Los Angeles Opera

Los Angeles Opera is a major opera company in the United States, known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to Plácido Domingo's vision of making opera accessible to a broad audience, including collaborations with Los Angeles Philharmonic and Hollywood Bowl. Founded in 1986, the company has grown to become one of the largest and most respected opera companies in the country, with a strong focus on Richard Wagner's operas, such as Der Ring des Nibelungen, as well as Giuseppe Verdi's works like La Traviata and Aida. The company has also been recognized for its innovative productions, including collaborations with William Friedkin and Julie Taymor, and its commitment to showcasing the works of Giacomo Puccini, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Gaetano Donizetti.

● History

The company's history began with its founding by Plácido Domingo, Carlo Bergonzi, and Peter Hemmings, with the goal of creating a world-class opera company in Los Angeles. The company's early years were marked by productions of La Bohème and Carmen, featuring singers like Renée Fleming and José Carreras. Over the years, the company has grown and evolved, with a focus on producing a wide range of operas, from classic works like Madama Butterfly and The Magic Flute to more modern operas like Nixon in China and The Ghosts of Versailles. The company has also been recognized for its commitment to showcasing the works of Leonard Bernstein, Benjamin Britten, and Samuel Barber, and has collaborated with companies like San Francisco Opera and Metropolitan Opera.

● Music Directors

The company has had several music directors throughout its history, including Kent Nagano, who led the company from 2001 to 2003, and James Conlon, who has been the company's music director since 2006. Other notable music directors have included Esa-Pekka Salonen and Gustavo Dudamel, who have both conducted productions with the company, including works like Beethoven's Fidelio and Brahms' A German Requiem. The company has also worked with guest conductors like Simon Rattle and Riccardo Muti, and has featured singers like Anna Netrebko and Juan Diego Flórez in its productions.

● Performances and Productions

The company's performances and productions have been widely acclaimed, with a focus on showcasing a wide range of operas, from classic works like Tosca and Rigoletto to more modern operas like The Fly and Moby-Dick. The company has also been recognized for its commitment to producing new and innovative works, including operas like The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs and Orpheus in the Underworld. The company has collaborated with other arts organizations, like Los Angeles Master Chorale and Pacific Symphony, and has featured dancers from companies like American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet in its productions.

● Company and Venue

The company is based at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, which has been its home since its founding. The pavilion is part of the Los Angeles Music Center, which also includes the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Mark Taper Forum. The company has also performed at other venues, like the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre, and has toured to other cities, including San Francisco and New York City. The company has partnerships with other organizations, like University of Southern California and California Institute of the Arts, and has collaborated with companies like Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera.

● Community Engagement and Education

The company is committed to community engagement and education, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at making opera accessible to a broad audience. The company's education programs include Opera Camp and Opera U, which provide opportunities for young people to learn about opera and develop their singing and performing skills. The company also offers a range of community outreach programs, including Opera for All and Community Opera, which bring opera to underserved communities and provide opportunities for people to experience opera who might not otherwise have the chance. The company has also partnered with organizations like Los Angeles Unified School District and Boys and Girls Clubs of America to provide arts education and outreach programs.