Jim’s perspective – both musical and business – on his first full Ring cycle performance

Tonight we finished the last Gotterdammerung at LA Opera. It was the end of a two-year commitment to the most elaborate, longest, and (arguably) the most important work of music ever written.

I feel humbled, proud and fortunate to have had the opportunity to do it – once in my life. The Ring has been a LIFETIME experience. Los Angeles Opera is a strange company. It is not a full time orchestra or job but it operates on a very high level. To tackle the Ring is said to be the mark of distinction for an opera company—a sign that you a have arrived. The opera world is very picky, with knowledgeable critics and audiences that judge it on a high level...