A rare gem of opera

Beethoven’s only opera, “Fidelio,” celebrates the triumph of love and justice over evil with a dramatic power that has rarely been equaled, much less surpassed. Los Angeles Opera opens its new season with the work. Anja Kampe will be the faithful Leonore, who disguises herself as a man to search for her political-prisoner husband, Florestan, sung by Klaus Florian Vogt. Eike Wilm Schulte is the evil Don Pizarro who tries to kill Florestan before help arrives. James Conlon will conduct. Pier’Alli will be the stage director and scenic designer. The opera also will sing Verdi’s Requiem under Plácido Domingo’s direction Sunday at 2 p.m.

“Fidelio,” Los Angeles Opera, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. 6 p.m. Saturday. Also 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15, 26, 29, Oct. 3; 2 p.m. Sept. 23, Oct. 6. $20 to $238. (213) 972-8001; www.laopera.com.

Verdi’s Requiem, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15 to $250.