So exactly how does LA Opera get young people to be opera fans?

Dr. Andrea Fuentes is Vice Presiden of the LA Opera Connects program we have performing opportunities for anyone from, I think, age seven is our youngest as as old as they want to join us are welcome.

So we have different programs that'll do that.

We have school programs for young people as well as community programs, and then we have communit programs where anyone can join.

One LA Opera ambassador is podcast host Jamie DuBose.

And why is this work meaningful to you?

For me, it's important because for the younger generation, we view the opera as being more for like older people.

And maybe not for minorities.

And so I think it's important to completely flip that script and understand, like you said, the arts is for everyone.

I loved Omar.

I loved watching it.

It was one of the first, like, almost all black casts I've seen from the opera.

And I loved it.

I'm like, that's me.

That's my story.

Well, we don't always have to talk about, you know, the trauma that comes with being a minority, to be honest.

Like, let's star celebrating us on stage as well and celebrating who we are today and how far we've come, So make no mistake.

LA opera has started to successfully open its doors to a wider community.

By doing this, it creates sense of belonging for everyone.

For PBS SoCal, I'm Bonnie Boswell this presentation is made possible by Liberty Hill.