Sentinel News Service
L.A. Opera will present a live simulcast of its opening night of Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Otello’ for audiences at two outdoor locations. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, LA Opera’s production of the towering operatic masterpiece will be transmitted live in high-definition video from nine cameras at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to large LED screens at California State University, Dominguez Hills and the Santa Monica Pier.
The performance will star tenor Russell Thomas, the company’s Artist in Residence, in the title role and will be conducted by Music Director James Conlon.
Through the generous support of Los Angeles County, LA Opera is able to present these simulcasts free of charge as a special gift to the community.
‘Otello’ will mark the ninth “Opera at the Beach” simulcast to the Santa Monica Pier. This will be the first time that LA Opera’s annual live simulcast will be experienced by audiences in the city of Carson, where “Opera on the Lawn” will take place on the North Lawn on the campus of CSUDH.
Since ‘Otello’ is performed in Italian, the simulcasts will feature subtitles in both English and Spanish.
“Bring your friends, a blanket and picnic out to the Santa Monica Pier for a special night under the stars with the LA Opera for Verdi’s ‘Otello’ ” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents the Third District where the Santa Monica Pier is located. “The simulcast brings the magic of opening night at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to the beach, connecting more LA County communities to the power of opera. Our office is thrilled to be part of this beloved Third District tradition and unique LA experience.”
“Access to arts and culture programming has the power to transform lives,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, who represents Los Angeles County’s Second District where CSUDH is located. “My office is proud to bring one of Verdi’s greatest operas, ‘Otello,’ for all to enjoy freely and in our community. I applaud LA Opera for creatively working to make the arts more accessible throughout LA County.”
“I am honored and delighted that LA Opera has chosen to partner with our university on this unique event,” said CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham. “This simulcast is another opportunity for CSUDH to demonstrate that we are not only in the community, but of the community. Showcasing great instrumental and vocal performances is a fantastic occasion that brings people together in a positive way, using music as the catalyst. We look forward to future collaborations with LA Opera.”
Although no tickets are required for entrance, guests are encouraged to sign up in advance at LAOpera.org/OperaAtTheBeach or LAOpera.org/OperaOnTheLawn to get important information about parking and the latest updates, and to receive a free gift at the event plus a chance to win a three-opera ticket package.
Seating at both locations is general admission, and gates will open at 5:30pm. Attendees are advised to bring their own seating and to arrive early both for pre-performance picnicking and to secure the best viewing areas. There will be arts and crafts activities for families to enjoy before the simulcast begins. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Pets are not allowed.
