In a splendid display of culture and community, the Los Angeles Opera transported its patrons to the enchanting world of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni on a crisp evening at the Santa Monica Pier on September 23, 2023. This was the opening night of an exceptional event known as "Opera at the Beach," a free live outdoor broadcast of this timeless masterpiece.

Under the baton of Music Director James Conlon and the visionary direction of Kasper Holten, the production came to life at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The titular character, Don Giovanni, was portrayed by the acclaimed baritone, Lucas Meachem, one of LA Opera's cherished talents.

Thanks to the generous support of Los Angeles County, this spectacle was made accessible to the community free of charge. It was a gift that brought the magic of opera to more hearts than ever before. For the tenth consecutive year, "Opera at the Beach" unfolded on the iconic Santa Monica Pier, and for the first time, La Mirada joined in on the festivities with its "Opera in the Park" event at La Mirada Community Regional Park.

Language was no barrier as the simulcast featured subtitles in both English and Spanish, ensuring that the beauty of the Italian libretto was fully appreciated by all. The Third District Supervisor, Lindsey P. Horvath, encapsulated the sentiment, inviting everyone to join under the stars for a special night at the Santa Monica Pier. She emphasized how the simulcast connected various LA County communities to the power of opera, turning this into a beloved Third District tradition.

Supervisor Janice Hahn, representing Los Angeles County's Fourth District where La Mirada is situated, echoed the sentiment of accessibility for all residents, emphasizing the importance of cultural events reaching the heart of communities. La Mirada's great LA County park was graced with this cultural extravaganza, and the hope was that families and friends would come together to experience it.

Guests were encouraged to register in advance at LAOpera.org/OperaAtTheBeach or LAOpera.org/OperaInThePark for a hassle-free experience, including information about parking and the latest updates, as well as a complimentary gift. With general admission seating at both locations, attendees were advised to bring their own seating and arrive early for pre-performance picnicking, ensuring they secured the best views.

As anticipation built before the simulcast, families had the opportunity to enjoy arts and crafts activities, adding to the festive atmosphere. A reminder that outside alcoholic beverages were not allowed, and pets had to stay home was part of the experience, ensuring everyone could revel in the magic of opera.

The story of Don Giovanni is one of passion, intrigue, and retribution. The infamous Don Juan's life takes a dark turn when he unwittingly unleashes an ominous force from beyond the grave. After years of unchecked cruelty and debauchery, he is finally forced to face the consequences of his actions. Grammy Award-winning baritone Lucas Meachem embodied the role of the ill-fated playboy, leading a stellar ensemble of singers. Among them, Isabel Leonard made her mainstage company debut as Donna Elvira.

James Conlon, celebrated for his mastery of Mozart, conducted what many consider to be the pinnacle of all operas. The visually stunning production was the brainchild of director Kasper Holten and featured captivating scenery by Es Devlin, renowned for her innovative stage designs for artists like Beyoncé, Adele, and U2.

For those seeking additional information about this remarkable production, a visit to LAOpera.org/DonGiovanni was all that was needed.

In the vast tapestry of Los Angeles, LA Opera stands as a testament to creativity, diversity, and ambition. It redefines opera through imaginative productions, world premieres, and inventive performances that breathe new life into classic works. Their commitment to community engagement is evident through the LA Opera Off Grand and LA Opera Connects initiatives, which bring opera to every corner of Los Angeles County. Their digital offerings under the LA Opera On Now umbrella ensure that the art form remains accessible in the digital age.