Opera in LA: What's On
Discover the best opera performances in Los Angeles
The City of Angels has a delightful array of Operas for you to experience, ranging from beautiful Parisian love stories to Kurt Cobain-inspired grunge rock masterpieces. If you are looking for an unforgettable operatic experience, look no further, read on to discover what the city of Los Angeles currently has to offer.
The Ten Tenors
The Ten Tenors have captivated audiences around the world with the group's trademark, 'Opera without the Boring Bits'. Boasting a massive global fanbase, these Australian former opera students have come the distance from their first full show in 1998. Expect an overwhelming evening from this Aussie tour de force, spanning Broadway, Opera, and pop classics.
Last Days
LA Philharmonic New Music Group presents Last Days, a gripping opera loosely based on the final days of grunge icon Kurt Cobain's life. This stunning work explores turmoil and tragedy and was adapted from the 2005 HBO movie of the same name. Last Days is a one-of-a-kind opera that gives a haunting look at the inner impacts of the famously hedonistic rock'n'roll lifestyle.
Highway 1 USA
Los Angeles Opera presents a stunning yet overlooked one-act opera as part of its 2024 season. William Grant Still's stunning Jim Crow era set Highway 1, USA was composed in the 40s but only received its premiere in 1963. Highway 1 USA details the struggles of an ordinary couple seeking a better life. Set to a jazz-infused score, it showcases Still's talents, cementing his name as ' The Dean of African-American Composers'.
Turandot
This stunning production with a design from David Hockney marks the triumphant return of Puccini's fantasy to the LA Opera for the first time in two decades. The story follows Princess Turandot, a beautiful yet savage princess, who has concocted a series of nefarious tasks to put off potential suitors. If you lose, you die at the hands of the executioner, if you win? Well, no one ever has. That is until the besotted Prince Calaf accepts the challenge.
La Traviata
One of the very best in the repertoire, Verdi's La Traviata is a glorious love story set against the backdrop of decadent Paris high society. Celebrated courtesan Violetta dismisses her wealthy suitors for the simple life with poor Alfredo. In this San Francisco Opera production, our heroine is portrayed by Rachel Willis-Sorenson, opposite Liparit Avetisyan as her besotted suitor.
Das Reingold
LA Philharmonic delivers a fiery rendition of Wagner's monumental Das Rheingold led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The epic narrative revolves around pursuing a powerful ring and the destinies of those seeking to possess it. Das Rheingold immerses its audience in a labyrinthine world teeming with warring Gods, monsters, and mythology.
Whatever you are a fan of, Los Angeles has an Opera for you. Click here for more of Los Angeles' top shows.
[Image of Walt Disney Opera House belongs to Mark Manguerra https://flic.kr/p/5qHwWJ]