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Press Releases
Released April 29, 2008
Plácido Domingo Makes His North American Premiere Singing Bajazet in Tamerlano
Handel’s Tamerlano features Plácido Domingo in his 126th role, Bajazet. The Baroque opera of enslavement, love, infidelity and suicide plays at the Kennedy Center Opera House April 30 to May 22.
Click here for full press release.
Released March 15, 2008
Washington National Opera Presents Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman
Washington National Opera, under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo and Executive Director Mark J. Weinstein, presents Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman at The Kennedy Center Opera House in eight performances from March 15 to April 10. The opera is sung in German with English supertitles projected above the stage. The production from New York City Opera features Alan Held in his role debut as the Dutchman. Sopranos Jennifer Wilson and Lori Phillips make their company debuts as Senta. Washington National Opera Music Director Heinz Fricke conducts the WNO Orchestra and Chorus. Maestro Steven Gathman conducts the final performance on April 10.
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Released January 14, 2008
Maestro Plácido Domingo Announces Washington National Opera's 2008-2009 Season
Plácido Domingo, General Director of Washington National Opera, today announced the repertoire, singers, conductors, directors and designers for the company’s 2008-2009 season, which runs September 13, 2008 to June 4, 2009. He also announced casting details of the company’s first production of Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen to be presented in November 2009.
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Released November 1, 2007
Washington National Opera Presents William Bolcom’s A View from the Bridge
Washington National Opera, under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo, presents William Bolcom’s A View from the Bridge at The Kennedy Center Opera House in six performances from November 3 to 17. The opera, based on the classic play by Arthur Miller, is sung in English with English supertitles. The production, originally staged by Frank Galati at Lyric Opera of Chicago, features Kim Josephson, Catherine Malfitano and Gregory Turay from the world premiere cast. John DeMain conducts the Washington National Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
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Released October 30, 2007
Plácido Domingo invites Mark J. Weinstein to serve as Executive Director of WNO
Plácido Domingo, General Director of Washington National Opera, today announced the appointment of Mark J. Weinstein as the company’s Executive Director effective February 1, 2008. Mr. Weinstein is currently the General Director and Vice President of Pittsburgh Opera. Mr. Domingo stated: “I am pleased to invite Mark J. Weinstein to join us as our company’s Executive Director. Mark’s outstanding experience and accomplishments over 25 years both at the New York City Opera and at the Pittsburgh Opera, convinced me that he is the right person to help take our company to the next level."
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Released October 3, 2007
Washington National Opera Presents a New Production of Don Giovanni
Washington National Opera, under the leadership of General Director Plácido Domingo, presents Mozart’s Don Giovanni at The Kennedy Center Opera House, in eight performances from October 25 to November 16. Plácido Domingo conducts six of the eight performances with Israel Gursky conducting performances on November 7 and 13. The opera, featuring two exciting casts with Erwin Schrott and Ildar Abdrazakov in the title role, is sung in Italian with English translations simultaneously projected above the stage. Celebrated director John Pascoe helms the new production.
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Released September 27, 2007
Plácido Domingo Conducts WNO's Annual "Welcome to Opera" Concert October 5
The “Welcome to Opera” concert, which features some of opera’s greatest hits, many from upcoming Washington National Opera productions, is perfect for the first-time opera-goer. Most selections on the program last about as long as a typical radio air-play single. English translations are simultaneously projected above the stage so the audience won’t miss a single word of the singing, a great feature that would benefit the typical rock or hip-hop concert. And with a ticket price that is less than half of an average concert ticket, the price is right for both first-timers and veteran opera lovers alike.
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Released September 24, 2007
More Than 25,000 Viewers Across Nation Watch Free Opera Simulcast
Sunday's performance of La Bohème by Washington National Opera (WNO) brought together one of the largest known opera audiences in history. More than 25,000 viewers in 23 states around the country – in schools, public housing developments, movie theaters, and on the National Mall – watched concurrently as Washington National Opera made opera available to a wider, more diverse audience than ever before.
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Released September 5, 2007
WNO Announces a New Access to Opera Initiative: $25 Tickets to Weekday Performances
Washington National Opera today announced a ticket subsidy program to provide even greater access to opera. Starting in September, 50 tickets to two weekday performances of every opera throughout the 2007-2008 season will available for only $25. Tickets are limited to two per person and sold on a first-come basis at The Kennedy Center Box Office at 10:00 a.m. the day of the opera.
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Released August 28, 2007
New Washington National Opera Performance Series Premieres on XM
Washington National Opera under General Director Plácido Domingo and XM, the nation’s leading satellite radio service with more than 8.2 million subscribers, have announced a new series featuring performances from Washington National Opera. Premiering today on XM, the inaugural run of “Washington National Opera on XM” will include operas from WNO’s recent seasons, including Norma, La Cenerentola, Die Walküre, A Streetcar Named Desire, Manon Lescaut, and La traviata.
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Released July 23, 2007
Plácido Domingo Announces Plans to Expand Access to Opera
As part of Washington National Opera’s long-standing commitment to expand access to opera and reach new audiences, Plácido Domingo today announced that Washington National Opera will present Puccini’s La Bohème, from acclaimed director Mariusz Trelinski, to 32 universities, colleges, and high schools across the nation through a first-of-its-kind, free, live simulcast. The live simulcast will take place on Sunday, September 23, 2007.
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Released June 25, 2007
National Opera Training Program Prepares Young Singers for International Careers
Washington National Opera announced today the start of Opera Institute, the company’s competitive pre-professional training program. One hundred and ten teenagers across the U.S. and Canada auditioned for 28 spots in the rigorous summer session. Unlike many teenagers who dream of Broadway or becoming the next pop idol, these teens dream of performing in world-renowned opera houses. On July 16 these singers will get one step closer their dream when they perform on The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage.
Released June 2, 2007
WNO’s Annual Opera Ball Held at the Embassy Of Peru
Washington National Opera’s annual Opera Ball, one of Washington's premier social events, took place on Friday, June 1, hosted by His Excellency the Ambassador of Peru at his official residence and chaired by Betty Knight Scripps, philanthropist and newspaper heiress. More than 500 opera supporters danced until the early morning hours at the historic property Battery Terrill to benefit Washington National Opera. Opera Trustee and Executive Committee Member Betty Knight Scripps served her eighth year as General Chairman of the Ball where she has raised record-breaking proceeds for the company.
Released May 12, 2007
Plácido Domingo Announces Free Live Simulcasts to Campuses Nationwide
As part of Washington National Opera’s long-standing commitment to expand access to opera and reach new audiences, Plácido Domingo today announced that Washington National Opera will present Puccini’s La Bohème, from acclaimed director Mariusz Trelinski, to 17 universities, colleges, and high schools across the nation through a first-of-its-kind, free, live simulcast. The live simulcast will take place on Sunday, September 23, 2007. WNO will present the live simulcast of La Bohème to viewers at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., and select movie theaters in the region, in addition to the 17 universities, colleges, and high schools around the country.
Released April 12, 2007
WNO Presents Jenufa Press Roundtable and Exhibit on April 25
Washington National Opera presents a Press Roundtable and Exhibit for the upcoming production of Jenufa. WNO Director of Artistic Operations Christina C. S. Scheppelmann will moderate a discussion with director David Alden and cast members Patricia Racette and Catherine Malfitano. Journalists are also invited to view an exhibit featuring production photographs and costumes illustrating the modern influences in this epic opera.
Released April 10, 2007
WNO Collaborates to Produce Children’s Opera on Millennium Stage & Imagination Stage
Washington National Opera Center for Education and Training, Opera Theatre Company of Ireland, and the Department of Community and Recreation Services in Fairfax County, VA, today announced their partnership to produce the children’s opera Bug Off! based on Kafka’s Metamorphosis. In collaboration with Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD, this multicultural partnership will culminate in two performances on May 4 and 5, 2007, on the Millennium Stage of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Imagination Stage.
Released March 29, 2007
WNO Presents La Fille du Régiment March 31 to April 15
Washington National Opera presents Gaetano Donizetti’s spirited La Fille du régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment) from March 31 to April 15. This comedic love story opera comique involves a lively orphan girl who is adopted by an army regiment and is pursued by a daring man who enlists solely to win her love! Soprano Stefania Bonfadelli makes her Washington National Opera debut as loveable Marie, and José Bros is the young and charismatic Tonio in this popular production.
Released March 20, 2007
WNO's American Ring Cycle Continues with Die Walküre on March 24
The American Ring cycle continues as Washington National Opera opens a new production of Wagner’s Die Walküre March 24 to April 17.
An outstanding international cast brings this epic opera to life. Plácido Domingo returns
in his signature role of Siegmund, with Anja Kampe as Sieglinde, Alan Held as Wotan, Linda
Watson as Brünnhilde, and Elena Zaremba and Elizabeth Bishop sharing the role of
Fricka. Director Francesca Zambello and Music Director Heinz Fricke continue their
collaboration in this universal saga of power and desire. Ms. Zambello’s production team
includes two Tony Award winners, set designer Michael Yeargan and costume designer
Catherine Zuber.
Released March 15, 2007
WNO Joins PostPoints to Expand its Outreach to the Public
Washington National Opera today announced its participation in PostPoints, an exciting new rewards program through The Washington Post. Starting in late March the public can register to earn and redeem points for goods and services at participating companies in the D.C. metro area. Additional public outreach programs include WNO’s partnership with the Goethe-Institut, its Generation O program and special performances featuring opera stars in alternative settings.
Released March 12, 2007
Patricia Racette to Perform at the Birchmere
International opera soprano Patricia Racette takes a night off from Puccini, Verdi, and Janácek to enchant audiences with an American songbook at the legendary Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. In “The Flip Side,” Patricia applies her magnificent instrument to songs from Porter, Gershwin, Sondheim, Raitt, and more in a one-of-a-kind musical evening.
Released March 2, 2007
WNO's "American Ring" Cycle Continues
Washington National Opera and the Goethe-Institut
today announced a collaborative press roundtable to kick-off the spring season with the
next installment of its “American Ring,” Die Walküre, along with a host of exciting
community events surrounding the opera and an interactive exhibit to enhance audience
experience. According to The Washington Post, “You won’t want to miss this [opera].”
Released February 16, 2007
WNO Director of Artistic Operations Receives Decorata from Italian Republic
Plácido Domingo, General Director of
Washington National Opera, today announced the decoration of Christina C. B.
Scheppelmann by the Italian Republic and the addition of four senior leaders to the
company’s management team.
Released February 12, 2007
WNO Honors Maestro Heinz Fricke with Ceremonial Baton in Celebration of 80th Birthday
Washington National Opera celebrated the 80th
birthday of Music Director Heinz Fricke on February 11. Maestro Fricke made his debut
with Washington National Opera as a guest conductor for The Flying Dutchman in 1992
and became the company’s Music Director in 1993, shaping the orchestra into one of the
best opera orchestras in the world.
Released February 6, 2007
WNO Stages Mozart's Così fan tutte at the Studio February 9 to 16
Washington National Opera announced today
that the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program will perform Mozart’s Così fan tutte to
capacity crowds in a new professional venue. Setting da Ponte's witty and subversive
libretto to music, Mozart offers some of the most sublime melodies ever written as he
explores the passion between men and women coupled with the frailty of human nature.
Released February 1, 2007
WNO Recognizes Menotti's Contributions to the Company and American Opera
Washington National Opera and Maestro
Plácido Domingo, General Director, today expressed condolences at the passing of
composer, librettist, and producer Gian Carlo Menotti and saluted his exemplary
achievements and contributions to the world of American opera. Menotti was also a
pivotal figure in the early years of Washington National Opera, composing and directing
operas for the company for more than 30 years.
Released February 1, 2007
WNO to Host Midwinter Gala "Stockholm: City of Northern Lights" On February 3
Washington National Opera announced
that, on Saturday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m., The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium will be
transformed for an elegant black-tie evening of music, dancing, and dining for its annual
Midwinter Gala. This year’s theme is "Stockholm: City of Northern Lights." The Women’s
Committee of Washington National Opera will host an authentic Swedish celebration
to benefit Washington National Opera and its education programs.
Released January 25, 2007
Janácek's Jenufa Nominated for 2007 Olivier Award; Production Comes to WNO May 5
English National Opera’s Jenufa, co-produced
with Washington National Opera and Houston Grand Opera, has received a
nomination for the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production. Washington National Opera stages the critically acclaimed production of Jenufa in its
Washington premiere on May 5.
Released January 10, 2007
Maestro Plácido Domingo Announces Washington National Opera's 2007-2008 Season
In a national press conference held in the U.S. Library of Congress, Maestro Plácido Domingo, General Director of the Washington National Opera, today unveiled the repertory, singers, conductors, and directors for Washington National Opera’s 2007–2008 season that will run from September 12, 2007 through May 27, 2008.
Released October 19, 2006
WNO Presents Second Annual Simulcast on the National Mall: Puccini's Madama Butterfly
Washington National Opera – the nation’s opera company – will present a special big-screen simulcast performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on the National Mall on Sunday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m. WNO will transmit the performance of Butterfly live from the Kennedy Center stage to a huge 18' x 32' LED video screen located near the U.S. Capitol. The simulcast is expected to draw one of the nation’s largest known opera audiences and is part of WNO’s continuing commitment to broadcast one opera on the Mall each year, following the company’s groundbreaking simulcast of Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess in November 2005, which attracted over 13,000 in attendance.
Released October 18, 2006
Individual Tickets for WNO's Spring 2007 Season On Sale October 18
Beginning Wednesday, October 18, tickets to individual operas for Washington National Opera's spring season go on sale to the general public for performances of Wagner's Die Walküre, Donizetti's La Fille du régiment, Janácek’s Jenufa, and Verdi’s Macbeth. These sought-after tickets can be purchased by calling 202.295.2400 or toll-free at 800.US.OPERA (800.876.7372), Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.dc-opera.org. For groups of ten or more, please call 202.295.2445.
Released October 16. 2006
Tatiana Borodina Replaces Hui He in the Title Role of Madama Butterfly
Tatiana Borodina will perform the role of Cio-Cio San in Washington National Opera’s upcoming production of Madama Butterfly, replacing Hui He. Tatiana Borodina originated the role in Mariusz Trelinski’s acclaimed production at Teatr Wielki- National Opera Warsaw, garnering overwhelmingly positive reviews in the international press: " Tatiana Borodina lived up to everyone's expectations and once again proved herself an interesting and sensitive singer capable of dramatic rejuvenation" (Vladimir Dudin). WNO welcomes her as she makes her company debut this fall. Hui He broke her contract with WNO to perform in Aida at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Hui He was signed to perform the lead role with WNO, but notified the company only months before rehearsals began that she accepted another contract during the same period.
Released October 2, 2006
WNO and NMWA Celebrate "The Year of the Woman in Opera"
Washington National Opera and the National Museum of Women in the Arts will celebrate “The Year of the Woman in Opera” during WNO’s 2006-2007 season. The two organizations will offer a series of three events featuring performances, discussions, and lectures by singers, artistic staff, and opera experts. The series begins on Sunday, October 29 with “How the Masters Wrote for the Female: Puccini’s Butterfly and Beyond,” hosted by William Berger. Incorporating live performances as illustrations, Mr. Berger will discuss how Puccini and other composers utilized women, both as performers and characters, in writing for opera.
Released September 15, 2006
WNO Offers Special "Welcome to Opera" Concert, Conducted by Plácido Domingo
Washington National Opera will open its doors with a $25 “Welcome to Opera” concert on Saturday, October 14, with Plácido Domingo conducting selections from Mozart and Puccini. This special 4:00 p.m. concert at the Kennedy Center Opera House will feature several singers from Washington National Opera’s upcoming production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, including mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Batton, tenor Arturo Chácon-Cruz, and baritone Scott Hendricks, performing with the Washington National Opera Orchestra. Singers from the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program will perform as well.
Released September 14, 2006
Giovanni Reggioli Takes Over Conducting Duties for Bluebeard/Schicchi
Maestro Giovanni Reggioli will conduct Washington National Opera’s season opening production Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and Gianni Schicchi, taking over for Music Director Heinz Fricke, age 79, who regrettably has returned to Germany to consult his doctor about diabetic complications. Maestro Fricke will return in March to conduct Die Walküre, the next installment of WNO’s American Ring cycle.
Released August 24, 2006
AFI Silver and WNO Present William Friedkin and The French Connection
This fall the film and opera worlds collide when famed film director William Friedkin comes to the nation’s capital to direct the opening production of Washington National Opera’s Bartók’s Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. In a unique collaborative event, AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center (AFI Silver) and Washington National Opera will present a special screening of Friedkin’s gritty 1971 crime drama The French Connection. Mr. Friedkin will lead a film discussion prior to the screening, hosted by local author and producer, George Pelecanos. The event is set for Sunday, September 10, 3:00 p.m. at AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Released August 14, 2006
Rising Stars Shine as WNO Prepares to Welcome 2006-2007 Young Artists
As temperatures continue to soar in the nation’s capital, the heat is rising at Washington National Opera where preparations begin for the arrival of the 2006–2007 Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists this month. Over 300 applications were submitted from across the United States and around the world, resulting in 40 live auditions. This year’s class promises to be one of the best in the history of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. The program is pleased to welcome five artists back for their second season, including: tenors Greg Warren and Yingxi Zhang, baritonesTrevor Scheunemann and Obed Ureña, and coach/accompanist Matthew Ottenlips. Additionally, the program will welcome four singers, including sopranos Aundi Marie Moore and Elizabeth Andrews Roberts and mezzo-sopranos Claudia Huckle and Magdalena Wór. Rounding out the new class will be stage director Andrea Dorf, conductor Benjamin Makino, and coach/accompanist Thomas Rimes.
Released August 14, 2006
WNO to Offer Radio Broadcasts on NPR's "World of Opera" for Fourth Season
Washington National Opera has announced dates for its fourth season of nationwide radio broadcasts on NPR’s “World of Opera” with local airings on Washington’s WETA Radio (90.9fm/89.1fm)and Baltimore’s WBJC Radio (91.5fm). Nationally, the company’s 2005-2006 season will be available to listeners for six consecutive Saturdays, September 2 to October 7, as follows: W.A. Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito (Sep 2), a special performance by Plácido Domingo and guests, Trilogy (Sep 9), Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (Sep 16), Giuseppe Verdi’s I vespri siciliani (Sep 23), Gioachino Rossini's L'italiana in Algeri (Sep 30), and Richard Wagner's Das Rheingold (Oct 7).
Released July 17, 2006
“Exorcist” Director William Friedkin to Stage Bluebeard’s Castle and Gianni Schicchi
William Friedkin, the Academy-Award winning director of The Exorcist and The French Connection, will stage the fascinating pairing of Bartók’s tragic psychodrama Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and Puccini’s comic satire Gianni Schicchi to open Washington National Opera’s 51st season on September 16.
Released July 6, 2006
Aspiring Young Singers Come to WNO’s Opera Institute to Train for Future Careers
This summer twenty-two young people, chosen through auditions from all over the nation, will travel to Washington, D.C. to test their
capability to become professional singers. No, this is not “American Idol” they won’t be crooning breathless pop
melodies or belting Broadway show tunes. These talented students, ages 15–18, will study and sing a much different type of
music…opera. From June 26 to July 14, 2006, these select singers will attend Washington National Opera’s Opera Institute
for Young Singers to learn what it means to make a career as a professional opera singer.
Released June 14, 2006
Feinberg, Pohanka, and Mars Elected Officers of Washington National Opera
Business leaders Kenneth R. Feinberg, John J. Pohanka, and Jacqueline Badger Mars were elected major officers of the prestigious Washington
National Opera at the company’s annual Board of Trustees meeting today. Mr. Feinberg will serve as President of WNO, Mr. Pohanka
as returning Chairman, and Mrs. Mars as Chairman of the Executive Committee. With an annual budget of $31 million, Washington National
Opera is one of the leading opera companies in the United States and the premier producing arts institution in the nation’s capital.
Released June 9, 2006
WNO Holds 48th Annual Opera Ball, "A Venetian Ball at Villa Firenze"
Washington National Opera’s 48th annual Opera Ball, one of Washington's premier social events, took place on Friday, June 9, 2006,
hosted by His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Castellaneta at their official residence, Villa Firenze. “A Venetian
Ball at Villa Firenze” was the theme, as 550 opera supporters danced and dined in Italian splendor to benefit Washington National Opera.
Released June 7, 2006
WNO Inaugurates "Family Opera" with East Coast Premiere of Dream of the Pacific
This summer, Washington National Opera will inaugurate a new “Family Opera” program, a centerpiece in its mission to make opera
accessible to a newer, younger, and broader audience in the Washington metropolitan area. The company’s first “Family Opera”
is the East Coast premiere of Dream of the Pacific, celebrating the adventures and accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Released Spring 2006
Washington National Opera Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Commemorative Book
Washington National Opera is marking fifty seasons of artistic excellence with the publication of Washington National Opera 1956-2006,
a beautiful full-color, large-format book written by renowned music historian Mary Jane Phillips-Matz and designed by Abbott Miller from the
award-winning Pentagram Design studio. Washington National Opera’s commemorative 50th Anniversary Book recounts the history and
legacy of the company through ten retrospective essays, vivid photo spreads, quips and stories, and detailed appendices.
Released May 5, 2006
Meet Stars Juan Diego Flórez and Olga Borodina at CD Signing
Two of the greatest opera stars singing today, Olga Borodina and Juan Diego Flórez, will meet fans face-to-face and autograph copies
of their new CDs on Sunday, May 21 at 5:15 p.m. following their matinee performance of Washington National Opera L’Italiana in
Algeri. The signing will take place in the Grand Foyer of the Kennedy Center. “Arias,” a collection spanning Purcell
to Tchaikovsky, is Ms. Borodina’s latest CD and Mr. Flórez’s “Sentimiento Latino” is his new release.
Released April 24, 2006
New Programs Allow Audience to Customize Their Own Mini-Series Subscriptions
In a nation that prides itself on individualism and free choice, opera lovers now have three new ways to choose. Starting on April 26,
Washington National Opera lets ticket buyers customize their own 2006-2007 season subscriptions with “Destination Opera Weekends,”
“Opera Premieres,” or by creating their own series of three or more operas. Subscribers will select from next season’s
exciting productions including a double-bill of Bartók’s Duke Bluebeard’s Castle and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi,
the American premiere of Nicholas Maw’s Sophie’s Choice, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Wagner’s
Die Walküre, Donizetti’s La Fille du régiment, Janácek’s Jenufa, and Verdi’s Macbeth.
Released April 21, 2006
“A Venetian Opera Ball at Villa Firenze”: WNO to hold 48th Annual Ball On Friday, June 9
Washington National Opera’s 48th annual Opera Ball, one of Washington's premier social events, will take place on Friday, June 9, 2006,
hosted by His Excellency the Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Castellaneta at their official residence. “A Venetian Opera Ball at Villa
Firenze” is the theme as Opera Trustee and Executive Committee Member Betty Scripps Harvey serves a seventh year as General Chairman of
the Ball where she has raised record-breaking proceeds for the company.
Released April 20, 2006
WNO Brings Out the Dream Team: Borodina and Flórez Starin L’Italiana in Algeri
Washington National Opera has pulled out all the stops to bring in some of today’s biggest opera stars—Olga Borodina and Juan Diego
Flórez—for Rossini’s comic masterpiece L’italiana in Algeri, the last production of the company’s 50th
anniversary season. Exciting Russian bass (and Ms. Borodina’s real-life husband) Ildar Abdrazakov, rising Russian soprano Lyubov
Petrova, and Italian bass-baritone Bruno de Simone complete the deluxe casting of the renowned Jean-Pierre Ponnelle production directed by David
Kneuss. Conducted by Maestro Riccardo Frizza, L’italiana will run at the Kennedy Center Opera House, May 13—June 3, 2006.
Released April 13, 2006
WNO Celebrates Mozart’s 250th Birthday with La Clemenza di Tito
It’s Mozart’s 250th birthday and Washington National Opera is celebrating with its first-ever presentation of his brilliant
penultimate opera, La clemenza di Tito, performed at the Kennedy Center Opera House May 6 through 27, 2006. One of
today’s most renowned Mozart tenors, Michael Schade, heads an outstanding international cast performing the virtuosic opera seria
that the great composer wrote in honor of the King of Bohemia’s coronation. Esteemed Mozart specialist Michael Hampe directs
the production. WNO Music Director Heinz Fricke will preside on the podium, marking the 60th anniversary of his conducting debut.
Released April 10, 2006
WNO to play national role with innovative “Creating Original Opera” program
This year Washington National Opera will take a national leadership role in The Metropolitan Opera Guild’s innovative program, “Creating
Original Opera” (COO) in which students develop, produce and create an original opera/music theater work as part of their classroom
curricula. In a weeklong program from June 23 – 30, WNO will train elementary through high school teachers from across the nation
giving them the necessary skills, information and methodologies to guide their students in creating an original opera.
Released February 23, 2006
WNO General Director Plácido Domingo Renews Contract Through 2011
Washington National Opera today announced that the company’s general director, Plácido Domingo, has renewed his contract extending
his leadership of WNO through June 2011. Currently in his 10th year with Washington National Opera, Maestro Domingo joined the company in
1996 as artistic director and took over the helm as general director in 2003.
Released February 14, 2006
WNO Presents Two Free Performances of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel
Washington National Opera enlivens the dull days of winter with two free performances of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, an edgy and
exciting update of a classic fairytale, on February 23 and 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Inter-American Development Cultural Center.Young people and adults
alike will enjoy the sophisticated production—“Hansel and Gretel is not just a children’s opera…It is also an artwork very
much for adults,” according to The New York Times. Far from the Brothers Grimm version, Washington National Opera’s production
takes the tale out of the woods and into the shadowy city, where two teenagers must contend with hunger pains and a menacing femme fatale before they
find their way home.
Released February 6, 2006
Martin Feinstein, Former General Director of WNO, Dies at Age 84
Martin Feinstein, 84, former general director of Washington National Opera died yesterday at his home in Potomac, Maryland, of pancreatic
cancer. Mr. Feinstein led Washington National Opera for 16 seasons, from 1979 - 1995, after serving as the first executive director of
the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from its founding in 1971 until 1979. A native New Yorker, Mr. Feinstein spent 25
years as a top assistant to the legendary impresario Sol Hurok.
Released January 27, 2006
The Nation's Capital Honors WNO's Plácido Domingo
World famous tenor Plácido Domingo was saluted today by the nation’s capital in celebration of his 10th anniversary as the General
Director of Washington National Opera and his 65th birthday. At festivities on the stage of Washington National Opera’s performing
home, the Kennedy Center Opera House, Maestro Domingo blew out candles on a three-tiered cake and was presented with the gift of a commissioned
portrait, “Plácido,” by the acclaimed French photographer Antoine Schneck.
Released December 29, 2005
Washington National Opera to Mount "American Ring"
Drawing on the rich history of the United States, Washington National Opera will mount its version of Wagner’s four-opera saga The Ring
of the Nibelung as an “American Ring,” conceived and staged by the internationally renowned American director Francesca
Zambello and conducted by Music Director Heinz Fricke. WNO will begin the American Ring this season with Das Rheingold, opening
on March 25 with performances through April 14, 2006. A co-production with the San Francisco Opera, the entire cycle will premiere in
Washington, D.C. This is Washington National Opera’s first Ring cycle.
Released December 21, 2005
WNO to Host "A Midwinter Gala in the Ancient City of Edo (Tokyo)"
On Saturday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m., The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium on Constitution Avenue will be transformed for an elegant black-tie evening
of music, dancing, and dining for Washington National Opera’s Midwinter Gala in the Ancient City of Edo (Tokyo). The Women’s
Committee of the Washington National Opera, under the patronage of His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan and Mrs. Kato, will host an authentic
Japanese celebration to benefit the Opera and its Education Programs. Attire for this special event is black tie or national dress.
Released December 19, 2005
Young Artists to Perform at West Point and N.J.’s Picatinny Arsenal
Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, one of the nation’s leading opera training programs, will perform
at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. and the Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, N.J. on January 18 and 19, 2006 as a part of the Great
American Voices Military Base Tour sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. This national initiative, involving 24 opera
companies, celebrates the best of American arts by bringing professional performances of opera and musical theater to military installations
nationwide. The tour was introduced in September 2005, when the WNO Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists were selected to perform for the launch
event at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery.
Released December 5, 2005
Plácido Domingo Announces WNO's 2006-2007 Season
In a ground-breaking use of technology for the arts, Plácido Domingo, General Director of Washington National Opera, today held the first-ever
internet press conference in the non-profit arts world, reaching journalists throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition to Mr. Domingo in
Washington, D.C., composer Nicholas Maw and stage director David Alden also participated in the press conference from locations in Great Britain.
Released October 14, 2005
WNO Gives Gift to Washington, D.C.: Simulcast of Porgy and Bess on the National Mall
The trustees of Washington National Opera are giving a gift to the citizens of Washington, D.C. -- a special big-screen simulcast
performance of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess on the National Mall, Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 p.m. WNO will transmit
the performance of Porgy live from the Kennedy Center stage to a huge 18' x 32' LED video screen located near the Capitol, marking the
first time a live performance has ever been transmitted to the Mall.
Released October 3, 2005
Tickets to Individual Operas Go On Sale October 12 for WNO's Spring Season
Beginning Wednesday, October 12th, tickets to individual operas for Washington National Opera's spring season go on sale to the general public for
performances of Wagner's epic Das Rheingold, Donizetti's delightful L'Elisir d'Amore, Mozart's magnificent La Clemenza di Tito,
and Rossini's wily L'Italiana in Algeri. These sought-after tickets can be purchased by calling 202.295.2400 or toll-free at 800.US.OPERA
(800.876.7372), Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase 24 hours a day on-line at
www.dc-opera.org.
Released September 22, 2005
Diplomatic Corps Supports WNO: Ambassadors to Host Six Cast Parties This Season
Throughout its fifty-year history, Washington National Opera has enjoyed tremendous support from the diplomatic corps of the capital city. During this
celebratory season, this important assistance continues as ambassadors from six nations, Mexico, Germany, Britain, Austria, and Peru, all give opening night
cast parties for the company.
Released September 3, 2005
WNO to Help Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Plácido Domingo today announced that Washington National Opera will open a special dress rehearsal to the public on Wednesday,
September 14 at 7:00 p.m. as an event to collect donations to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Admittance to the dress rehearsal
is a suggested donation of $100 for each attendee, 100% of which will go to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief. Plácido
Domingo himself will conduct Verdi’s opera I Vespri Siciliani...
Released September 2, 2005
WNO Steals Broadway Babes Christiane Noll and Kristin Chenoweth
Washington National Opera steals Broadway babes Christiane Noll and Kristin Chenoweth for two special productions in the company’s
upcoming 50th anniversary season. Both musical theater sopranos will sing opposite the great tenor Plácido Domingo, the General
Director of the opera company.
Released September 1, 2005
WNO Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with "The Golden Gala" on March 19, 2006
Washington National Opera will celebrate 50 years of producing grand opera in the nation’s capital with a spectacular event, “The
Golden Gala,” on Sunday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Opera House of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. General
Director Plácido Domingo, who marks his tenth year of artistic leadership at WNO this season, will be joined by some of opera’s
biggest stars...
Released August 19, 2005
WNO Opens its 50th Season on September 17 with Verdi’s “I Vespri Siciliani”
Washington National Opera opens its 50th season on September 17, 2005 with a new production of an infrequently performed treasure—Giuseppe
Verdi’s I Vespri Siciliani. General Director Plácido Domingo, presiding on the podium, has assembled
a stellar international cast with soprano Maria Guleghina as Elena, tenor Franco Farina as Arrigo, baritone Lado Ataneli as Monforte, and bass
Vitalij Kowaljow as Procida.
Released August 10, 2005
WNO's Second Annual Domingo Cup Golf Tournament to Take Place September 6
Washington National Opera returns to the links for its second annual Domingo Cup Golf Tournament, named after the opera company’s general
director and world famous tenor, Plácido Domingo. The popular tournament will feature a field of Washington VIPS, corporate leaders,
and Maestro Domingo himself playing on Tuesday, September 6 at the River Creek Club located in Leesburg, Virginia.
Released August 2, 2005
WNO Takes on Shakespeare with Verdi’s Macbeth, May 12 – June 1, 2007
Washington National Opera takes on Shakespeare’s most ambitious husband and wife team when the company presents Giuseppe Verdi’s
great early opera Macbeth at the Kennedy Center Opera House from May 12 through June 1, 2007 as part of the “Shakespeare in
Washington” festival and to close WNO’s 2006-2007 subscription season.
Released July 15, 2005
Washington National Opera Presents A Powerful New Production of Krása’s Brundibár
"Milk and sleep, that’s what mother needs; how can we buy some, how indeed?” wonder Little Joe and Annette in Hans
Krása’s 1943 children’s opera, Brundibár. In a tale where times are rough and the streets unwelcome
for children, we follow Little Joe and Annette’s quest to aid their sick mother. Written and first performed in World War II in the
Terezín (Theresienstadt) transit camp en route to Auschwitz, this summer, an ensemble cast of 30 children from
Opera Camp brings Brundibár to life...
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