- ADVERTISEMENT - LBO’s reputation for putting on some of the most innovative and experimental operas, oftentimes staged in unconventional locations—the 2008 performance of Ricky Ian Gordon’s “Orpheus and Eurydice” staged in the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool being one of the more memorable—was largely thanks to Mitisek. But when the coronavirus made its debut in March 2020, upending all live performance industries, LBO knew that their new director would not only need to be innovative artistically, but logistically as well. Taking up the mantle as LBO’s third artistic director in the company’s 41-year history is James Darrah, a Los Angeles-based director, designer and filmmaker whose recent work producing digital classical concerts and film-adaptations of operas has suddenly made him one of the most sought-after opera creatives. Darrah, whose official first day began Monday, is expected to stay with the company until at least the end of 2024, LBO said.