LA Opera turned the Santa Monica Pier into an open-air opera house on Oct. 17, broadcasting its opening-night production of “Carmen” live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles to a massive outdoor screen by the ocean.
The free event, known as Opera at the Beach, is now in its 13th year and has grown into a Los Angeles tradition that welcomes thousands to watch opera together on the shoreline.
“At LA Opera, we believe opera is for everyone, and Opera at the Beach is one of the ways we bring that belief to life,” Stephanie Santiago, LA Opera’s associate director of production, who oversees the event’s logistics, said. “We’re not trying to reach just one particular audience. We’re inviting all of Los Angeles, from lifelong opera lovers to first-time audiences, families with young children and even people who might happen upon the performance while enjoying an evening at the Pier.”
The program began in 2014 as a partnership between LA Opera and Los Angeles County, spearheaded by then-County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. The first simulcast brought Verdi’s “La Traviata” to a giant screen on the pier and was LA Opera’s first live digital simulcast.
“The idea was to bring the magic of live opera beyond the walls of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and make it accessible to thousands of Angelenos who might never have experienced it before,” Santiago said.
The event returned the following year, and in 2016 it expanded to a second outdoor location so more communities across the county could watch the same performance. Opera at the Beach is free thanks to support from Los Angeles County and Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents the 3rd District.
Turning a working tourist pier into a performance space for one night is “truly a team effort,” Santiago said, involving Horvath’s office, the Santa Monica Pier Corp. and the city of Santa Monica’s Recreation and Arts Department.
“On the production side, we’re essentially building a venue from the ground up,” she said. “I work with some amazing vendors to bring in a state-of-the-art LED wall and sound system, and together we transform the space into a place where thousands of people can sit under the stars and experience a live opera performance together.”
LA Opera also brought in members of its Off Grand usher team.
“Whether you’re sitting in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or on the Santa Monica Pier, we want our audience to feel that same level of welcome, care, and customer service,” Santiago said.
Doors opened at 4 p.m. for an afternoon of free, family-friendly activities organized by the LA Opera Connects team, including balloon art, face painting, caricature artists and cornhole. Giveaways ranged from T-shirts and beanies to beach towels and squish toys, and gift basket winners were to be announced at intermission. Food trucks, live dance and music performances and community organizations rounded out the preshow.
“There’s really something for everyone, especially for families,” Santiago said.
Organizers welcomed outside food and nonalcoholic beverages and encouraged visitors to bring blankets or low lawn chairs and a sweater or jacket for the evening. Alcohol, pocket knives, pepper spray, large coolers, canopies, tents, sun umbrellas and pets were not permitted, though service animals were welcome. A bag check was in place.
Santiago described the shift that comes around 6 p.m.
“We turn down the lights, and the LED screen switches from pre-recorded LA Opera content to the live broadcast from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion,” she said.
The production was sung in French with English and Spanish subtitles and featured some of the most recognizable music in opera, including the “Habanera” and “Toreador Song.”
“And this year’s ‘Carmen’ is spectacular,” Santiago said. “The set, lighting, and costumes are incredible. The singing is phenomenal, and the dancing and fight choreography are really something to see.”
She said the outdoor setting offers an easy way for people curious about opera to give it a try.
“For families with young children who may not be ready to sit through an entire performance in a theater, it’s a chance to experience opera together in a more relaxed setting,” she said. “And even for someone who has attended thousands of performances, there’s something entirely new and magical about enjoying opera with the sound of the ocean and the bright lights of the Ferris wheel in the background.”
“Ultimately, it’s about celebrating the arts, bringing people together and making opera part of the cultural fabric of Los Angeles,” Santiago said.