LA Opera has announced the productions that will make up its 2018-19 season, undoubtedly making for an exciting few months for audiences in the Los Angeles region. Highlights include not only new productions of beloved works, but the world premiere of several projects through LA Opera’s Off Grand initiative.

Mainstage Productions

Giuseppe Verdi’s “Don Carlo” – This revival production will see James Conlon conducting a cast featuring Ramón Vargas in the title role, and Plácido Domingo in the role of Rodrigo. Anna Smirnova makes her anticipated LA Opera debut while Ana María Martinez returns to her signature Elisabetta. Ferruccio Furlanetto sings King Philip.

Performance – September 22 – October 14, 2018 

Philip Glass’ “Satyagraha” – Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s time in South Africa, this production will complete LA Opera’s productions of Philip Glass’ trilogy of operatic works, which include “Einstein on the Beach,” and “Akhnaten.” Phelim Mcdermott’s production, created for the Metropolitan Opera, will see Grant Gershon conducting and Sean Panikkar will make his LA debut as Gandhi.

Performances – October 20 – November 11, 2018 

Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” – Conlon will also conduct Humperdink’s timeless masterpiece with Sasha Cooke, making her LA Opera debut and Liv Redpath in the title roles. Susan Graham portrays the Gingerbread Witch and Melody Moore portrays Gertrude.

Performance – November 17 – December 15, 2019 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” – Mozart’s final opera will be given a new production, under the direction and design of Thaddeus Strassberger, whose credits include LA Opera’s production of “Nabucco” in 2017 and “I Due Foscari” in 2012. Conlon will serve as conductor and Russell Thomas will play Emperor Tito. Guanqun Yu, Elizabeth DeShong, Janai Brugger and James Creswell round out the cast.

Performance – March 2 – March 24, 2019 

Manuel Penella’s “El Gato Montes: The Wildcat” – Plácido Domingo stars in the title role of this production created by director José Carlos Plaza for the Teatro de la Zarzuela in Madrid. Ana María Martinez and Arturo Chacón-Cruz round the all-star cast.

Performance –  April 27 – May 19, 2019 

Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” – The role of Violetta will be performed by Romanian soprano Adela Zaharia, the 2017 winner of Operalia, in Marta Domingo’s Art Deco-inspired production. She will be joined by Rame Lahaj and Charles Castronovo sharing the role of Alfredo and Conlon in the pit.

Performance – June 1 – June 22, 2019 

Off Grand Presentations

Ellen Reid and Roxie Perkins’ “Prism” – This new work will follow a mother and daughter who lock themselves away from the world and all of its dangers, exploring the themes of trauma and recovery. The Los Angeles world premiere, at the REDCAT Arts Center, will be followed by performances at the Prototype Festival in New York.

Performance – Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, 2018 

Joby Talbot’s “Vampyr” – An unholy mash-up making its world premiere for the Halloween season, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s 1932 horror film has been given a new score for chamber orchestra and singers, who will perform it live before a screening of this historic thriller at the Theatre at Ace Hotel.

Performance – Oct. 27 – Oct. 31, 2018

David Lang’s “The Loser” – This work delves into the inner torment shared by two rival piano prodigies when faced with the talent of virtuoso pianist Glenn Gould. It will be making its West Coast premiere when it opens at the Theatre at Ace Hotel.

Performance – Feb. 22 and 23, 2019 

Henry Mollicone and Shishir Kurup’s “Moses” – Featuring more than 400 professional, amateur, and student performers, “Moses” will be making its world premiere at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where it will be presented free of charge as a gift to the community.

Performance – March 22 – 23, 2019