Los Angeles Opera comes to the beach in Santa Monica

Giuseppe Verdi’s fallen woman soared at sunset Wednesday on the Santa Monica Pier as the Los Angeles Opera staged its first live digital simulcast, with an estimated 2,500 viewing “La Traviata” on a giant screen by the beach while the action was unfolding live at L.A.’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

Enjoying a chilly seaside breeze after days of record temperatures, the audience lounged on beach chairs, blankets and towels — food and non-alcoholic beverages in abundance — as the ocean roared in the background.

Before the performance, star Placido Domingo, who plays doomed lover Alfredo’s father, appeared onscreen to thank the Westside crowd.

“I think it’s time for me to get in costume,” he said just before showtime.

The simulcast was a welcome experience for those in attendance, including 9-year-old Harrison Hurst from Westwood, who came with his mother, Linda, his grandmother and his little brother.

“I’m here to watch a show about a man who marries a rich queen who likes to travel places,” said Harrison, who had never seen an opera before. “I don’t know any more because I don’t want to give away the secret of the show. But it’s next to my favorite amusement park.”

Jason Marco from Santa Monica was also present, comfy red chair in hand.

“I’m glad they’ve come to the Westside,” he said emphatically of the L.A. Opera.

Funding for the project came largely from the county, with Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky the project’s primary champion. He was in Santa Monica on Wednesday to greet guests.

“A number of us have dreamed about this for many years,” said Yaroslavsky, whose son’s interest in opera inspired his own. “The more we can expose people to the art form, the more of an audience and a community it builds in our county.”

Viewers of the simulcast were treated to a carefully orchestrated series of shots from eight cameras. Director Matthew Diamond and a team of camera operators prepared for the event weeks in advance, a process that culminated with an intense technical rehearsal Saturday.

The L.A. Opera has broadcast shows to outdoor venues before, but they have all been pre-taped. With this first live simulcast, the company will join companies such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera in London at the vanguard of live digital programming, reaching audiences beyond traditional opera venues.

Christopher Koelsch, president and chief executive of L.A. Opera, said the company would continue to look for ways to push digital boundaries. Live simulcasts will continue on a biannual basis.

“What’s more iconic L.A. than the Santa Monica Pier and the beach?” Koelsch said. “I find it totally thrilling.”

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