“Go for the music. The L.A. Opera orchestra… plays with grace and point. The company’s music director, James Conlon, puts Mozart first, which means enough verve to keep spirits high and enough support for his singers to remind them of the durable significance of what they sing.” — LA Times

“James Conlon and the orchestra are in tune and all keep up the pace with the action on every single note.” — Splash Magazine”

“It was still a glorious night at the opera, as musically engaging, bubbly and delightful as any hit musical on Broadway. But unlike Broadway, one had an orchestra under James Conlon that gave full meaning to Mozart’s intentions. LAO musicians celebrated both the vigor and transparency of the score, its humor and pathos, its passion and delicacy.” —  Seen and Heard International

“Accentuated by the fine, mostly young cast,and the pinpoint conducting of James Conlon, the production is a tasty Mozartian confection.” — LA Daily News

“Maestro Conlon’s nimble support in the pit can’t be underestimated and the orchestra plays their Mozart now as to the manner born. He breathes with his singers and is the antithesis of the fussy Mozartean. Always keeping things moving forward. His tempos are well judged and the balance he gets between wind and strings and horns is near perfection. It sounds so good in the first moments you have to convince yourself it’s live. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the quintet at the finale of Act II with the director’s most inspired staging moments coupled with a concentration of music making that left the audience spellbound.” — Parterre Box

“In the pit, James Conlon kept Mozart’s endlessly ingenious, energetic, infectious score synched to the action taking place on stage… ” — Bachtrack

“The rousing orchestral pieces are being helmed by L.A. Opera Music Director James Conlon. In addition to the vocal technicality, Mozart’s score features flourishes of extra percussion and a bombastic energy, with nods to Turkish sounds. Both Robinson and Prieto credit Conlon with being a stabilizing force for a dynamic show.” — LA Downtown News

“L.A. Opera’s Music Director since 2006, James Conlon not only gave a highly stimulating pre-opera talk, but also directed a stylish and lively Abduction, balancing Mozart’s comical Turkish elements with the soft tender moments between the lovers.” — Classical Voice