http://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/en-usFri, 06 Jun 2008 23:56:23 GMTBehind the scenes interviews at the Los Angeles OperaLos Angeles Opera and Ron Geren for iPressroomwww.ipressroom.cominfo@ipressroom.comhttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/images/ctgr-2387.jpghttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/Behind the Curtain at the LA Opera takes listeners behind the scenes of the Los Angeles Opera's 2006/2007 season which includes performances of Manon, including, Hansel and Gretel, L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, Tannhäuser, The Merry Widow, Porgy and Bess, and Luisa Fernanda.Behind the Curtain at the LA Opera takes listeners behind the scenes of the Los Angeles Opera's 2006/2007 season which includes performances of Manon, including, Hansel and Gretel, L’Incoronazione di Poppea, Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, Tannhäuser, The Merry Widow, Porgy and Bess, and Luisa Fernanda.LAoperaiPressroom.comnoPatricia Racette makes her role debut as Magda at the LA Opera. Listen while she describes her start as a jazz singer and her transition to an opera star. She talks about the thrill of performing with Plácido Domingo during his 40th Anniversary Concert.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=927Fri, 06 Jun 2008 23:56:23 GMTKeri-Lynn Wilson makes her LA Opera debut. This Canadian’s internationally acclaimed career has seen her conduct in many of the world’s most renowned venues. Listen to this Puccini expert describe this rarely performed work.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=925Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:30:57 GMTMarcus Haddock, a Texas native, describes the differences between performing in Europe and in America. He reminisces about singing this role at LA Opera eight years ago and performing with his dear friend, Patricia Racette.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=926Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:30:54 GMTLA OperaThe last time Neil Shicoff performed on the LA Opera stage it was in the same role 19 years ago. Since then, he has established himself as a preeminent American tenor of his generation. Listen as he speaks about his return to LA Opera, this role, and his special connection to Music Director James Conlon.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=910Thu, 15 May 2008 19:20:31 GMTLA OperaAdrianne Pieczonka last performed at LA Opera for this season’s opening gala performance of the Verdi’s Requiem. She returns for her role debut as Tosca. She describes this monumental moment in her career and why she chose LA Opera to make such an important step. She talks about her approach to Tosca and how she tackles the role’s most poignant passages.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=909Thu, 15 May 2008 19:20:28 GMTLA OperaListen while Music Director James Conlon explains why he feels “no greater Italian masterwork exists” than Otello. He discusses the impact that this opera had on classical music and why Verdi is the perfect Shakespearian composer. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=721Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:18:03 GMTLA OperaIan Storey (Otello) shares his transformation from a furniture designer to an opera singer. He speaks to the vocal and dramatic challenges a tenor experiences singing the role of Otello. He discussed the degradation of Otello and his heart-breaking decision to kill the woman he loves. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=720Fri, 15 Feb 2008 23:44:29 GMTLA OperaRodrick Dixon (The Dwarf) and Mary Dunleavy (Infanta) discuss LA Opera's Recovered Voices project and what it means to be part of this initiative. They encourage audiences to experience for the first time this music that was formerly suppressed by the Nazi’s. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=713Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:31:31 GMTLA OperaMaestro Conlon shares his vision for the future of this music and why he feels it should be played in every concert hall around the world. He illustrates the moment he first heard Alexander Zemlinsky's music and the effect it had on his life. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=714Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:31:28 GMTDavid Hockney started his relationship with Wagner's music over twenty years ago with a choreographed drive up the California coast. Each turn had a musical accent and his car's speed matched the crescendos and decrescendos. The union between the California sun and the passion of Wagner's music translated magically into the set design and lighting of LA Opera’s production of Tristan und Isolde.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=706Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:13:36 GMTDavid Hockney started his relationship with Wagner's music over twenty years ago with a choreographed drive up the California coast. Each turn had a musical accent and his car's speed matched the crescendos and decrescendos. The union between the California sun and the passion of Wagner's music translated magically into the set design and lighting of LA Opera’s production of Tristan und Isolde.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=707Wed, 06 Feb 2008 23:13:36 GMTLA OperaListen while Music Director James Conlon guides you through the musical tapestry of Tristan und Isolde. He offers insight into Wagner's use of musical leitmotifs to develop characters and advance the plot.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=684Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:51:12 GMTLA OperaLinda Watson (Isolde) and John Treleaven (Tristan) discuss the intense discipline it takes to be among the top Wagnerian singers in the world. They talk about this iconic production by renowned artist David Hockney and their excitement to be included in the cast of LA Opera's original Ring cycle designed by Achim Freyer.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=680Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:20:31 GMTLA OperaBass Erwin Schrott shares his feelings on the role of Don Giovanni, a role he is scheduled to play until 2012. He explains how he reached this point in his career and how he captures the passion, color, and energy of this extraordinary character. He expresses his love for Mozart and how that affects his performance.Bass Erwin Schrott shares his feelings on the role of Don Giovanni, a role he is scheduled to play until 2012.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=624Wed, 21 Nov 2007 22:00:32 GMTArturo Chácon Cruz (Rodolfo) and Maija Kovalevska (Mimi) engage in a conversation about the road that lead to them staring in La Bohème at the LA Opera. They recall their Operalia wins and the influence of Plácido Domingo in their lives. The young opera stars discuss the romantic cinematic production from film director Herbert Ross.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=617Wed, 21 Nov 2007 17:39:28 GMTBehind the Curtain PodcastMusic Director James Conlon discusses how Leoš Janácek stands out as a composer who has his own voices and how this relates to Jenufa. He also talks about the LA Opera production of this powerful Czech masterpiece and how this tragic story is in fact very uplifting. He also shares with us how he works with the chorus and orchestra at the start of his second season with LA Opera.Music Director James Conlon discusses how Leoš Janácek stands out as a composer who has his own voices and how this relates to Jenufa.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=571Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:38:37 GMTBehind the Curtain PodcastNewly appointed Associate Conductor/Chorus Master, Grant Gershon, shares with us how he prepares the chorus for each production and his excitement about returning to LA Opera. He comments on LA Opera’s opening weekend which includes Verdi’s Requiem and Beethoven’s Fidelio. He discusses his favorite moments in these pieces and his passion for conducting.Newly appointed Associate Conductor/Chorus Master, Grant Gershon, share with us how he prepares the chorus for each production and his excitement about returning to LA Opera.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=551Fri, 07 Sep 2007 19:00:43 GMTLA OperaThe internationally acclaimed stars of Beethoven’s Fidelio, Anja Kampe and Klaus Florian Vogt, discuss their LA Opera debuts and the passion it takes to portray two separated lovers. Anja Kampe (Leonore) talks about her role and the strength of Fidelio’s heroine while Klaus Florian Vogt (Florestan) speaks to the instrumental influences and challenges in singing Beethoven’s only opera.The internationally acclaimed stars of Beethoven’s Fidelio, Anja Kampe and Klaus Florian Vogt, discuss their LA Opera debuts and the passion it takes to portray two separated lovers.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=491Fri, 31 Aug 2007 22:29:01 GMTLA OperaDirector Emilio Sagi discusses LA Opera’s upcoming production of Luisa Fernanda. Mr. Sagi talks about the Spanish zarzuela genre and the work’s passionate storyline. He also describes his directorial background and explains why Luisa Fernanda holds such a special place in his own heart.Director Emilio Sagi discusses LA Opera’s upcoming production of Luisa Fernanda. Mr. Sagi talks about the Spanish zarzuela genre. He also explains why Luisa Fernanda holds such a special place in his own heart.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=380Wed, 30 May 2007 00:01:11 GMTLA OperaAward-winning director Francesca Zambello discusses LA Opera’s Porgy and Bess. Ms. Zambello describes her background, her directing process and the concept behind this thrilling new production. She also talks about the universal story and the unforgettable music found within the classic American treasure.Award-winning director Francesca Zambello discusses LA Opera’s Porgy and Bess. Ms. Zambello describes her background, her directing process and the concept behind this thrilling new production.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=370Thu, 03 May 2007 17:52:38 GMTLA OperaInternational opera stars Susan Graham and Rod Gilfry discuss LA Opera’s The Merry Widow. Ms. Graham and Mr. Gilfry describe the elegant waltzes, timeless melodies and laugh-out-loud humor of this light-hearted classic. They also explain the operetta art form and talk about the versatility and ‘endurance’ that today’s opera singers must embody. International opera stars Susan Graham and Rod Gilfry discuss LA Opera’s The Merry Widow. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=365Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:44:19 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comBass-baritone Kevin Short discusses his leading role as Porgy in LA Opera’s Porgy and Bess. Mr. Short describes his background and how he’s preparing for the upcoming production. He also touches on the controversial nature of the work and why he believes Porgy and Bess is ‘the great American opera’.Kevin Short discusses his role as Porgy in LA Opera’s Porgy and Bess. Mr. Short describes his background and how he’s preparing for the upcoming production.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=362Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:50:22 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comAcclaimed international opera director Lotfi Mansouri discusses his elegant and witty production of Franz Lehárs classic operetta, The Merry Widow. Mr. Mansouri also describes his original journey from Iran to Los Angeles, where he discovered an unexpected passion for opera, and explains what continues to drive him more than 40 years after making his directorial debut.Acclaimed international opera director Lotfi Mansouri discusses his elegant and witty production of Franz Lehárs classic operetta, The Merry Widow.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=353Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:09:55 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comDirector Ian Judge discusses LA Opera’s company premiere of Richard Wagner’s most voluptuous opera, Tannhauser. With only a week to go before opening night, Mr. Judge explains the challenges of putting together such a monumental work. He also vividly describes how he mirrors the opera’s musical eroticism on stage in his daring new production.Director Ian Judge discusses LA Opera’s company premiere of Richard Wagner’s opera, Tannhauser. He explains the challenges of directing such a monumental work. He also vividly describes how he mirrors the opera’s musical eroticism on stage.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=329Fri, 16 Feb 2007 12:59:29 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comTony Award-winning legend Patti LuPone and LA Opera Music Director James Conlon reminisce about their days together at The Juilliard School and describe what it's like working together again in LA Opera's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Ms. LuPone and Mr. Conlon also share fascinating discussions on agitrop (political) theater and 'cross-over' entertainment.Tony Award-winning legend Patti LuPone and LA Opera Music Director James Conlon reminisce about their days together at The Juilliard School and describe what it's like working together again in LA Opera's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=328Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:50:22 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comWith only two weeks before opening night, 2006 Tony Award-winning Director John Doyle describes the direction and concept of his production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Mr. Doyle talks about the sex appeal and accessibility of the work and also explains what the experience has been like preparing for his LA Opera debut.A Tony Award-winning Director John Doyle discusses his production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. Mr. Doyle also talks about the experience of preparing for his LA Opera debut. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=324Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:56:14 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comFour-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald stars in LA Opera’s risqué new production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. From a rehearsal room at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ms. McDonald talks about making her LA Opera debut and also discusses her approach to building the character of Jenny, a tart-with-a-heart in an “Old West Boomtown.” Four-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald talks about making her LA Opera debut, as well as her transition to the new genre. She also reveals what she did to prepare for the character she will be portraying. nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=311Fri, 26 Jan 2007 01:34:02 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comInternationally acclaimed Mezzo-soprano, Susan Graham makes her LA Opera stage debut as Poppea in Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea (L'incoronazione di Poppea). Ms. Graham previews the Company Premiere, discusses her leading role, and describes the ancient Roman setting and culture of this Baroque masterpiece.Internationally acclaimed Mezzo-soprano, Susan Graham makes her LA Opera stage debut as Poppea in Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea (L'incoronazione di Poppea).nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=219Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:11:00 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comDirector/designer Douglas Fitch will make his LA Opera debut with the Company's new production of Hansel and Gretel (November/December 2006). In 2005, Douglas Fitch made his Santa Fe Opera debut with the direction and scenic design of Turandot. The American artist, director, and designer’s most recent projects include a visual atmosphere using lights, projections, smoke and mirrors for a performance of the Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland. He also staged a production of Through Roses by Marc Neikrug for the New World Symphony and created a production of Swan Lake performed at Wolf Trap with the National Symphony. In previous seasons he designed and directed L’Enfant et les sortileges for the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center and Das Rheingold for the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. His one- man show, Amagamations, was seen at the Material ConneXion in New York and he designed five orphic art exhibitions with collaborator Mimi Oka in Japan and New York. He also served as creative director for Readia, a company established to develop high- tech educational products and he taught 3-D design at the Parsons School of Design. Other recent projects include Art fur Artze, an exhibition of drawings at MultiArt, Bonn, Germany and Orphic Fodder, a book in collaboration with Ms. Oka documenting a series of events and installations focusing on food as experience in the context of contemporary art. In addition, Mr. Fitch directed and designed a production of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat for the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and created a one-man show, Organs of Emotion, in Bonn, Germany. Mr. Fitch graduated from Harvard with a degree in visual studies and attended the School of Architecture in Strasbourg and La Varenne School of Cooking in Paris. His early projects include collaborations with Peter Sellars and Jim Henson.Celebrated Artist Douglas Fitch discusses his role as Director and Designer of the upcoming Los Angeles Opera production, Hansel and Gretel. Fitch shares his vision for a playful and unconventional new setting of Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved classic.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=218Thu, 16 Nov 2006 19:48:10 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comDirector/choreographer Vincent Paterson and vocal director Denise Massé discuss the upcoming LA Opera production of Manon, their collaboration and what it takes to prepare vocally for a production of this complexity.Director/choreographer Vincent Paterson and vocal director Denise Massé discuss the upcoming LA Opera production of Manon, their collaboration and what it takes to prepare vocally for a production of this complexity.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=190Thu, 05 Oct 2006 22:15:22 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comDirector/choreographer Vincent Paterson and Tony award winner Susan Hilferty discuss the upcoming LA Opera production of Manon. Paterson discusses the final touches ahead for him during the final week of rehearsals. Tony Award winning Costume Designer Susan Hilferty reveals the many different looks the title character undergoes during the performance, and the monumental task of creating and coordinating the hundreds of lavish outfits worn on stage.Director/choreographer Vincent Paterson and Tony Award winning Costume Designer Susan Hilferty discuss their work in building on-stage personas for the LA Opera production of Manon.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=188Thu, 28 Sep 2006 19:20:37 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comDirector/choreographer Vincent Paterson and tenor Rolando Villazón discuss the upcoming Los Angeles Opera production of Manon. Paterson shares his impressions as rehearsals with the cast and crew begin for his operatic directorial debut. Villazón reveals what he does to prepare for the characters he portrays on stage and discusses what steps he still has left for this particular role. Director/choreographer Vincent Paterson and tenor Rolando Villazón discuss their experiences as rehearsals begin for the Los Angeles Opera production of Manon.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=186Fri, 22 Sep 2006 19:30:42 GMTRon Geren for Behindthecurtainpodcast.comDirector/choreographer Vincent Paterson and soprano Anna Netrebko discuss their upcoming collaboration on the LA Opera's production of Manon. Paterson discusses the path his career has taken from pop choreographer to the helm of the highly anticipated Manon for the LA Opera and reveals the direction of the production. Anna Netrebko discusses her prior work with Paterson and how the two first met.Director/choreographer Vincent Paterson and soprano Anna Netrebko discuss their upcoming collaboration on the LA Opera's production of Manon.nohttp://behindthecurtainpodcast.com/pr/laopera/podcast-post.aspx?id=183Wed, 13 Sep 2006 22:54:01 GMT