LA Opera Talk: Lohengrin

SUNDAY, October 17th 2:00 p.m. L.A. Opera’s ARLENE STONE will present a free audio presentation of Wagner’s Lohengrin, as part of the very popular Opera Talk series at Crowell Public Library. Ms. Stone will present background on Wagner and his times and discuss the story behind the opera: Lohengrin is a romantic opera in three acts first performed in 1850. The story is taken from a medieval German romance, in the Knight of the Swan tradition. The action takes place during the 10th century in the kingdom of Saxony, a country in disarray, as the Hungarians are preparing to attack. The full production at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion will be conducted by James Conlon, an internationally acclaimed exponent of Wagnerian repertoire, who will bring his musical vision to this most lyrical of Wagner's operas. The production presents tenor Ben Heppner in the title role and features the company debuts of two other noted Wagnerian artists: Kristinn Sigmundsson and Soile Isokoski. Whether a hardcore opera aficionado or a curious novice, attendees will be delightfully entertained and encouraged to ask questions and offer comments.