The Pacific Opera Project (POP) is an innovative and dynamic opera company based in Los Angeles, California. Known for their unique and often unconventional productions, POP aims to make opera more accessible and relevant to a modern audience. One of POP's notable productions is "Mác Fluye," a creative adaptation of the classic opera Macbeth by Giuseppe Verdi. This ambitious project captures the essence of Verdi's original work while infusing it with a new and captivating twist. "Mác Fluye" takes place in a dystopian future where water is scarce, reflecting the contemporary issue of climate change and its impact on our world. The opera explores themes of power, greed, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, paralleling the story of Macbeth.
The opera explores themes of power, greed, and the consequences of unchecked ambition, paralleling the story of Macbeth. POP's production of "Mác Fluye" features a talented cast of singers who bring their characters to life with emotional depth and intensity. The company's commitment to showcasing emerging talent and giving opportunities to diverse voices is evident in their casting choices.
OUR STORY
Founded in 2011, Los Angeles’s Pacific Opera Project (POP) is dedicated to providing quality opera that is accessible, affordable, and entertaining. POP hosts hundreds of new opera-goers each season, while welcoming back a growing number of opera enthusiasts, producing close to 50 operas in just over 11 seasons. POP’s productions have reached over 40,000 audience members, including 5,000 children through its critically acclaimed productions of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio with Star Trek themes, and Magic Flute themed as a 1980s video game.
To connect with contemporary audiences, POP creates custom translations for foreign-language shows, transforming the libretto with a modern vernacular. Championing accessibility as a pillar of the organization’s structure, POP offers low ticket prices and livestreams its productions to the public for free. As a leader in innovative programming during the pandemic, POP offered 26 performances of live opera outdoors from 2020 to 2021 with The LA Times noting that a POP production was “the first major musical or theatrical event in Los Angeles Country presented for a live audience in nearly 14 months”.
POP has experienced fast and organic audience growth over the past decade. In 2021, POP established an engagement department and designed an in-school program for elementary students, which has resulted in the organization’s current presence in fifteen Title-I classrooms. POP additionally partners with the National Federation of the Blind, developing a curriculum for blind youth and delivering many of its concert programs in Braille with audio descriptions of stage action during performances.
Mission Statement: To provide quality opera that is accessible, affordable, and entertaining in order to build a broader audience.
Vision Statement: In the future, opera will become a greater part of popular culture, as we develop a larger local community of opera lovers and launch the careers of opera makers.
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Diversity Statement: We define diversity parameters as: Age, Income, Race, Ethnicity, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Disability Status. Geographic location applies to the Audience only. View our full Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Diversity Statement here .
Pacific Opera Project is set to revive its 2019 production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute AKA #Superflute” at El Portal Theater.
In addition to the exceptional vocal performances, POP's productions are known for their engaging and visually stunning staging. The team behind "Mác Fluye" incorporates multimedia elements, creative lighting designs, and immersive set designs to enhance the storytelling and create a unique and memorable experience for the audience. The Pacific Opera Project's dedication to reimagining traditional operas in innovative ways has garnered them a loyal following and positive critical acclaim. Through their productions, they continue to challenge the perception that opera is an elitist art form, making it accessible and relevant to a broader audience. In conclusion, the Pacific Opera Project's "Mác Fluye" is a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation of Verdi's Macbeth. With its focus on pressing contemporary issues and its visually stunning presentation, this production exemplifies POP's commitment to bringing opera to the modern age..
Reviews for "Exploring the Pacific Opera Project's Unique Performance Venues"
1. John - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Pacific Opera Project: Magic Flute". The musical performance was underwhelming and lacked energy. The singers seemed unenthusiastic, and their voices did not carry well throughout the venue. The set design and costumes were also lackluster, adding to the overall dullness of the production. I expected a vibrant and captivating performance but instead found myself bored and wondering when it would be over. I would not recommend this opera to anyone looking for an engaging and enjoyable experience.
2. Mary - 2 stars - "Pacific Opera Project: Magic Flute" left much to be desired. The staging and direction were confusing, and it was difficult to follow the storyline. The singers' diction was poor, making it even more challenging to understand what was happening on stage. The choice of costumes was also questionable, as they did not reflect the time period or the overall atmosphere of the opera. Additionally, the orchestra seemed overwhelmed at times, resulting in a lack of cohesion between the singers and the music. Overall, I found the performance to be disjointed and disappointing.