Now when I was a girl, it was extremely rare to see people of color in the opera, either on stage or in the audience.

So, when I got a LA Opera magazine a few years ago showing people from various backgrounds in major roles I wanted to see for myself.

I went to the Music Center in downtown LA and saw Omar, a story of a 19th Century African scholar.

I was still curious, so I went to the Music Center again, and this time I spoke with Andrea Fuentes, Vice President of LA Opera Connects, the Community Engagement and Learning Office.

I learned the opera was indeed widening its tent.

we run something like 30 something programs.

we have programs where we create opportunities for people who might not ordinarily think to come here.

in libraries, in senior centers, in schools, we serve thousands of people Well, another effort-- The Ambassadors Program gets local leaders to share their love of opera with others.

Ambassador Suzanna Guzman, professional opera singer, didn't grow up with opera either.

I grew up in East L.A., and classical music was no a part of our background at all.

I was tricked into auditioning for the title role of Carmen, which I booked, and that was the first time I had ever heard opera.

I have a show that I do for kids called Don't Be Afraid It's Just Opera.

And they interviewed this little ten year old boy and they asked him, what did you think you were going to ge when you heard this opera lady?

And he said, oh I thought we'd get this really, like boring old lady who screamed really loud.

And what did you get?

Well, we got this really cool lady who screamed really loud, but it was cool screaming!

I really see that we are touching every single corner of L.A. County, Southern California.

Well, next time we'll meet more ambassadors and hear their stories.

For PBS SoCal, I'm Bonnie Boswell.

this presentation is made possible by Liberty Hill.