Established in 1979, Long Beach Opera (LBO) stands as the longest-running opera organization in the greater Los Angeles region. Having presented well over 100 productions in that time, LBO has carved out its space as a leader in innovating opera from its founding through the 21st century. With repertoire ranging from the early Baroque to the commissioning of contemporary works and world premieres,
the company embraces the idea that no experience will be standard or traditional. This commitment to the future of opera has earned critical acclaim, both locally and nationally, and also secured funding from institutions such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Long Beach, the Mellon Foundation, the Ralph M. LBO's history demonstrates that its purpose is the advancement of opera and operatic experiences; embodied by stating that it creates “opera for a new era.”
The company, originally known as Long Beach Grand Opera, was a venture intended to mark the inaugural season of the city’s Terrace Theater. Michael Milenski, formerly of the San Francisco Opera and San Jose Opera, was tapped to mount the first production in March 1979. The success of that production led to the company’s formal independent incorporation with Milenski as the Founder and Executive Director. In 2004, Michael Milenski retired after 25 seasons at the helm of LBO and was succeeded by Austrian conductor, Andreas Mitisek, who continued LBO’s longstanding artistic philosophy of presenting an expanded vision of opera. In 2021, the third and current Artistic Director & Chief Creative Officer, James Darrah, joined the company and is building out a bold, innovative vision centered around defining the form's future. LBO’s highlights include a long list of premieres, monumental works, and a roster of both creative legends and up-and-coming talent which has resulted in accolades; including the 2019 commission and world premiere of Anthony Davis’ 'The Central Park Five' which consequently won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize. Other world premieres have included Stewart Copeland’s 'The Invention of Morel,' Tobin Stokes’ 'Fallujah,' and Stewart Wallace’s 'Hopper’s Wife.' Also of note are many American premieres including works by Glass, Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel, Cherubini, Piazzolla, Szymanowski, and more. The company’s fierce commitment to collaborations with composers, vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, filmmakers, curators, conductors, designers, community partners, and more has created a rich legacy at the company. LBO continues to be home to artistic innovators in production, directorial work, and music with a bright future that is abundant with creative possibilities.
