Free Simulcasts of L.A. Opera's CARMEN on 9/23 at Exposition Park and Santa Monica Pier

LA Opera's fourth season of annual live simulcasts will continue at two locations this year. At 7pm on September 23, 2017, LA Opera's season-opening production of Georges Bizet's Carmen will be sent live in high-definition video from nine cameras at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to large LED screens at Exposition Park (700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, 90037) and at Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, 90401). The performance will be conducted by Music Director James Conlon, starring soprano Ana María Martínez in the title role and tenor Brandon Jovanovich as Don José.

Through the support of Los Angeles County and Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Sheila Kuehl, LA Opera is able to present both simulcasts free of charge as a special gift to the community. Although no tickets are required for entrance, guests are encouraged to sign up in advance at LAOpera.org/OperaInThePark or LAOpera.org/OperaAtTheBeach to get important information like parking and traffic notifications, a digital program and a free gift on-site. Seating at both venues is general admission. Attendees are advised to arrive early for pre-performance picnicking, to get the best viewing areas, and to bring their own seating.

As part of Los Angeles County's support of an annual simulcast rotation to a different district each season, Carmen will be the first Opera in the Park simulcast on the South Lawn of Exposition Park, located in the Second Supervisorial District. "I am pleased to bring to the Second Supervisorial District a world-class opera performance in the perfect Southern California outdoor setting for families to enjoy," said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Ridley-Thomas. "Expo Park is where arts, sports, science, history and education all come together, so the LA Opera will be right at home."

Back by popular demand, Opera at the Beach returns for the fourth year in a row to the Santa Monica Pier, following La Traviata in 2014, Gianni Schicchi / Pagliacci in 2015, and Macbeth in 2016. "Talk about a fantastic double bill! Opera at the Beach brings you the world-class LA Opera production of Carmen and the beautiful Pacific Ocean at the same time," said Supervisor Kuehl, who represents the Third District, which includes the city of Santa Monica. "Bring your beach chair and picnic basket and join us at the Santa Monica Pier to reach for the stars in all directions!"

Opera in the Park-Exposition Park
For detailed information about the Exposition Park simulcast, please visit LAOpera.org/OperaInThePark. Exposition Park is located at 700 Exposition Boulevard, between Vermont Avenue and Figueroa Street. Parking is available in the visitor parking structure on Exposition Drive off of Figueroa Street (523 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles). Additional public parking lots are also available. Click here for a map. Parking lots are cash only and rates will vary. Attendees can also take public transit, exiting the Metro Expo Line at the Expo Park/USC station.

Simulcast attendees are encouraged to arrive early for picnicking and food trucks will be available on site. For more information about Exposition Park, please visit ExpositionPark.ca.gov.

Opera at the Beach-Santa Monica Pier
For detailed information about the Santa Monica Pier simulcast, please visit LAOpera.org/OperaAtTheBeach. The Santa Monica Pier is located at the western terminus of Colorado Avenue. Discounted parking spots can be reserved in advance at ParkMe.com/pier. Attendees can also take public transit, exiting the Metro Expo Line at the Downtown Santa Monica station.

For more information about the venue and for directions, please visit SantaMonicaPier.org.

The Wine Terrace at Opera at the Beach
Amenities at the Santa Monica Pier include several nearby food options, as well as The Wine Terrace, presented by Los Angeles magazine. For one low price, visitors to The Wine Terrace can sample wines from a variety of boutique wineries curated by wineLA. The Wine Terrace will be open from 6pm to 9pm. Tickets are $32 each if purchased in advance at this link, and $42 at the door; customers must be 21 years of age with valid ID to enter.

About the Opera
One of the most popular of all operas, Carmen is filled with an intoxicating whirl of thrilling choreography, vivid orchestrations and heart-stopping drama. Nobody-not even a lover-can tame Carmen, opera's most seductive temptress. Georges Bizet's unforgettable score is an endless parade of one great melody after the other, from the languid allure of Carmen's sensual songs to the macho boasts of a dashing bullfighter. Carmen is performed in French, and the simulcast will feature subtitles in English and Spanish.

For additional information about the production, please visit LAOpera.com/Carmen.

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