Far Away, Here, a new international opera initiative from CAP UCLA

Far Away, Here, International Opera, Curated for L.A.

 

Launched in the 2026–27 season, Far Away, Here presents U.S. premieres of rarely seen opera works by international creators throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. This new initiative establishes vibrant cultural connections between L.A. audiences and contemporary opera worldwide.

Far Away, Here is a multi-year platform for bringing bold opera works from cultures not traditionally reflected on U.S. stages, encouraging creative cross pollination.

Artistic Leadership

Edgar and Timur headshots

Far Away, Here is curated and produced by Timur Bekbosunov, in close collaboration with Edgar Miramontes, Executive and Artistic Director of CAP UCLA.

Together, they guide the creative vision, artist selection, and long-term development of the initiative, ensuring each project reflects both international excellence and local collaboration.

Join the community of supporters helping to bring this vision to life

A group of people sitting in a livingroom

Far Away, Here is sustained by a community of patrons who believe in opera as a living, evolving art form. Your gift helps bring visionary international artists into dialogue with Los Angeles, fueling new productions, deepening local collaboration, and expanding access for audiences across the city.

Gifts support:
Artist residencies and creative development
Production and design innovation
Accessible performances for new audiences

Join now for priority access to our November performances.

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Access and benefits for supporters

Advance access to ticket sales
Program and website recognition

All of the above
Reserved seating
Special invitations to events related to featured opera

All of the above
Special invitations to intimate conversations with featured Artists
Access to creative conversations about current and upcoming projects

All of the above
Access to the final dress rehearsal

All of the above
Two tickets to the Opening Night
Founders Party
Pre-performance recognition
Special exclusive experiences curated by Far Away, Here 

A violinist performing

Be among those closest to the work as it comes to life. With your support, you gain early access to tickets, invitations to receptions and intimate gatherings, and opportunities to experience artist encounters, behind-the-scenes moments and the creative process up close, from first rehearsals to opening night.

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Building the future together

With gratitude to the community of supporters as of July 2026 whose generosity is shaping this initiative.

Founding Members 
($10,000 annually)

Fariba Ghaffari
Betsy Greenberg
Deborah Irmas
Raulee Marcus
Ronnie Rubin
Abby Sher
Anne-Marie Spataru

Found members of Far Away, Here posed together at an event

Patrons
($1,000 - $2,500)

De Marchena Huyke Foundation
Sara Horner
Nancy & Barry Sanders
Debra Vilinksy & Michael Sopher

 

Inaugural season in 2026-27

Kafka on stage
Kafka on stage
Photo by Petr Kadlec
U.S. Premiere

Kafka’s Letter to His Father

Composed by Jiři Trtik (Czech Republic)
Libretto by Jan Škrob (Czech Republic)

In collaboration with Brightwork Ensemble (L.A.)
Produced by the Opera of Timur (L.A.)
Conducted by Fahad Siadat (L.A.)
Directed by Shayna Penn (L.A.)

Cast: 
Kafka - TIMUR
Mother - Molly Pease
Fathers - TJ Sclafani, Kevin Allen, Lorenzo Zapata, Scott Graff, David Peterson, James Hayden
 
November 12–14, 2026 at 8 pm
The Nimoy
Performed in Czech with English supertitles

Adapted from Franz Kafka’s searing, intimate letter to his father, this acclaimed opera – premiered by the National Theater in Prague in 2024 – transforms one of the 20th century’s most powerful literary documents into a gripping theatrical experience. Blending music, voice and psychological intensity, the work offers a raw exploration of authority, vulnerability, and identity — hallmarks of the kind of urgent, artist-driven operas Far Away, Here is committed to presenting.

The production marks the first in Far Away, Here’s multi-year international focus and sets the tone for the initiative’s emphasis on bold contemporary storytelling.

Join the Far Away, Here interest list to receive early access to tickets, plus updates as new productions are announced.

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Photo by Petr Kadlec

Beyond the stage

Side events and community engagement

Surrounding the premiere, we will present a series of side events designed to deepen engagement and invite audiences into the creative world of the opera, including:

  • Artist talks and post-performance conversations

  • Panels exploring Kafka's legacy and contemporary opera-making

  • Workshops with local artists and students

  • Community and partner events developed with L.A. arts organizations

Additional operas, international collaborators and thematic focuses will be announced as projects are confirmed. CAP UCLA is committed to this evolving, multi-year exploration of contemporary opera across cultures.