Autumn de Wilde
The LA Philharmonic drafted in an all-star roster of backstage talent for their unaccustomed venture into the world of opera on Friday night. Christopher Alden directed the semi-staged Don Giovanni. The giant crumpled paper sets were created by the architect of the LA Phil's Walt Disney Concert Hall, Frank Gehry. Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte provided the fairytale-chic costumes, recruiting their catwalk cohorts Odile Gilbert (hair) and James Kaliardos (makeup) to set off their designs.
Mariusz Kwiecien took the title role, with Carmela Remigio (Donna Anna), Aga Mikolaj (Donna Elvira) and Anna Prohaska ( Zerlina) on the receiving end of the most gorgeous frocks. And of course LA's very own musical superstar, Gustavo Dudamel, was in the pit.
The production, which sets the orchestra behind the stage and the chorus at the sides, was described as "freshly illuminated" but "not without acoustical or musical compromises" by Mark Swed in the LA Times.
Loads more photos below.
