The Chicago Voices Student Songwriting Workshop offered a selective group of nine high school students an incredible opportunity to hone their songwriting skills and strengthen their performance artistry. In only 12 hours (over the course of one week), these talented songwriters crafted a new original song, collaborated with each other, and recorded their work in a professional studio. We invite you to sit back, relax, and listen to these future Chicago Voices.

All songs are Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

VOICES: Student Songwriting Workshop

In this pre-recorded pre-performance lecture, Dr. Tiffany Kuo guides you through Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadamar: the plot, the history, and, of course, the music. Tickets to Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org. 

Dr. TIffany Kuo's Pre-Performance Talk on Ainadamar

In this episode, scholar Dr. Luis Martin-Cabrera provides context for Ainadamar with an introduction to the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, and the fate of poet Federico García Lorca. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series Opera for Educators. Playing now through May 18, tickets for Ainadamar are available now at LAOpera.org.

The Spanish Civil War and Francoist Repression with Dr. Luis Martin-Cabrera

In this episode, LA Opera Connects is looking forward to the 4th annual LA County Arts and Health Week Summit on June 13. Listen in to this panel conversation recorded at last year's Summit, featuring Renée Fleming leading a discussion about the future of embedding the arts into healthcare with Dr. Daniel Levitin, Sarah Lyding, Dr. Indre Viskontas, and Stacie Aamon Yeldell. Join us here at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on June 13 for conversations and participatory experiences highlighting creative ways to approach wellness. RSVP now at LAOpera.org/Summit.

Action the Future: Arts for Society with Renée Fleming, Dr. Daniel Levitin, Sarah Lyding, Dr. Indre Viskontas, and Stacie Aamon Yeldell

In this episode, mezzo-soprano Sarah Saturnino, alumna of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, shares the synopsis for Rigoletto, with annotated musical notes from musicologist Dr. Tiffany Kuo.

Rigoletto: Annotated Listening Guide

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot, and, of course, the music of Verdi's Rigoletto. Don't miss this heart-pounding drama playing May 31-June 21. Tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

James Conlon's Pre-Performance Talk on Rigoletto

In this episode, musicologist Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong illuminates the women of Rigoletto and their archetypes, drawing on history, literature, and fine arts. This lecture was recorded as part of Opera for Educators, LA Opera Connects' professional development series for teachers and anyone interested in a deeper dive. Tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available now at LAOpera.org. 

The Women of Verdi's Rigoletto with Dr. Holley Replogle-Wong

In this episode, LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank sits down with Rigoletto star Quinn Kelsey to discuss the baritone's artistic journey, his experience of embodying one of Verdi's most iconic roles, and how his Hawaiian cultural heritage has influenced it all. Playing now through June 21, tickets to Verdi's Rigoletto are available at LAOpera.org.

Rigoletto in Conversation with Quinn Kelsey and Jeremy Frank

This episode is an in-depth analysis of the music of Rigoletto, with LA Opera Chorus Director Jeremy Frank. From his piano, Jeremy takes us on a journey through the music of Rigoletto, providing context from the end of the bel canto period into Verdi's early, middle, and late periods. This episode was recorded as part of LA Opera's learning series, now known as Exploring Opera. Tickets for Rigoletto are available now at LA Opera.org.

Exploring Opera: Rigoletto with Jeremy Frank

This February 2026, Akhnaten returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the first time in a decade. In this special episode, we rewind to a 2017 conversation between Akhnaten's composer, Philip Glass, and LA Opera’s then-artist-in-residence, Matthew Aucoin. Together, they explore the radical reign of the pharaoh Akhnaten, the revolutionary vision that reshaped ancient Egypt, and the hypnotic score that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
 
Celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera. Tickets to our historic anniversary season, including Akhnaten, West Side Story, The Magic Flute, and more are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: Akhnaten in Conversation with Philip Glass and Matthew Aucoin

As we approach the 4th of July, we’re turning our attention to the bold, ever-evolving world of American opera. In this special episode, Dr. Tiffany Kuo explores what makes an opera “American,” highlighting works that span ragtime, hip hop, minimalism, and the avant-garde. It’s a powerful reminder that American opera is not one sound—but many. 

From thrilling drama to laugh-out-loud comedy, celebrate 40 years of bold storytelling with LA Opera this season, starting with the American classic, West Side Story. Tickets for LA Opera's historic 40th Anniversary Season are on sale now at LAOpera.org.

From the Vault: American Opera with Dr. Tiffany Kuo

Armoni Taffe, vocals, piano & bass; Mike Przygoda, drums

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Songwriting Workshop

Viewer's Discretion (by: Armoni Taffe)

Emma Rose, vocals & ukulele; Mike Przygoda, shaker

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Lyric Songwiting Workshop

Shoes and I Love You's (by: Emma Rose)

Iris, vocals; Megan Elk, piano

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

This Song is for the Both of You (by: Iris)

Adam Nimer, vocals & guitar

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Distinctive Moments (by: Adam Nimer)

Shannon Baker, vocals & guitar; Mike Przygoda, bass & drums

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Mr. Right (by: Shannon Baker)

Maya.cl, vocals & piano; Armoni Taffe, electric guitar & bass; Kalman Strauss, violin

Co-Produced by Mike Przygoda, Megan Elk, and Sam Fishkin. Recorded and mixed by Sam Fishkin at MixKitchen in Chicago, IL.

Fire (by: Maya.cl)

Lyric Opera of Chicago

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