Will return Their Opera House is a modern box structure that reminds one of Lincoln Center. It's next to the Disney Concert Hall, across the W 1st Street. The fountain changes color, which looks cheap. The foyer is small, but the pre-show talk is most wonderful. The interior is good and the seats are comfortable. Like the Sarasota Opera House, they put English subtitles on a banner above the stage, whereas the Met puts them on the back of the seat with multiple language options. Inside, there are many vendors. The five-act opera by Charles Gounod (1818-93), which premiered in 1867 in Paris. It was based on Shakespeare's play (The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet) that premiered in 1597. The production of the opera is great. It's a packed house. Rolling in bed, half naked: seriously? They received thunderous applause. read more

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Do not park in the parking structure next to the Opera. You will be stuck in traffic for over an hour, especially if you're not close to the exit of the street. We were on the 6th floor and were trapped in a long slow moving line. The $10 flat fee was not worth it. Otherwise, great show. The plot was a little slow moving but the singers were fantastic. The subtitles weren't exactly correct or very behind and the Hollywood Pantages does a better job. They have a preview an hour before the show where the staff talk about the play. There are lots of spoilers so I wouldn't recommend going if you want to go in blind. However, if you already know the plot, then it's a lovely insight on behind the scenes and themes of the play. We sat in the Balcony and it was a little hard to see the actors' faces and expressions. But you get a great overview of the stage and orchestra. I recommend sitting a little closer like the Loge unless you have binoculars. They sold generic sandwiches, snacks, and lots of alcohol. No drinks allowed in the seating area. There's a souvenir shop but it's more general to the opera and not specific to the play being held unlike how musicals have specifically musical merch available. Bathrooms were very nice but insanely crowded during intermission. So try to go before the show. Plenty of stairs since the elevators move slowly. Overall, it's a nice venue but not equipped for max capacity. Staff is very nice though. read more

LA Opera - Rigoletto outside - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

An amazing venue in the middle of downtown. Acoustics are fantastic and the view from almost any level is great. We love coming here for all of the operas! Prices are less during the week days. read more

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Great productions and music direction under the soon departing formidable James Conlon. As one reviewer mentioned, the Music Center is reminiscent of Lincoln Center, as it should be. It was inspired by the NYC venue, as was The Kennedy Center in D.C. Just wait for a certain patron of the arts to head west, affix his name to the building, and proceed to tear it down! i'm read more

A beautiful venue for enjoying theater play and opera. A bit complicated to park but it's worth it. Enjoyed my time, will come back again

We went to see Rigoleto . It was good preforming, the building is nice and clean . We enjoyed it all together. Definitely going again for another event read more

LA Opera - View for the window... different side of LA - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I confess that I didn't watch anything inside the theater yet, but last Saturday, in free events in DTLA, we could to appreciate three opera singers there. It is amazing! So beautiful! We have the best theaters in the country. When it is possible, check the places. Including LA Opera house. read more

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Once upon a time, this Faerie Queen was brought to the opera with her favorite SPG. A lovely evening! Madame Butterfly (set in 1930s) was a gorgeous production. The diet between Butterfly and her Lady in Waiting was spectacular. More opera! The end. read more

LA Opera - Madame Butterfly 1930's style! - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Beautiful facility. Caring staff. Clean. Great location. West Side Story production was amazing!

I needed assistance exchanging a ticket for a different date. For whatever reason neither my phone nor laptop was letting me access the ticket exchange via the website. Spoke to Andy in the box office over the phone about my situation. He was very polite and helpful assisting me with the ticket exchange. Great customer service! read more

I haven't seen an opera in many years! It's so great we have this place to celebrate the holiday season and watch some tragic love story. Tosca's heart wrenching love story and beautiful vocals made my orchestra seating super special. Lovely time and show! Great set designs, costumes and wonderful vocals filled the evening. read more

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If you're searching for an evening (or afternoon matinee) of soaring beauty, treat yourself to the LA Opera. Better yet: subscribe to a season package so you always have a performance to which to look forward. LA Opera offers highly-flexible packages, starting at just three operas of your choosing. Some performances that I've been lucky to attend over the years have included: -Abduction from the Seraglio (wonderfully entertaining) -The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart's top comedy, an opulent feast for the senses, hilarious, costumes designed by Christian Lacroix) -Pèlleas and Mèlisande opening night (haunting performance, very cool set) -A Night with Renee Fleming (magical! Amazing talent with amazingly-wide repertoire!) -Don Giovanni (funny!, opening night for the 2023-2024 season) PRO TIP #1: snag tickets for opening night of each season! The energy, the FASHION, the performance are guaranteed to be killer. True to LA form, opera attire usually trends much more casual than NYC's Metropolitan Opera, ie the typical spectrum runs from cocktail attire to jeans. I was happy to be in good company in a long gown for opening night of the 2023-2024 season. Many Opera Ball attendees stayed true to the event's black tie guideline. PRO TIP #2: a pre-show talk hosted by director James Conlon takes place one hour prior to most performances. The talks are fascinating, funny, and add rich insight into the performances. PRO TIP #3: LA Opera stands as a pillar of the community, hosting programs such as free live opera broadcasts at Santa Monica Pier and La Mirada Community Park, Community Opera, Opera Camp, free dress rehearsal tickets for low-income seniors, Saturday Mornings for kids, and classroom integration programs. read more

After joining my husband, who is a lifelong opera fan, to numerous performances, this was my first viewing of Don Giovanni. Usually, the staging and sets are innovative and first rate, but this one, not so much. Nevertheless, you can count on professional performances at every opera. James Conlon gives a great lecture before every performance.The Pavillion and courtyard are worth a visit with restaurants, restrooms, and many bars to choose from inside and outside. read more

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The production of a barber of Seville was a treat from start to finish. The parking structure was easy to navigate and the inside is clean, with lots of leg room (rare for an LA venue). The acoustics inside the opera are not the best, we sat on the floor fairly close to the stage and it was still hard to hear at times, but the cast was fantastic and the opera was beautiful AND hilarious. Excited to see another someday! read more

I have been a young(ish) LA Opera-goer for nearly a decade. The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is one of the most beautiful spaces in LA and always worth a visit. LAO's recent production of Frida y Diego was one of the best I've seen. It was visually stunning and every movement, sound, and shot was meticulously planned and effortlessly delivered. I especially appreciated LAO's effort to create an evening of cultural immersion and inclusive festivity. From the artist commissioned Dia de Los Muertos altar on the plaza to the pre-show cultural performance and talk and Mexican-inspired audience attire (for those who chose to participate), I have never felt so connected to the opera community as I did on opening night. Make an evening of it before the run ends on December 9! read more

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Once arrived, the Founders room was so regal and the service was Devine. We ordered the steak and it was prepared perfectly. Good wine list and top class staff. The LA Opera is always worth the drive. The productions are always smashing and meaningful. Introspective moments with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face. We hold hands all night. A mustbeware, the traffic is horrendous! Make sure you leave at least two hours in advance! read more

Such a great experience! Talk about dressing up to the 10s. It is a great opportunity dress up however when you sit you're completely crunched up in your beautiful gown. The space is extremely tight and small so I don't recommend being a Cinderella in your gown. If you're tall definitely get the outside seating and if you're afraid of heights the seating might scare you a little bit with the angle of seating. I really don't understand why everything has to be so tight and crunched up but I guess this used to be a venue for the Oscars and we had to fit all the stars. And there are plenty! Depending on your seating you'll be taking the elevator to your row. It only goes as high as a fifth floor so If you don't like the elevator it's only five flights of stairs. Oh I forgot if you're in heels that could be like a tough climb. Definitely get the program so you know when intermission is and you can rush down to get your food which is not plenty but it is snacks that is offered as well as some drinks. I have to say the snacks are pretty spot on! We went to the Cinderella and it was such a great experience. They would sing in Italian and a translation would be on top in English. If your hard of seeing definitely get your binoculars or eyeglasses. For those who love opera and plays this is a must do if you're in LA ! There is valet parking as well as plenty parking in the surrounding area. read more

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A lovely woman who I met recently on a dating app invited me to the opera. I only agreed to go because I thought she was mispronouncing "Oprah," and I will drive to the ends of the earth to see Oprah. Turns out she was talking about the LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and specifically their production of The Marriage of Figaro. I ultimately agreed to go because I'm trying to be more refined and counter my ex-wife's incorrect opinion that I'm too coarse and ill-mannered. Since my divorce, I've actually started to learn Spanish, watch 15 minutes of PBS each month, and call my trash, "rubbish" in an effort to sound more urbane and worldly. The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart was my first exposure to opera and it was MAGICAL. Mozart wrote the opera in the late 1700's, but it still entertains - even after hundreds of years and the invention of Netflix, Dave & Buster's, and the crossword puzzle. I appreciate that the production broke free of the ossified cultural standards of the 18th century with a wonderful diversity in casting that reflects our modern society. I did get a bit of the side eye from other patrons when I opened my Doritos and beef jerky during the show, and when I leaned in excitedly to tell my date that "I know that character from Bugs Bunny," but people were mostly friendly and focused on watching the wonderful performances. The sets were evocative, the orchestra sublime, the actors were fantastic and their voices divine. I was particularly moved by one scene in which the countess sits heartbroken in her quarters at the edge of her bed in a delicately-layered white linen dress that was partially and brilliantly illuminated by an intense beam of white light that pierced the darkened room through a window at the opposite end of the stage. Gorgeous. I guess my only beef is that the very title of the opera completely spoiled the ending for me, which could have easily been remedied had Mozart only added a question mark to the title. I'm embarrassed to say that I thought opera was going to be rubbish. It's anything but. Go see any production put on at the LA Opera and, if this work is any indication, I'm certain that you won't be disappointed. Thanks LA Opera! read more

LA Opera - Top Tip: Opera audiences are lively and engaged, but they do NOT appreciate it when you try to start the wave before a performance. - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Had a great experience at the opera. Saw the Barber of Seville and the pre concert lecture was AMAZING. I love that they have cheap (for LA) on-site parking and the seat aisles are nice and roomy. read more

Saw "Cosi Fan Tutte" at the LA Opera on March 8 - opening night- a wonderful production of Mozart's masterpiece - highly recommended!

The L A OPERA opening last night of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego, was a cinematic tapestry of drama, poetry, and art. As the score, the singing, and the Spanish libretto swirled around and swept me away, I realized I was seeing an opera unlike any staged artform I had ever beheld. Ricochetting between opulence and minimalism, the eloquent singing and staging constantly surprised and delighted. In the end, the sweet, teary union of Frida y Diego's story left me breathless read more

LA Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

We are not Opera experts but it is such a treat to see a beautiful live performance! We saw Otello. The cast was so engaging, accessible and enthusiastic! Arriving early, we had wine on the plaza outside Dorothy Chandler theatre. The day was lovely, crowd watching was fun. Everything was sparky clean We had great, $$$$ seats. The man in front of me was tall so I never saw the stage fully. Crowded, tight theatre seating. Restroom lines a bit of a nightmare. Would we do it again? Yes! read more

A world-class opera company presenting both classic operas, and premieres. I'm not the biggest opera fan, but every time I've seen one at the LAO I've been not just impressed, but moved. Eurydice, a new opera premiering in LA, was musically, visually and emotionally stunning. Some of the finest singers and stagecraft you will see anywhere. Tickets as low as $25 are available, and operas are big, so you can enjoy them even from the last row! (WARNING: If a seat is marked as "restricted view" it really is - some of the balcony seats, especially the aisle seats can have very obtrusive railings blocking your view (see attached image). Also know that if you're in a seat like this, and there are empty seats once the opera has begun, you can move to a better seat). read more

LA Opera - View from the front of the balcony. - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Nice place , amazing building and the architecture of the hall is stunning , will be back again hopefully soon

After a long hiatus due to Covid-19, LA Opera is back, and it returned with a triumph! We are season ticket holders and recently attended the premiere/opening night of Il Trovatore. It was such a special performance and oh so poignant! The orchestra, the singers, the stage were absolute perfection and when the curtain closed, we felt immensely happy. Maestro Conlon is the Master of LA Opera and we will be gladly attend all of his future performances to relive these special emotions. Bravi tutti and thanks to LA Opera for healing us our souls with the power of music after a very difficult year. NOTE: They do a great job of keeping everyone safe. We had our vaccination card and every person in attendance was request to show theirs. We also had to wear a yellow bracelet showing that we had been vaccinated. read more

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I'm a subscriber and have attended the L.A. Opera's performances for many years. The L.A. Opera truly is among the best out there. I appreciate their current COVID measures. I also appreciate their push for inclusion and diversity. They also have a special program for people 40 and under called CODA that has discounted tickets to encourage opera-going among the younger set. read more

LA Opera - Cinderella December 2021 - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Everything nice in the opera. But in the garage somebody stole right 2 Corolla wheel cover. That's sucks. 10$ the parking but 75 $ buy the covers again!! Why???? read more

LA Opera - 4 cover wheels missing during concert - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I have been a long-time subscriber to the LA Opera. But this 2024-25 season has started off at the top of the scale (pun intended). I think Madame Butterfly was the best opera I have maybe ever attended - the singing, the acting, the innovative set, the costumes...everything! Opera at it's best. And I just attended Romeo and Juliet - also just wonderful. The two young leads have amazing voices, are adorable and have great chemistry. I shed a tear at the end! Go to the LA Opera! read more

Gustavo Santoalla's score for the Spanish version of the film "Dracula", brought to life by the LA Opera orchestra under Lina Gonzalez Granado's masterful baton, was breathtaking. The score turned the emotional fragments of the 1931 story into a seamless powerful narrative. A sophisticated, captivating performance made to look effortless. read more

Excellent show and staff. Show was prompt . Staff was very friendly and helpful. A wonderful evening. Thank You

LA Opera is always the best. The orchestra is fabulous! We had the opportunity to see Tosca last night. If you get a chance, go see it. Beautiful. IMHO this is Puccini's Masterpiece and that's a tough call because he composed so many wonderful operas. Angel Blue and Michael Fabiano are perfectly paired as Tosca and Cavaradossi. It's staged beautifully. My only annoyance is with the conductor Louis Lohraseb whose motions are so large they distract the audience eye from the stage. Plus he doesn't realize that "downbeat" means down not up. John Caird is the Director and he simply was spot on! Bravo to all the cast and crew! read more

LA Opera - Gary and me on the Red Carpet - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I really enjoyed the LA Opera. It was my first time visiting. A group of friends got dressed to impress for a night at the Opera! We had a really good time. There was a quick intermission where you could purchase a drink. We watched Hansel and Gretel. It was fantastic. The props were WOW and glow in the dark. Super neat. I will be coming back. The plan is to have dinner in downtown and then come watch a play. I am looking forward to it in the near future. Stay safe, everyone! read more

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I truly enjoy performing arts. However, opera was never on my must-do list. So, a recent decision to attend an LA opera performance took me by surprise. That decision was prompted by seeing previews of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" popping up on Instagram. This particular production, set to lively animation, had the characters interacting with colorful, beautiful imagery while they sang. Very cutting-edge for opera, I must say. Also, the fact that Mozart was involved in all this made it seem like it would be a sure win. So I make my way to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and as I enter the lobby and ascend the stairs to my balcony seat, I'm struck by how outdated the the place looks. Very 70's. It felt like the ghosts of Liberace and Bob Hope were roaming the hallways. The worn carpeting added to the effect. The aesthetics were not quite my taste, but it didn't really bother me as I was there to check out the show. The ushers I encountered were friendly and helpful. Getting to the production itself...I really enjoyed it, mostly because of the charm of the animation. I loved seeing the performers interact with the animation. It was unique, delightful, and dynamic..like nothing I had ever seen before. The singing was well done and while I have very little knowledge of opera, I was quite impressed with the vocal talents of all the performers. And to sing in German is no small feat! My seat was in the upper balcony (Section B) and I wish I had paid a bit more for a closer seat so I could see the animation and performers better. That was my only disappointment. The animation was so quirky and graphic, and the performers facial expressions so important in conveying the story, that I really wish I had a better view. Since it was my first opera, I expected that most of the patrons would be dressed to the nines and of older age. To my surprise, the audience was quite diverse in age and clothing choice. Most attendees wore nice slacks or dresses; however, I did see some who dressed very casually. The young man in front of me wore a hoodie and jeans. I also spied several children at the show, one being a little girl of about 10 years of age wearing a fancy dress and faux fur scarf. So cute! Also in attendance were many, many teenagers who all looked very excited to be there. That was so cool to see. In short, I thought the Magic Flute was extremely charming and memorable. I'm not sure I'd go back for a different production, as I'm still not sold on opera itself. It's gorgeous in it's own right but just not my taste. Would still recommend seeing a production (particularly the Magic Flute) at the LA Opera at least once. You will walk away feeling a bit more cultured! Tip: read up on the storyline before you go. I did this and it helped immensely in following the story and in becoming familiar with all the characters. The provided subtitles at the theater were also extremely helpful. This is where the balcony seats helped...the subtitles, located above the stage, were very easy to read from the vantage point of the balcony. read more

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On September 9th, 2017, I saw Carmen and I loved it! All the songs in that opera were really amazing and I loved the costumes. Somewhere around June, I saw La Traviata and that opera was amazing! The songs and costumes were outstanding and so were the performers! Somewhere in October, I also saw The Light in the Piazza with Renee Fleming and Dove Cameron (who I know from a TV show). I really loved that opera! Everything about was so fun to watch! Somewhere in September, I also saw La Boehme. I liked that opera. The songs and costumes in that were good. I would have liked to have the sets fixed. read more

Acoustics good but venue very dated. Women's restrooms need major overhaul and redo! Third floor restrooms only had 7 stalls and there was an empty space waiting area that was as big an area as the restrooms. Line had at least 50 women who looks annoyed and exasperated with limited facilities. Patrons unfortunately arrived late for the show and were constantly getting up to leave and re enter their seats. A few geriatric patrons tripped on the carpeted Steps. Several people talked very loudly during Plácido 50 year celebration show so that was annoying given how much we paid for our seats. Intermission not long enough for women to use the restroom so they arrived late. Recommended but with some reservations. Does not compare to Met or SF Opera or Florence Opera House. read more

LA Opera - Opera & Ballet Near Me - Los Angeles, California

A wonderful place. Every season I get very excited to see what Placido Domingo will be putting on the program. He really spent a lot of time and effort in improving the season. You really can't say enough about the orchestra. A very Beautiful venue, it's great to get dressed up with friends for a night out. Not a place for just jeans and a T-Shirt. The venue is very clean and organized and I Love this building. read more

It's such a stunning music venue, fourth-largest opera company in the states, which has produced a wide variety of education and outreach programs designed to bring opera to people of all backgrounds, from young children experiencing opera for the first time to experienced opera lovers of all ages, also the spanish tenor and conductor Plácido Domingo has been general director of LA Opera for years. read more

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Never thought I would enjoy the opera as much as I do. Thanks to my husband for introducing me to this beautiful new world. Today was our third visit, and we were very excited to finally hear/see the awesome Placido Domingo perform in The Two Foscaris. It was one of those, happy go lucky stories -- not! But the music is so beautiful, and the story lines dramatic and heart wrenching. And though I love listening to Italian, I am quite grateful for the subtitles! Another bonus the opera offers are the pre-performance lectures. About an hour before the show, the conductor James Conlon gives a brief synopsis of the opera storyline, the writer, comparisons to other operas, music samples, and he's quite an entertaining speaker. On the downside, not much -- but women's bathroom lines too long, sometimes difficult getting in and out of theatre because hey there sure are a lot of people, oh and despite the beauty of the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, it has this hideous avocado green carpet (circa 1970s) in the lobbies. I sure hope one day a donor will step forward and replace that carpet! read more

Normally I don't like the classic operas transposed from the 19th Century to the 21st -- LAO's Rigoletto set in Hollywood just didn't work because the old-fashioned mores and ethics surrounding doomed heroines don't translate well. BUT -- THIS LUCIA IS SPECTACULAR!! Beautifully translated from the Scottish moors to let's say East LA with the help of creative subtitles ("I'm going to get the bastard!" is not the original libretto!), with a brilliant, exciting set, striking, effective multi-media, and excellent costuming, this is an exciting, plausible presentation of Donizetti's masterpiece. My wife and I were simply blown away (and she's a very picky opera fan). The singing was magnificent and the new conductor did a top-notch job. This is a great start to the 22-23 season, a triumph for LAO, and opera like it should be. Great job all! read more

Just wrote up a detailed review of "The Turk in Italy" ("Il Turco in Italia") under the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, so I ;ll be brief. Just need to say, this is one of the most unknown operas and there is no readily recognizable music or arias, which was unsettling to me. I thought the first act was borrrrinng, but the second act was really enjoyable, sort of more a play within an opera. The scenery was truly sparse, and I was sorry to see that. Also they put the opera in a modern setting, instead of the early 1800s when it was written. To me, the opera was diminished by not being a period piece with appropriate costumes and scenery. Maybe a sign of the economic times. The tenor (counter tenor?), and two older main characters were fabulous. There was an apology at the beginning because one of them had a sort throat and couldn't fully project. But he was fabulous anyway. I speak Italian and was thrilled to be able to understand almost every word of the male singers. Not so the women, sopranos not being my favorite acts. It was nice being at the Music Center, but I think the conductor made a mistake to set the piece in more modern times. (Someone who works at the Dorothy Chandler informed me that it was the conductors choice.) The initial and ending gypsy scenes were some of the best parts. read more

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