Pack a picnic blanket and get ready for a night of passion, drama and world-class music — completely free. On Saturday, October 17, LA Opera opens its 2026/27 season with a spectacular live simulcast of Bizet’s Carmen, beamed in high definition from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to two beloved outdoor venues: the Santa Monica Pier and William Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights. Both screenings begin at 6pm.
Seven cameras will capture the performance and project it onto giant LED screens, with subtitles in both English and Spanish — so nobody misses a single thrilling note. The evening also marks the debut of the company’s new Music Director, Domingo Hindoyan, conducting a striking new production steeped in Spanish Gothic mystery, with dazzling flamenco-infused choreography by Antonio Najarro. The cast is led by Rihab Chaieb in the title role, alongside Joshua Guerrero as Don José, Kathleen O’Mara as Micaëla and Liam James Karai as Escamillo.
The celebration starts well before the first downbeat. Pre-show festivities at both locations include family-friendly crafts with LA Opera Connects, balloon art and face-painting, live performances by local artists, giveaways and food vendors — arrive early to claim the best spot and make an afternoon of it.
Thanks to generous support from Los Angeles County, both simulcasts are free of charge — no tickets required — as a gift to the community. Guests are encouraged to sign up at laopera.org for parking information, updates and a free gift at the event. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome; outside alcohol and pets must stay home.
This will be LA Opera’s thirteenth Opera at the Beach at the Santa Monica Pier — and its very first Opera in the Park in Hacienda Heights. Don’t miss it.
Photo: LA Opera
