Composer Tod Machover discusses his innovative new opera “Schoenberg in Hollywood” at the event. (photo courtesy of the Hammer Museum)

The Hammer Museum presents “Schoenberg in Hollywood: The Making of a Modern Opera” on Sunday, May 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hammer Museum.

Co-presented with the UCLA Lowell Milken Center for Music of American Jewish Experience and the Schoenberg at 150 Festival, the program is part of the Hammer Conversations series. To celebrate Schoenberg’s 150th birthday, join composer Tod Machover as he discusses his innovative new opera “Schoenberg in Hollywood” with conductor Neal Stulberg, director Karole Armitage and Schoenberg’s son Larry Schoenberg. UCLA musicology professor Joy Calico moderates the discussion. The opera, making its West Coast premiere at the UCLA Nimoy Theater on May 18, 19, 20 and 22, explores the fascinating journey of the Austrian-born composer during his time in Los Angeles, where he navigated the tension between his artistic vision and Hollywood’s cinematic allure.

The panel discussion at the Hammer Museum is free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are required and seats will be assigned when guests pick up tickets at the box office. The Hammer Museum is located at 10899 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit hammer.ucla.edu/ programs-events/2025/schoenberg-hollywood-making-modern-opera.

The UCLA Nimoy Theater is located at 1262 Westwood Blvd. For tickets and information about the Schoenberg in Hollywood performance at The Nimoy, visit schoolofmusic.ucla.edu.