Washington Performing Arts at Strathmore 2026 Review: Cécile McLorin Salvant’s “Book of Ayres” & The Brandee Younger Trio

(Photos: Erin Patrice O’Brian & Tsuneo Koga) The music of John Dowland with early music instruments combined with contemporary keyboard, flute, bass, and percussion in a Jazz combo, left one wondering if this program would work musically. It turned out, for me, to be a surprisingly entertaining concert with fine performances by all. Illuminating Performances “Obligations lead to expectations which {…}

May 13, 2026

Washington Performing Arts Announces 2026-27 Season

The Washington Performing Arts has announced its 2026-27 season. Here are the vocal performances. “Living the Dream…Singing the Dream” will be a Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs and The Choral Arts Society of Washington. Performance Date: Feb. 21, 2027 at Music Center at Strathmore The resident ensemble of Washington Performing Arts, {…}

May 11, 2026

Washington Performing Arts 2025-26 Review: Danish String Quartet & Danish National Girls’ Choir

Different music languages, 50 young voices and a string quartet merged into one for their final concert in the United States this season. Two outstanding music ensembles, the Danish String Quartet & Danish National Girls’ Choir, presented an unusual staged performance, sponsored by Washington Performing Arts, in downtown Washington D.C. at Church of the Epiphany for a capacity audience. {…}

Apr 29, 2026

Washington Performing Arts 2025-26 Review: The 4th Annual Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Recital

(Photo: Margot Schulman) Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an ardent friend of the arts. She co-curated dozens of concerts with Washington Performing Arts (WPA) President Emeritus Doug Wheeler at the Supreme Court, and was a regular at the Washington National Opera, which honored her with a program and included her in the production of “La Fille du Régiment” which was received {…}

Jan 24, 2026

Choral Arts Society of Washington & Washington Performing Arts Team Up for ‘We Are One: A Global Song for Justice & Unity’

The Choral Arts Society of Washington and Washington Performing Arts will team up to present the 38th-annual “Living the Dream…Singing the Dream” on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore. The concert, titled “We Are One: A Global Song for Justice and Unity,” honors the inclusive vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. {…}

May 24, 2025

Dávone Tines Among Headliners of Washington Performing Arts’ 2025-26 Season

Washington Performing Arts has announced its 2025-26 season, “The City is our Stage.” Here is a breakdown of the vocal performances on offer. Dávone Tines will present “Ruckus,” which features songs, hymns, ballads spanning four centuries. The program “confronts the tensions and aspirations at the heart of the American experiment.” Tines will perform music by Wesley, Händel, Eastman, Dickinson, Otis, {…}

May 22, 2025

Washington Performing Arts Moves New Season Away from Kennedy Center

Washington Performing Arts is moving its 2025-26 season away from the Kennedy Center. The music presenter will instead showcase its season at the Music Center at Strathmore and Lisner Auditorium. In a statement, the Washington Performing Arts spokesperson said the presenter works to “thoughtfully match artists and their work with venues that best serve the art, the audience, and the {…}

Jun 5, 2024

Washington Performing Arts Unveils 2024-25 Season

Washington Performing Arts has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a rundown of the classical vocal performances on offer. First up is “Living the Dream… Singing the Dream,” a Choral Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The showcase features the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs and the Choral Arts Society of Washington. Performance Dates: Feb. 2, 2025 Soprano Ariadne Grief {…}

Oct 26, 2023

Douglas H. Wheeler Receives the Washington Performing Arts’ 2022 Ambassador of the Arts Award

Photo credit: Fritz Photographics Washington Performing Arts announced that Douglas H. Wheeler, President Emeritus and advisor, is the recipient of the organization’s 2022 Ambassador of the Arts Award. Wheeler is the 10th recipient of the Ambassador of the Arts Award, which recognizes extraordinary achievement, service, and advocacy in the performing arts. Originally hired as concert booker, Wheeler was mentored by {…}

May 30, 2023

Washington Performing Arts Unveils 2023-24 Season

Washington Performing Arts has announced its 2023-24 season. Here is a breakdown of the classical vocal performances scheduled for next season. Washington Performing Arts’ Children of the Gospel Choir will perform in “Season of Hope” alongside the United States Air Force Band under Col. Don Schofield. Performance Dates: Dec. 9 & 10, 2023 Bass-baritone Joseph Parrish will join Damien Sneed {…}

Jun 15, 2022

Renée Fleming, Denyce Graves, Aundi Marie Moore, Brandie Sutton, Justin Austin Headline Washington Performing Arts 2022-23 Season

Washington Performing Arts has announced its 2022-23 season. For the purposes of this article, our focus will be solely on vocal and operatic performances. The Men and Women of the Gospel Choir, under conductor Theodore Thorpe III, will present “We’ve Come This Far By Faith: A 30th Anniversary Celebration.” Performance Date: Nov. 20, 2022 Tito Muñoz will conduct the Sphinx {…}