stay cool" and get them now at laopera.org.

In this episode, veteran broadcast journalist Gail Eichenthal of Classical California KUSC sits down with Maestro James Conlon for the inaugural episode of our new mini-series "20 Years with Maestro Conlon." Here in this introductory episode, we'll explore LA Opera's upcoming 40th Anniversary Season with an in-depth look at each production through the Maestro's eyes, as well as getting a peek behind the curtain at his extraordinary life and career. Tickets for LA Opera's spectacular 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org. Stay tuned for more captivating conversations in upcoming episodes of "20 Years with Maestro Conlon"—a special "Behind the Curtain" mini-series you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano is back with another installment of Serious Fun with Opera. Starting with a look at the relationship between musical theater and opera, she compares and contrasts the two art forms and how they interplay musically. She then tackles West Side Story, which opens LA Opera's 40th Anniversary Season. With its still relevant themes and catchy musical numbers, you won't want to miss West Side Story, playing September 20-October 12. Get your tickets now at LAOpera.org.

On this week's episode of Behind the Curtain, KUSC's Gail Eichenthal interviews the director of West Side Story at LA Opera, Francesca Zambello. What unfolds is a fascinating conversation touching on Zambello's extensive work in the community, her vision for West Side Story, and this production's faithfulness to Jerome Robbins' original choreography. Listen in for a dose of inspiration, and get your tickets for LA Opera's West Side Story—playing September 20 through October 12—at LAOpera.org.

On today's episode of Behind the Curtain, Dr. Patricia Caicedo is a musicologist, a physician, and a world-class soprano whose work redefines the role of music in society. Today, she shares her excitement for LA Opera's upcoming production of West Side Story, and makes a passionate case for performers and listeners alike to engage with Spanish-language repertoire. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe, and get your tickets now to West Side Story at LAOpera.org.

LA Opera kicks off its 40th Anniversary Season this fall with West Side Story, and in this episode from the vault, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank joins Connects Teaching Artist and renowned tenor Ashley Faatoalia to try and answer the age-old question: what's the difference between opera and musical theater? Whether you call West Side Story an opera or a musical, one thing's for sure; you'll laugh, cry, and shimmy along in your seat when it hits the LA Opera stage this fall. Get your tickets now for West Side Story—playing September 20 through October 12—at LAOpera.org.

In this episode from the vault, LA Opera Connects' Dr. Andréa Fuentes sits down with Colombia University's Dr. Shana Redmond to talk about why La Bohème so deeply resonates with us. They discuss the friendships, the economic struggle, the resilience, and the gender paradigms that populate this timeless opera, and what gives it its enduring charm. They also travel trains of thought-- from RENT to Paul Robeson to grand visions for the future of the art form. Get your tickets to La Bohème now at LAOpera.org and don't forget to leave a comment, rating, or review on this episode.

In this episode, the first installment of "Serious Fun with Opera", Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano takes us on a romp through the romantic relationships of the upcoming season, from tragic bohemians to passionate Egyptians (with more than a few nods to Shakespeare). LA Opera's 40th Anniversary productions have more steamy intrigue than an episode of—well, we'll let Dr. Brown-Montesano tell you about that. Get your tickets to romance at LAOpera.org, and get ready to feel the love.

As we joyfully prepare for our 40th Anniversary Season, which includes an original LA Opera production of La Bohème, we're going into the vault to bring you a special episode from 2016: a La Bohème talk by Duff Murphy. Here, he shares fascinating knowledge about Puccini, La Bohème's reception in its time, who the opera is dedicated to, and how the lush, enduring classic almost didn't come to be. How well do you know La Bohème? Listen in and get your tickets now to La Bohème, playing this November 22 through December 14. Tickets available at LAOpera.org.

For our historic 40th anniversary season, LA Opera brings back the world's most delightful opera, the Magic Flute playing May 2026. In this special episode we flash back to a 2019 conversation between Brian Lauritzen and former resident conductor Grant Gershon. Together, they discuss all things Magic Flute, including the secrets of performing on high platforms, staging an opera with animations, and why it's such a clever choice to stage the production as a silent film. Celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera and don't miss the world's most popular opera, The Magic Flute, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

As we approach the 4th of July, we’re turning our attention to the bold, ever-evolving world of American opera. In this special episode, Dr. Tiffany Kuo explores what makes an opera “American,” highlighting works that span ragtime, hip hop, minimalism, and the avant-garde. It’s a powerful reminder that American opera is not one sound—but many. From thrilling drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera this season, starting with the American classic, West Side Story. Tickets for LA Opera's historic 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

This February 2026, Akhnaten returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the first time in a decade. In this special episode, we rewind to a 2017 conversation between Akhnaten's composer, Philip Glass, and LA Opera’s then-artist-in-residence, Matthew Aucoin. Together, they explore the radical reign of the pharaoh Akhnaten, the revolutionary vision that reshaped ancient Egypt, and the hypnotic score that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera. Tickets to our historic anniversary season, including Akhnaten, West Side Story, The Magic Flute, and more are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

This episode is an in-depth analysis of the music of Rigoletto, with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank. From his piano, Jeremy takes us on a journey through the music of Rigoletto, providing context from the end of the bel canto period into Verdi's early, middle, and late periods. This episode was recorded as part of LA Opera's learning series, now known as Exploring Opera. Tickets for Rigoletto are available now at LA Opera.org.

In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with Rigoletto star Quinn Kelsey to discuss the baritone's artistic journey, his experience of embodying one of Verdi's most iconic roles, and how his Hawaiian cultural heritage has influenced it all. Playing now through June 21, tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available at LAOpera.org.