1979 was an exciting year in music! Disco divas Gloria Gaynor and Donna Summer ruled the radio while opera divas Monserat Caballe, Joan Sutherland and Kiri Te Kanawa were on the world’s most prominent opera stages.

And amidst all of those cultural highlights, it was time for Los Angeles County to have its own producing opera company: Long Beach Opera.

Artistic Director James Darrah is focusing on the future of opera by featuring emerging new composers, fusing opera with other art forms such as dance, cuisine and film — and inviting some of opera’s biggest stars to make unexpected projects.

He is delivering critically acclaimed world premieres (The Romance of the Rose) and creating real pathways for young singers, directors and designers to establish their careers.

Included in the GALA 1979 performance will be selections from Luciano Berio’s wild theater piece composed in the 1970’s entitled “Recital I (for Cathy)”, performed by Measha Brueggergosman-Lee.

This wacky and fanciful piece is the inspirational basis for LBO’s latest film project written and directed by Darrah entitled “Open Air,” which will feature original compositions by LBO’s music director Christopher Rountree, and will be filmed this season. GALA 1979 supports the innovative future of Long Beach Opera for 2024 and beyond.

L'Opera Restaurant, an iconic establishment with a legacy of over three decades, invites you to savor the finest classic and modern Italian cuisine in Long Beach. With accolades like Zagat's recognition as one of the top Italian restaurants in the United States, the Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence since 2005, and numerous awards for excellence in service and dining, L'Opera promises an unforgettable dining experience that combines tradition with innovation.