Virtuoso

For thirty years (1969-99), LA's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion hosted the Academy Awards.

Ducking your head inside, its sleek light-colored wood and swooping curves hint at its early 1960's construction. Massive chandeliers dangle from the ceiling. An olive-green carpet runs up the center staircase. Its 3,197 seats are covered in plush red velvet. 

These days the DCP is home to the LA Opera. Verdi's classic "Aida" is currently on the marquee; a story of love, deception, and revenge. You would think, after watching the 3-hour performance last night, I would have had enough. Not so. This morning I woke up thinking about it. Opera has somehow found its way into my heart...

"It is essential to do everything possible to attract young people to the opera so they can see it is not some antiquated art form but a repository of the most glorious music and drama man has ever created." – Bruce Beresford