4 Stars To Watch At the Washington National Opera’s 2017-18 Season

By Francisco Salazar

There may only be a total of six operas being shown at the Washington National Opera next season, but there is a wealth of great singers going to the house. Among them are some of the greatest stars as well as some very exciting rising stars. OperaWire takes a look at some of the stars that cannot be missed this upcoming season at the Washington National Opera.

Yonghoon Lee: Radames in Verdi’s “Aida”

Throughout the past few years Lee has become one of the go-to dramatic tenors in the opera world. His singing is filled with depth but he also brings an emotional punch to everything he sings. Washington audiences will get a chance to hear him sing his first Radames after dominating such Verdi roles as Manrico in Verdi’s ‘Il Trovatore,” Arrigo in “La Battaglia di Legnano” and Don Carlo in Verdi’s towering work.

Angela Meade: Alcina in Handel’s “Alcina”

She has conquered the Verdi and Bel Canto repertoire and has won great acclaim for her work. Now she turns to one of opera’s most famous Baroque works. In a rare excursion into Handel’s music, Meade will bring her vocal fireworks to the sorceress Alcina. Not only will it be Meade’s first time in the title role, but it will be the WNO’s first ever production of the popular Baroque work.

Eric Owens: Philip II, King of Spain-Verdi’s “Don Carlo”

Owens is fulfilling one of his dreams by taking on the iconic role. Already having previewed the famous aria “Ella Giammai m’amo” in concerts and singing the role for the first time in Philadelphia, Owens will return to one of his favorite roles at the WNO. What will be even more historic is he will be singing alongside Russell Thomas, breaking the boundaries of the opera world. Having stolen the show in multiple Wagnerian roles, this could be yet another must see role for Owens fans.

Kathryn Lewek: Cunegonde in Bernstein’s “Candide”

Lewek is slowly becoming a recognizable figure in the opera world for her exciting coloratura and her thrilling high notes. Her Queen of the Night is currently the toast of the opera world and her recent foray into Cunegonde has brought her attention. Critics raved and said that her Cunegonde was “a delicate balance of innocence and bawdiness.” They also noted that she thrilled during her “Glitter and Be Gay” and was able to obtain applause throughout the aria.

 

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