Director Alan Hicks is new to San Diego Opera, holding a joint position as Assistant Stage Director for the company and as head of the opera program at San Diego State University. In this interview he shares his preparation for the WWI opera All Is Calm, and brings his insight to this intimate and stunning musical theatre experience. Enjoy!

Juan Carlos Acosta has a long-standing relationship with San Diego Opera, as a student at our Student Dress Rehearsals, as a subscriber, as a member of the San Diego Opera Chorus and now as conductor of our upcoming production: All Is Calm. In this interview he talks about the challenges of keeping a 16-member all-male chorus on track (and on pitch!) without the presence of an orchestra or some kind of instrumental accompaniment. This unique opera has got Juan Carlos and our Dr. Nic very excited about upcoming opening on December 7. Enjoy!