The history of opera as it is presented today in America goes back to the late Renaissance in Italy, when a group of composers “invented” a new art form to resemble what they thought music-drama was like in classical Greece. During its 400-year history, European opera has been very diverse, though. The only thing that never changes about the opera is the magnitude of a venture, the breathtaking staging and thrilling voices. LA Opera has it all, and will kickstart it all over again in September, opening a new season 2009/10 with The Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti. Then in the last days of September through October LA Opera is starting Wagner’s Siegfried shows. The most magical installment of Wagner’s Ring cycle, in Achim Freyer’s visionary production, features the young hero Siegfried (John Treleaven) slaying a dragon with a supernatural sword, claiming the ring and discovering love with the valiant warrior maiden. LA Opera’s exciting new production of Wagner’s Ring promises to be one of the hottest tickets in the opera world.

November is going to be a thrilling month for LA opera lovers with G.F.Handel’s Tamerlano starring Plácido Domingo - in the 126th role of his brilliant career! - as Bajazet, a Turkish sultan. Then comes The Barber of Seville by Gioachino Rossini in December. For this effervescent comic opera, LA Opera has assembled an all-star cast featuring two celebrated artists.

Also, there’s solo performances on schedule with LA Opera. Two magnificent operatic voices Thomas Hampson (baritone) and Renée Fleming (soprano) will be heard from Opera’s stage this year.

For full details and schedule visit: www.laopera.com