| Washington National Opera - Washington | 19 April 2024 |
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Silent Night
La Traviata
Candide
Il barbiere di Siviglia
Don Carlo
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Performance reviews
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La PéricholeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Washington National Opera’s ‘Songbird’ is an absolute hoot |
 22 Mar 24 / Washington Post |
La protagonista Isabel Leonard è stata una “Songbird” spumeggiante e piena di vita |
| 21 Mar 24 / Operaclick (Italian) |
Bird brain |
| 14 Mar 24 / parterre box |
more reviews [+]
Charismatic Leonard can’t save WNO’s lightweight Offenbach soufflé |
| 11 Mar 24 / Classical Review |
American Opera InitiativeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Un pubblico festante ha riempito la sala del Terrace Theater al Kennedy Center |
| 26 Jan 24 / Operaclick (Italian) |
Washington National Opera renews commitment to future of American opera |
| 21 Jan 24 / Classical Review |
GroundedWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
An unusual new opera reexamines the complexities of America’s drone wars abroad |
| 16 Nov 23 / Military.com |
Molto bravo il basso Morris Robinson, nella parte del Commander |
| 7 Nov 23 / Operaclick (Italian) |
The cast and musicians of “Grounded” are strong |
| 4 Nov 23 / MD Theatre Guide |
more reviews [+]
Soar, losers |
| 1 Nov 23 / parterre box |
Despite radiant D’Angelo, WNO’s “Grounded” misses the target |
| 30 Oct 23 / Classical Review |
An opera about drones brings a pilot's war home |
| 30 Oct 23 / New York Times |
‘Grounded’ never takes off in Washington National Opera premiere |
| 30 Oct 23 / Washington Post |
Roméo et JulietteWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
The epitome of impending doom delivered with entertainment and style |
| 12 Nov 23 / Metro Weekly |
That which we call a Rosa |
| 8 Nov 23 / parterre box |
WNO puts the grand back in grand opera with a powerful “Roméo et Juliette” |
| 6 Nov 23 / Classical Review |
more reviews [+]
It’s easy to fall in love with WNO’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ |
| 6 Nov 23 / Washington Post |
La bohèmeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
A lavish and moving production |
| 17 May 23 / MD Theatre Guide |
Boisterous and glamorous “La Bohème” takes back the Opera House for WNO |
| 15 May 23 / Classical Review |
BlueWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Moody ‘Blue’ |
| 17 Mar 23 / parterre box |
Poignant and relevant black opera is a must-see at the Kennedy Center |
| 17 Mar 23 / Zebra |
A musical and dramatic triumph |
| 15 Mar 23 / MD Theatre Guide |
more reviews [+]
In WNO’s belated ‘Blue,’ a powerhouse family portrait of joy and pain |
| 13 Mar 23 / Washington Post |
Thompson's treatment of the plot of Blue resembles Greek tragedy, which is its strength |
| 13 Mar 23 / Broadway World |
Conflicting views of police find harmony in Washington National Opera’s “Blue” |
| 13 Mar 23 / Classical Review |
The Passion of Mary Cardwell DawsonWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
New Carlos Simon work brings attention to neglected opera impresario |
| 24 Jan 23 / Classical Review |
The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson gives voice to a previously unsung heroine of opera history |
| 24 Jan 23 / Broadway World |
An impresaria rediscovered in ‘The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson’ |
| 24 Jan 23 / Washington Post |
ElektraWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
In the title role Chistine Goerke gave a uniquely memorable performance |
| 19 Nov 22 / Opera Today |
Elektra à haute tension et acclamation à l’Opéra de Washington |
| 8 Nov 22 / Olyrix |
Last dance |
| 5 Nov 22 / parterre box |
more reviews [+]
This magnificent WNO production combines both classical and modernist features…glorious voices and acting abilities |
| 5 Nov 22 / MD Theatre Guide |
Electrifying ‘Elektra’ at Washington National Opera |
| 1 Nov 22 / DC Theater Arts |
At WNO’s electric ‘Elektra,’ the night is short and full of terrors |
| 31 Oct 22 / Washington Post |
Il TrovatoreWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
L'Opéra de Washington loin de l’heure espagnole pour Le Trouvère de Verdi |
| 2 Nov 22 / Olyrix |
Washington National Opera stages a solid ‘Il trovatore’ with stellar design |
| 28 Oct 22 / DC Theater Arts |
With a no-nonsense ‘Il trovatore,’ WNO comes back with a vengeance |
| 26 Oct 22 / Washington Post |
CarmenWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Isabel Leonard wonderfully embodies the many and varying moods of Carmen |
| 31 May 22 / MD Theatre Guide |
Francesca Zambello's fresh interpretation of the beloved opera is a gorgeous and thoughtful production |
| 25 May 22 / Broadway World |
Room temperature |
| 21 May 22 / parterre box |
more reviews [+]
A “Carmen” that had everything |
| 16 May 22 / Washington Post |
High in promise, low on passion |
| 16 May 22 / Pokonews |
Così fan tutteWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A fine rendering of a repertoire favorite |
| 5 May 22 / ConcertoNet (English) |
‘Così,’ cheap ‘n cheerful |
| 22 Mar 22 / parterre box |
Funny in a kind of uncomfortably sadistic way |
| 22 Mar 22 / Washington City Paper |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera’s ‘Così fan tutte’ is skillfully out of sync with the times |
| 14 Mar 22 / Washington Post |
Come Home: A Celebration of ReturnWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Open and clothes case |
| 11 Nov 21 / parterre box |
Samson et DalilaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
The pagans have more fun in WNO's Samson and Delilah |
| 7 Mar 20 / Washington City Paper |
WNO's Samson et Dalila shows how sweet love's poison can sound |
| 4 Mar 20 / Bachtrack |
‘Samson and Delilah’ has old-school opera style and strengths |
| 3 Mar 20 / Washington Post |
more reviews [+]
Modern technicals make this rarely seen story “an opera for the senses” |
| 3 Mar 20 / DC Theatre Scene |
Bridges’ blazing WNO debut leads an excellent cast and vibrant production in “Samson et Dalila” |
| 3 Mar 20 / Classical Review |
Don GiovanniWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
WNO delivers fine singing, #MeToo overtones in “Don Giovanni” |
| 3 Mar 20 / Classical Review |
WNO’s new ‘Don Giovanni’ is a monster that feels timely without trying |
| 3 Mar 20 / Washington Post |
A #metoo Don Giovanni at Washington National Opera |
| 3 Mar 20 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
Why set it in an office building? |
| 3 Mar 20 / Broadway World |
Three 20-minute operasWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Three new operas showcased in WNO’s AOI Festival 2020. Is the development process working? |
| 14 Jan 20 / DC Theatre Scene |
WNO’s American Opera Initiative serves up an intriguing trio of new works |
| 12 Jan 20 / Classical Review |
Die ZauberflöteWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Truly conveys the power of music and its magic notes |
| 10 Nov 19 / MD Theatre Guide |
Mozart’s whimsical The Magic Flute from Washington National Opera |
| 8 Nov 19 / DC Theatre Scene |
A tempting proposition for first-timers and opera-buffs alike |
| 6 Nov 19 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
A seamless ‘Magic Flute’ at Washington National Opera |
| 6 Nov 19 / DC Theater Arts |
Washington National Opera's merry take on Mozart's Magic Flute |
| 5 Nov 19 / Bachtrack |
WNO serves up inspired singing and whimsy in colorful “Magic Flute” |
| 4 Nov 19 / Classical Review |
Maurice Sendak’s ‘Magic Flute’ brings storybook flair — and familiarity — to WNO |
| 4 Nov 19 / Washington Post |
OtelloWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
General, not specific |
| 9 Nov 19 / parterre box |
Russell Thomas shines in David Alden's gloomy Otello staging in Washington DC |
| 30 Oct 19 / Bachtrack |
The staging was both visually bland and, at times, logically inconsistent |
| 29 Oct 19 / DC Theatre Scene |
more reviews [+]
WNO’s “Otello” gets the job done despite staging distractions |
| 29 Oct 19 / Classical Review |
ToscaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
“To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up” |
| 4 Jun 19 / parterre box |
WNO’s Tosca delivers its heroine and famous arias with atmosphere and intimacy |
| 21 May 19 / Metro Weekly |
Grand Opera as Suspense Thriller at the Kennedy Center |
| 20 May 19 / Fairfax News |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera's latest Tosca is more graceful and memorable than most |
| 18 May 19 / Washington City Paper |
A not-too-shabby shocker |
| 16 May 19 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Washington National Opera's splendid Tosca |
| 15 May 19 / Broadway World |
Latonia Moore makes blazing WNO debut in second-cast “Tosca” |
| 14 May 19 / Classical Review |
WNO wraps season with a visually sumptuous, dramatically tepid “Tosca” |
| 14 May 19 / Classical Review |
Eugene OneginWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
In Washington, DC: Onegin — opera or not? |
| 23 Mar 19 / Seen and Heard |
With Faust and Eugene Onegin, the Washington National Opera celebrates country living |
| 22 Mar 19 / Washington City Paper |
The Washington National Opera's lovely, affecting "Eugene Onegin" offers a rare Russian treat |
| 15 Mar 19 / Metro Weekly |
more reviews [+]
Eugene Onegin features a Tatiana for our times |
| 12 Mar 19 / DC Theatre Scene |
Anna Nechaeva makes a powerful U.S. debut in WNO’s “Eugene Onegin” |
| 11 Mar 19 / Classical Review |
FaustWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
With Faust and Eugene Onegin, the Washington National Opera celebrates country living |
| 22 Mar 19 / Washington City Paper |
An old-fashioned charmer enhanced by an artistic eye, the WNO's Faust gives the Devil his due |
| 22 Mar 19 / Metro Weekly |
Washington National Opera's Faust is a devilishly good time |
| 21 Mar 19 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
For Washington National Opera, Faust is in the house |
| 19 Mar 19 / DC Theatre Scene |
Stellar playing but less-than-stellar singing in DC |
| 19 Mar 19 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Colorful staging lifts mixed vocalism in WNO’s “Faust” |
| 18 Mar 19 / Classical Review |
Three 20-minute operasWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Dogs, snakes and piccolos: New operas take WNO stage |
| 14 Jan 19 / Washington Post |
Taking Up SerpentsWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
World premiere one-hour opera Taking up Serpents at the Kennedy Center |
| 14 Jan 19 / Broadway World |
Dogs, snakes and piccolos: New operas take WNO stage |
| 14 Jan 19 / Washington Post |
The Lion, the Unicorn, and MeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
Washington National Opera’s annual holiday treat |
| 17 Dec 18 / DC Theatre Scene |
WNO revives underwhelming “Lion, Unicorn, and Me” for holiday season |
| 16 Dec 18 / Classical Review |
Silent NightWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
A World War I ceasefire comes to the stage in WNO's Silent Night |
| 22 Nov 18 / Washington City Paper |
Silent Night is a shattering indictment of the futility and waste of war |
| 14 Nov 18 / DC Theater Arts |
Conductor Nicole Paiement balances steely expressiveness with sentimental lyricism |
| 14 Nov 18 / DC Theatre Scene |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera's Silent Night is a timely tribute to veterans |
| 12 Nov 18 / Broadway World |
War is hell, and other original insights: ‘Silent Night’ at the opera |
| 12 Nov 18 / Washington Post |
La TraviataWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Venera Gimadieva leads a moving Traviata in DC |
| 25 Oct 18 / Bachtrack |
Washington National Opera gives La traviata a cinematic feel |
| 12 Oct 18 / Washington City Paper |
Zambello’s La traviata shows it sometimes pays to stick around after the interval |
| 11 Oct 18 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
The Washington National Opera's La Traviata is an exquisite revival |
| 11 Oct 18 / Broadway World |
An exciting new “Traviata” opens WNO season on high note |
| 8 Oct 18 / Classical Review |
Washington National Opera appeases traditionalists with a safe ‘Traviata’ |
| 8 Oct 18 / Washington Post |
Enjoyable and worthy of the organization’s talents |
| 8 Oct 18 / MD Theatre Guide |
CandideWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Washington National Opera's Candide sees the glass as half-full |
| 22 May 18 / Washington City Paper |
Give ’em Hellman |
| 22 May 18 / parterre box |
Undiminished optimism from Voltaire and Bernstein |
| 17 May 18 / Seen and Heard |
more reviews [+]
Whether or not Candide is your taste, it is a fine show |
| 8 May 18 / DC Theater Arts |
Glorious with a bit more bite |
| 8 May 18 / DC Theatre Scene |
The show is well beloved and accessible |
| 7 May 18 / Broadway World |
Opera’s quest for optimism: WNO takes on ‘Candide’ |
| 7 May 18 / Washington Post |
Il barbiere di SivigliaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
A frenetically captivating musical dreamscape of schemers, clowns, and romantic lovers |
| 6 May 18 / DC Theater Arts |
Moldavian baritone, Andrey Zhilikhovsky, has made a take-notice WNO debut |
| 5 May 18 / DC Theatre Scene |
WNO’s delightfully witty adaptation of Rossini’s time-honored classic left a smile on the face of every listener |
| 2 May 18 / MD Theatre Guide |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera's latest staging of "The Barber of Seville" is, in a word, fantastic |
| 30 Apr 18 / Broadway World |
Washington National Opera opens zany “Barber of Seville” |
| 30 Apr 18 / Classical Review |
Don CarloWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Musically resplendent Don Carlo in Washington |
| 3 Apr 18 / Bachtrack |
Family values |
| 27 Mar 18 / parterre box |
World class Verdi singing |
| 24 Mar 18 / Opera Warhorses |
associated articles [+]
Russell Thomas
Tenor Russell Thomas is breaking down operatic barriers with confidence.
Tenor Russell Thomas is breaking down operatic barriers with confidence.
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Performance schedule
Puccini
11 to 25 May 2024
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. |
| 15 Mar 2024 / Classical Review |
| 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. |
| 7 Feb 2024 / Washington Post |
| 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. |
| 6 Apr 2022 / OperaWire |
| 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. |
| 14 May 2021 / Classical Review |
| 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. |
| 19 Nov 2020 / OperaWire |
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