Washington National Opera Announces Three Operas to Premiere as Part of 2025 American Opera Initiative

Washington National Opera has announced the slate for the 12th season of American Opera Initiative. Set to take place on Jan. 18, 2025, the showcase features three world premieres of 20-minute chamber operas. This year’s works include “Tati” by Kyle Brenn and Lex Brown, Cry, “Wolf” by JL Marlor and Clare Fuyuko Bierman, and “Mud Girl” by Omar Najmi and Christine Evans. “From my own experience as a director, I firmly believe that {…}

Key’mon Murrah to Headline Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital at Washington National Opera

(Photo credit: Jeremy Kramer) The Washington National Opera will present Key’mon Murrah in the Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital on Dec. 17, 204 at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. The countertenor will be joined by pianist Brian Zeger in a program that features arias from such operas as Rossini’s “Zelmira” and Händel’s “Rinaldo” and “Ariodante.” There will be songs by {…}

‘Turandot’ Takes Centerstage in Washington National Opera’s ‘Opera in the Outfield’

Washington National Opera’s Opera in the Outfield returns to Nationals Park on August 24 with a screening of WNO’s sold-out production of “Turandot” from May 2024. The evening will be hosted by WNO General Director Timothy O’Leary and WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and sponsored by Mars. In a statement, O’Leary said, “Opera in the Outfield is one of Washington {…}

The Kennedy Center Announces ‘The Promise of US: Our Nation at 250’

The Kennedy Center will present “The Promise of US: Our Nation at 250”  as part of its 2026 programming. “America has long been seen as a country that drives art forward, from generation to generation,” said Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President, in an official press statement. “We also recognize that our nation’s 250-year-old artistic identity is complex—embracing both individualism {…}

The Kennedy Center Announces 2024–25 Performances for Young Audiences Season

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has announced its 2024–25 Performances for Young Audiences Season. For the purpose of this article, only opera works are included. The Washington National Opera presents Kamala Sankaram and Kelley Rourke’s “Jungle Book.” The beloved story gets a contemporary twist with music from South Asian and Western music traditions and mesmerizing Bollywood {…}

Denyce Graves, Sinéad Campbell Wallace, Étienne Dupuis Headline Washington National Opera’s 2024-25 Season

Washington National Opera announced its 2024-25 season. It all starts with Beethoven’s “Fidelio” starring Sinéad Campbell Wallace, Jamez McCorkle, Derek Welton, David Leigh, and Denyce Graves. Robert Spano conducts a production by Francesca Zambello. Performance Dates: Oct. 25 – Nov. 4, 2024 Robert Spano conducts “Gods and Mortals: A Celebration of Wagner.” The concert features Christine Goerke and Brandon Jovanovich. Performance {…}

Robert Spano Named Music Director of Washington National Opera

The Washington National Opera has announced the appointment of conductor Robert Spano as Music Director of the WNO, beginning in the 2025–2026 season. Spano will become the music director designate, effective immediately until his initial three-year term begins in September 2025. In the new position, Spano will provide musical leadership for the company, overseeing the Washington National Opera Orchestra, Chorus, {…}