Washington National Opera - Washington | 16 June 2024 |
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Performance reviews
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Der Ring des NibelungenWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 36 | ![]() |
Die Walküre: Nature’s bonfire burns on |
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Das Rheingold: A vastly improved ‘Rhinegold’ debuts |
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Das Rheingold: Zambello’s production of The Ring of the Nibelung is a big deal in all kinds of ways |
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more reviews [+]
Das Rheingold: Manifest destiny and doom: Francesca Zambello’s All-American Ring |
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Das Rheingold: And so it begins — with ‘The Rhinegold’ |
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Das Rheingold: The ‘Ring’ gets off to a good start |
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associated articles [+]
Washington Wagner fans eager for first-ever 'Ring' cycle
"The 'Ring,' for any company, is a huge Mount Everest of a work, the ultimate challenge for every individual involved," says Washington National Opera artistic director Francesca Zambello.
"The 'Ring,' for any company, is a huge Mount Everest of a work, the ultimate challenge for every individual involved," says Washington National Opera artistic director Francesca Zambello.
Wagner’s Ring Cycle at Kennedy Center lures swarms of Ringers
Hundreds of Ring lovers, or Ringers for short, begin their pilgrimages to Washington this week, bringing with them their love and knowledge of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle to the Kennedy Center.
Hundreds of Ring lovers, or Ringers for short, begin their pilgrimages to Washington this week, bringing with them their love and knowledge of Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle to the Kennedy Center.
Looking for your next binge-watching marathon?
Try 17 hours of opera. How Wagner’s “Ring” cycle is right in line with current touchstones of pop culture.
Try 17 hours of opera. How Wagner’s “Ring” cycle is right in line with current touchstones of pop culture.
Want to see 'The Ring' in D.C.'s first-ever cycle?
The Washington National Opera hopes to capitalize on its first complete “Ring” cycle by asking patrons to pony up thousands for the best seats to Richard Wagner’s four-part epic.
The Washington National Opera hopes to capitalize on its first complete “Ring” cycle by asking patrons to pony up thousands for the best seats to Richard Wagner’s four-part epic.
Lost in the StarsWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | ![]() ![]() |
A thoughtful revival of 'Lost in the Stars' from Washington National Opera |
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Don’t cry for me, South Africa |
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Washington National Opera takes on a bit of Broadway with Lost in the Stars |
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South Africa as social metaphor |
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This is a mighty work of music-theatre work that should be seen in Washington |
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‘Lost in the Stars’ falls short as compelling musical drama |
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Lost in the Stars is a spiritual and musical revelation! |
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Broadway meets Opera in Washington's Lost in the Stars |
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associated articles [+]
“Lost in the Stars”
Musical’s title song has staying power.
Musical’s title song has staying power.
Better GodsWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() |
New opera explores Hawaiian history |
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Throne away |
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Better Gods, new opera reveals Hawaii’s last queen, from WNO |
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Better Gods soars at the Kennedy Center |
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Deposed queen leads valiant but flawed ‘Better Gods’ at WNO |
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Hansel und GretelWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | ![]() |
‘Hansel and Gretel’ is catnip for kids |
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Hansel and Gretel wander into Kennedy Center |
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WNO fires up ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ in a polished but uninviting performance |
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Hansel and Gretel is as tempting to the eye and the ear as the Witch’s gingerbread house itself |
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AppomattoxWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 14 | ![]() ![]() |
“Appomattox,” redux |
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‘Appomattox’ revised: Two one-act operas squashed into one |
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That it’s actually enjoyable on its own terms is almost a miracle. |
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The war we’re still fighting |
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WNO's Appomattox struggles to capture the civil rights movement |
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Bold, sweeping, dreamlike, socially relevant, and ultimately deeply spiritual |
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A frustratingly uneven work that presents well-known historical facts on a conveyor belt of forgettable music |
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Glass warfare |
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Operatic righteous anger or self-indulgence? Philip Glass' Appomattox Take 2 |
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Philip Glass's revised opera considers race in America |
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Glass’s revised “Appomattox” proves even more unwieldy at Washington National Opera |
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A superb night at the opera |
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Magic time! |
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‘Appomattox’ at the Kennedy Center |
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associated articles [+]
The faces of ‘Appomattox’
From the Civil War to civil rights, the Washington National Opera’s new work by Philip Glass and Christopher Hampton puts American history on the Kennedy Center stage.
From the Civil War to civil rights, the Washington National Opera’s new work by Philip Glass and Christopher Hampton puts American history on the Kennedy Center stage.
Seeing voting rights under siege, Philip Glass rewrites an opera
When Mr. Glass and Christopher Hampton wrote “Appomattox,” it was mostly about the Civil War. Now the second act grapples with more recent history.
When Mr. Glass and Christopher Hampton wrote “Appomattox,” it was mostly about the Civil War. Now the second act grapples with more recent history.
CarmenWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | ![]() ![]() |
La osadía del amor libre se paga con la muerte |
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Washington National Opera’s ‘Carmen’ is halfway through run |
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A smashing Carmen at Washington National Opera |
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Washington National Opera's Carmen satisfies |
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Dance and Song are wed in Washington's Carmen |
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A visually gorgeous and vocally stunning Carmen |
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Thank you for smoking |
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Enlivening the familiar |
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La CenerentolaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | ![]() ![]() |
D.C. Cenerentola weighs in with splendid singing |
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‘Cinderella’ second cast offers eager warmth at WNO |
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WNO's Cinderella is joyous, humorous and eminently accessible for opera novices |
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No longer by the cinders: Tara Erraught’s American debut in with WNO Cenerentola |
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Tara Erraught in this performance shined as Cinderella |
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Isabel Leonard is the calm center of this production |
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A long, fast-paced opera that retains its loveliness |
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A longish evening of colorful family fun |
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Cinderella steals hearts in lyrical production |
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In Washington National Opera’s ‘Cinderella,’ parts are better than sum |
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The WNO welcomes spring with a joyful, funny, lighthearted fairy tale |
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Der Fliegende HolländerWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | ![]() ![]() |
Washington National Opera’s production of Wagner’s ‘The Flying Dutchman’ feels adrift |
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WNO’s “Flying Dutchman”: Outstanding singing, slow boat |
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‘Flying Dutchman’ features one-night casting change |
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I’m on a boat |
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An adrift Flying Dutchman makes port at Washington National Opera |
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Eric Owens' Flying Dutchman delivers in Washington |
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At WNO, strong ‘Dutchman’ cast makes up for production’s deficits |
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On spinning in opera ...
... and going through the motions.
... and going through the motions.
Dialogues des CarmelitesWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | ![]() ![]() |
The Washington National Opera’s Carmelites resonates with dark, complex themes |
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An underwhelming Dialogues of the Carmelites from Francesca Zambello in Washington |
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WNO’s moving new production of “Dialogues of the Carmelites” |
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Another event that feels incredibly special |
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A chilling Dialogues of the Carmelites from Washington National Opera |
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The mix of devotional passages and big romantic climaxes makes for a split-personality score |
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“Carmelites” is too cool, in every sense, in WNO debut |
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associated articles [+]
Dolora Zajick chats about her Dialogues of the Carmelite debut
When it comes to operatic staying power, look no further than star mezzo soprano Dolora Zajick. This week she makes her debut in Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites at Washington National Opera.
When it comes to operatic staying power, look no further than star mezzo soprano Dolora Zajick. This week she makes her debut in Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites at Washington National Opera.
The Little PrinceWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | ![]() |
WNO’s intriguing ‘Little Prince’: Really for the kids? |
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A perfect Fable for kids and grown-ups |
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The Little Prince lands at Kennedy Center |
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Washington National Opera’s tuneful ‘Little Prince’ pleases kids — or does it? |
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La bohèmeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | ![]() ![]() |
Washington National Opera’s ‘La Bohème’ is young at heart |
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Washington National Opera crafts gorgeous production of Puccini's La bohème |
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A new production for 'La Boheme' from Washington National Opera |
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Puccini's passion for all |
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A ‘La Bohème’ that gets the job done |
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Florencia en el AmazonasWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() ![]() |
A soprano comes into her own as Verdi's Lady Macbeth while 'Florencia in the Amazon' embraces the power of love |
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WNO’s sensational “Florencia in the Amazon” at the KenCen |
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A magical quest for love |
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Indulge in the fantasy with Washington National Opera's beautiful Florencia in the Amazon |
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It’s got vocal talent, accessible music, terrific staging, and a sort-of-original story |
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An ephemeral dream in first WNO outing |
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associated articles [+]
Washington National Opera's 'Florencia'
The Amazon and magic of Marquez.
The Amazon and magic of Marquez.
Christine Goerke
Washington National Opera’s ‘Florencia’ star talks about singing.
Washington National Opera’s ‘Florencia’ star talks about singing.
Die ZauberflöteWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | ![]() ![]() |
Kaneko's art energizes WNO's 'Magic Flute' |
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Washington National Opera offers ‘The Magic Flute’ in a color-saturated production |
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WNO's eye-popping Magic Flute casts a musical spell |
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L'elisir d'amoreWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | ![]() ![]() |
You'll want to drink this operatic potion |
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Washington National Opera serves up an effective 'Elixir' |
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Perez, Costello are game in WNO’s ‘L’elisir d’amore’ |
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A decent three-hour distraction |
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Moby-DickWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | ![]() ![]() |
A white whale at the opera |
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As for the music, it’s pleasantly dramatic if not as arresting as the visuals |
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WNO’s spectacular, epic “Moby-Dick” a smash hit in debut |
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Washington National Opera's Moby-Dick at the Kennedy Center is stunning! |
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Inventive American triumph |
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WNO offers Heggie and Scheer’s “Moby-Dick” in visually arresting Dallas production |
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The Lion, the Unicorn, and MeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | ![]() |
New family opera for Christmas from Washington National Opera |
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The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me charms audience |
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WNO’s ‘The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me’ lacks suspense but has fresh energy and charm |
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La Forza del DestinoWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | ![]() ![]() |
The Force of Destiny has several bells and whistles opera fans will enjoy |
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In full ‘Force’ |
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A Force to be reckoned with |
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A provocative new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s The Force of Destiny |
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Zambello sustituía la tradicional posada como lugar de mezcla de gentes, por un sitio actual de libertinaje |
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This is not your grandmother’s opera |
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Washington National Opera offers new take on Verdi's 'Forza' |
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Washington National Opera's spectacular, uneven 'Force of Destiny' |
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WNO’s “Force of Destiny” lets down vocal standards, and Verdi |
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A stylish and often sexy production |
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Adina Aaron, Monsalve, Delavan Shine in Zambello’s Remake of Verdi’s “Forza” |
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Tristan und IsoldeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | ![]() |
The elixir of love |
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Iréne Theorin nails the musical and narrative crux in Act II |
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The score has rarely sounded this good |
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Washington National Opera opens season with 'Tristan and Isolde' |
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Washington National Opera opens season with potent 'Tristan' |
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The overpowering Wagner is in charge |
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In ‘Tristan und Isolde,’ outstanding music drowns out any uneven voices on opening day |
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associated articles [+]
Washington Opera’s ‘Tristan und Isolde’
Striking a chord of longing.
Striking a chord of longing.
Show BoatWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | ![]() |
Washington National Opera presents revelatory 'Show Boat' |
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Performance schedule
Beethoven
25 Oct to 4 Nov 2024
Verdi
13 to 23 Nov 2024
Sankaram
13 to 15 Dec 2024
Various
18 Jan 2025
Bates
2 to 10 May 2025
Gershwin
23 to 31 May 2025
News & Articles
Kennedy Center announces a bounteous season for 2024-2025 |
The National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the flagship organizations of the Kennedy Center, announced their 2024-2025 seasons Thursday. |
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Washington National Opera appoints Robert Spano as new music director |
The longtime music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will begin his tenure in September 2025. |
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Washington National Opera announces its 2022-23 season |
Latonia Moore, Christine Goerke, Gabriella Reyes, Denyce Graves, Reginald Smith, Jr. headline Washington National Opera’s 2022-23 season. |
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WNO announces a cautious return to opera in 2021-22 season |
Washington National Opera will present a slimmed-down opera slate in the 2021-2022 season. Staged productions will not return until March 2022, with concert performances only in the fall and winter of this year. |
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Kennedy Center cancels spring season |
The Center also announced that the Washington National Opera’s spring productions and much of the late spring and early summer touring theater programs have been canceled. |
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