Best Operation Opera Podcasts (2025)

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La Bohème and Tragic Romance in Opera with James Conlon 19:30

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2d ago19:30

19:30

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 …

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The Three Mezzos - Opera in Ireland 54:24

6d ago54:24

54:24

Opera Road Trip is Operavision's new two-year podcast series, a journey through the 17 countries that currently partner with OperaVision, discovering their operatic history and current relationship with the artform, and meeting along the way young talents finding their voice and seasoned professionals who have devoted their lives to the stage, disc…

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20 Years with Maestro Conlon: Italian Opera 40:30

9d ago40:30

40:30

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 n…

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Once Upon a Rewatch Minisode: A Mid-Hiatus Chat 21:17

14d ago21:17

21:17

In which Narrator Elisa checks in with Narrator Chael. Plus, is Season Five on the horizon for the near future? Listen to find out! (Spoiler Alert: Its only a few months away!) Potential trigger warning: This episode contains a lighthearted discussion of Narrator Chael’s recent medical procedures. Please note some adult language is used in this epi…

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Hildegard: Opera in the 21st Century with Beth Morrison and Gail Eichenthal 36:22

16d ago36:22

36:22

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…

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The Phantom of the Opera with Alejandra Espasande 37:47

23d ago37:47

37:47

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…

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20 Years with Maestro Conlon: Beethoven, Mozart, and Classical Opera 30:17

30d ago30:17

30:17

By LA Opera

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BONUS: West Side Story Opera Prep Panel LIVE with George Chakiris 37:45

1M ago37:45

37:45

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…

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Slava Ukraini - Opera in Ukraine 51:00

1M ago51:00

51:00

Opera Road Trip's second episode is dedicated to opera in Ukraine. We hear from Anna Gadetzka, program direction of Open Opera Ukraine about creating alternatives to the state-run opera factories; from Vasyl Vovkun, director of the Lviv National Opera, Bogdan Strutynsky, director of the National Operetta of Ukraine and Galyna Grygorenko, first depu…

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Opera In the Community: West Side Story and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes with Dr. Tiffany Kuo and Karen Crews Hendon 16:44

1M ago16:44

16:44

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 Gr…

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James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on West Side Story 21:07

1M ago21:07

21:07

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.…

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West Side Story with Jeremy Frank and Andrea Beasom 39:50

2M ago39:50

39:50

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 cho…

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A Tale of Two Romeos: "West Side Story" with Duke Kim and Jeremy Frank 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

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 s…

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20 Years with Maestro Conlon: LA Opera's 40th Anniversary Season Overview 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

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 …

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First stop: Italia 58:40

2M ago58:40

58:40

Opera Road Trip is Operavision's new two-year podcast series, a journey through the 17 countries that currently partner with OperaVision, discovering their operatic history and current relationship with the artform, and meeting along the way young talents finding their voice and seasoned professionals who have devoted their lives to the stage, disc…

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Serious Fun with Opera: West Side Story, with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

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…

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West Side Story with Gail Eichenthal and Francesca Zambello 37:59

3M ago37:59

37:59

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 choreograph…

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Spanish-language Art Song and West Side Story with Dr. Patricia Caicedo 29:27

3M ago29:27

29:27

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-lang…

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From the Vault: Opera vs Musical Theater with Jeremy Frank and Ashley Faatoalia 28:39

3M ago28:39

28:39

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 …

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From the Vault: La Bohème with Dr. Andréa Fuentes and Dr. Shana Redmond 36:11

3M ago36:11

36:11

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. T…

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Love/Hate/It’s Complicated Island: A New Season of Opera Romance with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano 24:29

4M ago24:29

24:29

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 in…

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From the Vault: La Bohème with Duff Murphy 39:30

4M ago39:30

39:30

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 …

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From the Vault: Making The Magic Flute 23:52

4M ago23:52

23:52

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 hi…

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From the Vault: American Opera with Dr. Tiffany Kuo 19:51

4M ago19:51

19:51

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…

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Once Upon a Rewatch: Season Four Wrap Up (with Guest Narrator Ariana) 1:23:14

4M ago1:23:14

1:23:14

In which The Narrators Three discuss: What worked for us this season (and what didn’t), 4A Defense Squad, Lesbians Was Good, More Will Scarlet Forever Please, Emma Has Two Hands, Reconsidering Cruella Thoughts Post-Season, and Guest Narrator Ariana shared with us her wild season 5 predictions! Please note some adult language is used in this episode…

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From the Vault: Akhnaten in Conversation with Philip Glass and Matthew Aucoin 43:16

5M ago43:16

43:16

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…

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Exploring Opera: Rigoletto with Jeremy Frank 56:51

5M ago56:51

56:51

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,…

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Rigoletto in Conversation with Quinn Kelsey and Jeremy Frank 41:26

5M ago41:26

41:26

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.o…

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The Women of Verdi's Rigoletto with Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong 33:58

5M ago33:58

33:58

In this episode, musicologist Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong illuminates the women of Rigoletto and their archetypes, drawing on history, literature, and fine arts. This lecture was recorded as part of Opera for Educators, LA Opera Connects' professional development series for teachers and anyone interested in a deeper dive. Tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto …

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James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on Rigoletto 39:11

5M ago39:11

39:11

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Verdi's Rigoletto. Don't miss this heart-pounding drama playing May 31-June 21. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.By LA Opera

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Rigoletto: Annotated Listening Guide 9:52

6M ago9:52

9:52

In this episode, mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino, alumna of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Rigoletto, with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo.By LA Opera

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Action the Future: Arts for Society with Renée Fleming, Dr. Daniel Levitin, Sarah Lyding, Dr. Indre Viskontas, and Stacie Aamon Yeldell 46:20

6M ago46:20

46:20

In this episode, LA Opera Connects is looking forward to the 4th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13. Listen in to this panel conversation recorded at last year's Summit, featuring Renée Fleming leading a discussion about the future of embedding the arts into healthcare with Dr. Daniel Levitin, Sarah Lyding, Dr. Indre Viskontas,…

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The Spanish Civil War and Francoist Repression with Dr. Luis Martin-Cabrera 41:03

6M ago41:03

41:03

In this episode, scholar Dr. Luis Martin-Cabrera provides context for Ainadamar with an introduction to the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, and the fate of poet Federico García Lorca. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through May 18, tickets for Ainadamar…

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Dr. TIffany Kuo's Pre-Performance Talk on Ainadamar 32:37

6M ago32:37

32:37

In this pre-recorded pre-performance lecture, Dr. Tiffany Kuo guides you through Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadamar: the plot, the history, and, of course, the music. Tickets to Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.By LA Opera

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Once Upon A Rewatch 4.22: Operation Mongoose (Part 2) 49:23

6M ago49:23

49:23

In Which The Narrators Three Discuss: Henry for MVP, Precious Dweeb Hook and Swashbuckling Emma are Too Cute, Issac’s Big Incel Energy, Lily’s Mamma Mia Situation, The Hat Remains Relevant, Chael’s Complicated Rumbelle Feelings, and Heroic Sapphic Sacrifices. Please note some adult language is used in this episode. Thank you to Laichiruru (twitter.…

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Opera, Imagination, and Healing with Danielle Birrittella 30:06

7M ago30:06

30:06

What does trauma-informed mean? How can the opera be a place of catharsis? In this episode, composer, performer, and mental health professional Danielle Birrittella explores the links between opera, mental health, and the operatic imagination. Hear more conversations like this at the 4th annual Los Angeles County Arts and Health Week Summit, hosted…

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Ainadamar in Conversation with Ana María Martínez and Jeremy Frank 26:43

7M ago26:43

26:43

In this episode, soprano and Grammy Award winner Ana María Martínez sits down with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank to discuss transitioning from the comedic and crafty Despina in Così fan tutte to the reverent keeper of Federico García Lorca's legacy, Margarita Xirgu, in Ainadamar. Playing April 26-May 18, tickets to Ainadamar are available n…

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The Music of Ainadamar with Jeremy Frank 45:09

7M ago45:09

45:09

In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank provides a musical overview of Ainadamar. Playing April 26 through May 18 - don't miss the opera LA Times calls "one of the most moving and meaningful" of our time. Tickets are on sale now. This lecture was recorded in partnership with the Opera League of Los Angeles at the historic Ebell of Lo…

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Once Upon A Rewatch 4.21: Operation Mongoose (Part 1) 50:37

7M ago50:37

50:37

In Which The Narrators Three Discuss: Henry’s Big Adventure, Cue Hamilton’s “Satisfied”, Isaac: Author or Archivist?, Evil Music Arrangements, Fantasy Alcatraz, and Lin’s Enduring Hatred of August. Please note some adult language is used in this episode. Thank you to Laichiruru (twitter.com/laichiruru) for our podcast cover artwork!…

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Ainadamar: Annotated Listening Guide 10:25

7M ago10:25

10:25

In this episode, Vinícius Costa, member of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Ainadamar with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing April 26 through May 18, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.By LA Opera

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Loss, Legacy, and Liberation: Ainadamar in Conversation with Dr. Tiffany Kuo, Osvaldo Golijov, and David Henry Hwang 45:04

8M ago45:04

45:04

In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo sits down with Ainadamar composer Osvaldo Golijov and librettist David Henry Hwang to discuss the evolution of this contemporary opera and the themes of loss, legacy, and liberation. Join Dr. Tiffany Kuo for additional historical and musical context at free community lectures on April 1 a…

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The Women of Mozart's Così fan tutte with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano 44:17

8M ago44:17

44:17

In this episode, Connects affiliated scholar Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano provides an introduction to the women of Così fan tutte and the gender roles and expectations of Mozart's time. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through March 30, tickets for Così fan tutte are …

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Once Upon A Rewatch 4.20: Mother 47:16

8M ago47:16

47:16

In Which The Narrators Three Discuss: Robin’s Quick Rebound (Hey Show, Maybe Give Him a Moment to Recover from Serious Trauma?), Mal’s Iconic Storybrooke Look, Lily Be Nice To Your Mom, Bagels, Sleazy Sheriffs, Edgelord Rumple, Questionable Editing Choices, and Zelena’s the Worst (But Rebecca is Great) Please note some adult language is used in thi…

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Community Opera and Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Nita Baxani, Carla Lucero, and Mercedes Juan Musotto 50:07

8M ago50:07

50:07

LA Opera Connects' annual Community Opera invites hundreds of performers to join LA Opera professionals on stage, no experience necessary. After weeks of rehearsals with Connects teaching artists, performers share that they feel more confident, a sense of belonging, and excited to perform again. Listen in as Dr. Nita Baxani, Chair of Early Childhoo…

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James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on Così fan tutte 36:51

8M ago36:51

36:51

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Mozart's Così fan tutte. Don't miss this razor-sharp comedy playing March 8-30. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.By LA Opera

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Once Upon A Rewatch 4.19: Lily 43:15

8M ago43:15

43:15

In which The Narrators Three discuss: SwanQueen Road Trip, Emma Did Nothing Wrong, Only a Single Lily Lives in Minnesota, Fate and Magic, Props for Regina’s Growth, Get Outta Here Gold, Good Old Fashioned Toxic Yuri, and Yikes That Last Scene! Please note some adult language is used in this episode. Thank you to Laichiruru (twitter.com/laichiruru) …

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Così fan tutte: Annotated Listening Guide 13:39

9M ago13:39

13:39

In this episode, Jonathan Lacayo, LA Opera Connects teaching artist shares the synopsis for Cosi fan tutte, with annotated musical notes from musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing March 8-30, tickets are available now at LA Opera.orgBy LA Opera

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Healing Through Music with Ping Ho 18:03

9M ago18:03

18:03

In this episode, an installment of our Music and Wellness series, Arts and Healing Initiative Founder and Director, Ping Ho shares the power of music in helping you to free your voice, reduce stress, and heal through drumming and thought exercises she uses in her everyday practice. Learn more about how LA Opera Connects is exploring the connections…

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Once Upon A Rewatch 4.18: Sympathy for the De Vil 51:27

9M ago51:27

51:27

In which The Narrators Three discuss: Emma Did Nothing Wrong, Cruella the Young Ingenue, SwanQueen Gunniversary, Issac’s High Charisma Score, JAZZ, Stop Using Belle as a Tool Please,The Bad Seed Villain in the Attic, Smoker August, and Henry Has 2 Moms (and they are coming for YOU) Please note some adult language is used in this episode. Thank you …

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Behind the Costumes: A Conversation with Jeannique Prospere and Xochi Hernandez 34:01

9M ago34:01

34:01

From the embroidery on a single gown, to the hair in every wig, LA Opera's costume shop creates gorgeous looks and magical moments with every show. Go Behind the Curtain with LA Opera Costume Director Jeannique Prospere as she sits down with Xochi Hernandez to discuss how her team spends months sourcing materials and putting each look together by h…