“One of Conlon’s parting gifts to L.A. is an irrefutable argument that no art form does redemption quite like opera.” – Los Angeles Times

“While Conlon excels in many fields, his strongest suit of all may well be Verdi, in which he runs a disciplined ship that allows for plenty of sweeping lyrical arches and abundant energy for the composer’s eruptions of passion and violence. To Falstaff, Conlon heightens the essential ingredient of humor.” – Musical America

“Like all great operas, Falstaff rewards with repeated listening, especially in the hands of James Conlon, the preeminent Verdi conductor… He and the LAO Orchestra offer a breathtaking rendering of this kaleidoscopic score.” – Seen and Heard International

“…[James Conlon] guided a performance that combined high energy and pinpoint precision with a core of emotional clarity that ebbed and flowed as gracefully as the River Thames.” – San Francisco Classical Voice 

“Music Director James Conlon, in his 20th and valedictory season, conducted with great verve and delicacy, securing virtuoso playing from the L.A. Opera Orchestra.” – Classical Voice 

“James Conlon’s work in the pit is what finally makes this Falstaff essential.” – Stage and Cinema 

“In this production, under Conlon’s direction, the fugue earns everything Verdi spent sixty years setting up… When this company and this conductor bring it home, the shrug lands with the weight of a life’s work.” – Stage and Cinema 

“At the helm, Conlon’s dynamic musical direction achieves clarity without sacrificing momentum” – Arts Beat LA 

“Conlon, in his 20th season as Music Director, proves the ideal partner. Conducting one of his beloved scores, he shapes Verdi’s intricate ensembles with precision and warmth, allowing the comedy to unfold organically rather than forcing it.” – Hollywood Times