Celebrating the dynamic interplay between opera and cinema, Long Beach Opera's Opera & Film Festival delivered boundary-pushing performances that fused the worlds of film and live theater. This groundbreaking event, aptly named THE RECITAL, brought together two seemingly disparate art forms and wove them into an unforgettable tapestry of creativity, innovation, and sheer artistic brilliance.

Set against the backdrop of Long Beach's historic Art Theatre, THE RECITAL was a true feast for the senses. Attendees were not only treated to world-class performances but also immersed in the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of this dynamic neighborhood.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the pairing of Franz Schubert's timeless 1823 song cycle, Die Schöne Müllerin, with the award-winning animated short film, Christopher at Sea. This fusion of classical music and cutting-edge animation was nothing short of magical. The film, which had previously wowed audiences at the Venice International Film Festival and snagged awards at SXSW and Sundance, breathed new life into Schubert's masterpiece. The live staging of the Schubert cycle, guided by the musical direction of Rakefet Hak, was a revelation, reinventing this beloved work for a modern audience.

The live performances featured a lineup of debuts with Long Beach Opera as well as familiar faces from LBO’s past performances. Headlining was mezzo-soprano and award-winning vocalist Hope Nelson, accompanied by celebrated collaborative pianist Sky Haneul Lee. Under the Co-direction of Tom C. J. Brown and Raviv Ullman, this beloved Schubert work came to life in a reinvented way. Additionally, Sharon Chohi Kim (Giustino, 2022) delivered an immersive live-scoring performance on Sunday, June 25th.

The festival also featured a diverse lineup of films, both animated and live-action, curated from the works of award-winning directors and filmmakers. From the thought-provoking Interesting Ball to the mesmerizing Last Snow, each film was a testament to the power of visual storytelling.

Interactive Q&A sessions, moderated by LBO's Artistic Director, James Darrah, provided a unique opportunity for attendees to delve deeper into the connections between opera and cinematic language. These discussions were insightful, shedding light on how these art forms can inspire and enrich one another.

One of the most remarkable aspects of THE RECITAL was its immersive nature. Attendees could explore local businesses, savor a variety of cuisines, and truly become a part of Long Beach's vibrant community. The event's all-day pass allowed guests to come and go as they pleased, making the most of this extraordinary experience.

Long Beach Opera's commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and performance was on full display at THE RECITAL. This immersive and expansive event left an indelible mark, reminding us of the limitless possibilities when film and opera converge. It was a celebration of creativity, a testament to innovation, and a resounding success.