local
One family, two art forms: Maestro James Conlon and grand nephew Sebastian talk opera and soccer
By Adolfo Guzman-Lopez at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
Sebastian Conlon, left, the grand-nephew of James Conlon(Bonnie Perkinson / Courtesy LA Galaxy)For a few brief months earlier this year two Conlons graced the stages of L.A.’s two great arts and entertainment institutions: the LA Opera and the LA Galaxy.“It's so funny to see that, as I come in yo...
Key takeaway “It's so funny to see that, as I come in you're leaving,” said Sebastian Conlon to his great-uncle James Conlon on a conference call set up by LAist last week.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The convergence of James Conlon's opera career and Sebastian Conlon's soccer career in Los Angeles , though brief, highlights the city's unique position as a hub for both performing arts and professional sports. The LA Opera and the LA Galaxy, two of the city's most prominent institutions, have brought world-class entertainment to the community for decades. As James Conlon departs for New York, his legacy in the LA Opera will remain, while Sebastian Conlon's soccer career with the LA Galaxy is just beginning. This intersection of family and profession also underscores the city's appeal to talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with both Conlons drawn to Los Angeles for its opportunities and vibrant cultural scene. As the city continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the next generation of artists and athletes, like Sebastian Conlon, contribute to and shape the local landscape.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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What is this story about? Sebastian Conlon, left, the grand-nephew of James Conlon(Bonnie Perkinson / Courtesy LA Galaxy)For a few brief months earlier this year two Conlons graced the stages of L.A.’s two great arts and entertainment institutions: the LA Opera and the LA Galaxy.“It's so funny to see that, as I come in yo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Adolfo Guzman-Lopez at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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