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For Wednesday night's opening of the 14th season of Los Angeles Opera, an A-list of celebrities was scheduled to be on hand at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, from Jack Nicholson to David Hockney, from Sidney Poitier to Julia Ormond. Annette Bening, however, wasn't able to make it--opening night of the opera collided with the premiere of her new film, "American Beauty." But Bening wasn't about to miss Placido Domingo in "Samson et Dalila." Special arrangements were made so the actress could catch the tenor at last weekend's dress rehearsal.

Everyone knows Hollywood's biggest names can be seen at the town's weekly docket of premieres and fund-raisers. Less known is the list of power players who attend the opera--and not only when Domingo is singing. Michael Eisner is a subscriber. Candice Bergen and Tom Hanks are regulars. Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise catch the opera when they're in L.A.

It's been embraced by young Hollywood (David Schwimmer, Jodie Foster) and old (Kirk Douglas, Shirley MacLaine).

As Los Angeles Opera kicks off its season this week with "Samson" and "The Elixir of Love," Calendar Weekend asked some performers why they love opera.

ELVIS COSTELLO

The singer-songwriter's next album, "The Sweetest Punch"--a collaboration with jazz guitarist Bill Frisell--will be released Sept. 21.

My advantage is that I travel so much that I get to plan my social life around my touring schedule. If I can think far enough in advance and find gaps, I can slide in opera performances or concerts (around the world).

I have preferences for Mozart and Verdi. I'm not a Puccini fan, but I like other works from this century--Stravinsky and Janacek. There's nothing like hearing that orchestration in person. A record won't give it to you.

You see some really good things on the stage in London, sort of semi-staged or in concert performance. I don't always feel it's important to see the full, dazzling production. I'm a little wary when the scenery gets more applause than the music.

I did go see "Carmen" at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, where the scenery did get applause--and it did deserve it, it was amazing set design. I think people would be disappointed if there wasn't that effort put in with a well-loved piece like "Carmen."