| Washington National Opera - Washington | 20 April 2024 |
click here for a gallery of photos from recent productions
click here for more photos for
Click below forproduction trailers
Silent Night
La Traviata
Candide
Il barbiere di Siviglia
Don Carlo
You've been granted free access to this page.
Take a FREE 7 DAY TRIAL or SUBSCRIBE today to access the full content of theoperacritic.com.
Free access
Performance reviews
| Key | 
Photo gallery
|
Production details
|
Video link
|
Don CarloWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
If you come to "Don Carlo" just to listen to the singing, you won't be disappointed |
 16 Mar 18 / Metro Weekly |
An impressive production of Verdi's questionable classic |
| 10 Mar 18 / Washington City Paper |
Great voices and a brilliant, fatalist production make Verdi masterwork more relevant than ever |
| 7 Mar 18 / OperaWire |
more reviews [+]
A production of Don Carlo full of the sorrows that signify the human condition |
| 7 Mar 18 / DC Theater Arts |
A convincing musical success, if a bit visually underwhelming |
| 5 Mar 18 / MD Theatre Guide |
Pared down and dumbed down, ‘Don Carlo’ still dazzles at the Kennedy Center |
| 5 Mar 18 / Washington Post |
Strong singing and conducting make for a gripping “Don Carlo” at Washington National Opera |
| 5 Mar 18 / Classical Review |
associated articles [+]
Russell Thomas
Tenor Russell Thomas is breaking down operatic barriers with confidence.
Tenor Russell Thomas is breaking down operatic barriers with confidence.
Three 20-minute operasWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Opera has a promising future, judging by this past weekend’s plethora of riches |
| 25 Jan 18 / DC Theatre Scene |
Composers and librettists were the stars at The Kennedy Center's triple world premiere |
| 24 Jan 18 / Broadway World |
WNO’s new operas offer mixed takes on the American experience |
| 23 Jan 18 / Classical Review |
Proving UpWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Little house on the scary |
| 23 Jan 18 / parterre box |
The American Dream as American nightmare: An opera for our time |
| 22 Jan 18 / Washington Post |
Missy Mazzoli deconstructs the American Dream in bracing WNO premiere |
| 21 Jan 18 / Classical Review |
The Little PrinceWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
Is WNO’s The Little Prince too sophisticated for children? |
| 19 Dec 17 / DC Theatre Scene |
The principal cast dives into their roles with enthusiasm and flair |
| 17 Dec 17 / MD Theatre Guide |
Superb cast makes WNO’s “Little Prince” a spirited and touching holiday treat |
| 16 Dec 17 / Classical Review |
AlcinaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
Angela Meade plays the title roll beautifully |
| 11 Nov 17 / Broadway World |
Girl power |
| 7 Nov 17 / parterre box |
WNO’s Alcina casts its spell at The Kennedy Center |
| 7 Nov 17 / DC Theatre Scene |
more reviews [+]
Angela Meade sings the title role with the complete professionalism and vocal control |
| 7 Nov 17 / DC Theater Arts |
Washington National Opera goes for Baroque with a radiant “Alcina” |
| 6 Nov 17 / Classical Review |
Strong women take the lead in Washington National Opera’s ‘Alcina’ |
| 6 Nov 17 / Washington Post |
AidaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
A vocally splendid but confused Aida |
| 20 Sep 17 / Seen and Heard |
…inspired moments…beautiful choreography… |
| 15 Sep 17 / MD Theatre Guide |
Aida's confusing staging is offset by powerful sopranos and grand production |
| 15 Sep 17 / Metro Weekly |
more reviews [+]
Graffiti meets Nefertiti |
| 13 Sep 17 / Bachtrack |
Verdi’s soaring yet sensitive music pervades this production |
| 13 Sep 17 / DC Theater Arts |
Celeste graffiti |
| 12 Sep 17 / parterre box |
Aida is a visual and auditory sensation at the Kennedy Center |
| 12 Sep 17 / Broadway World |
Second cast delivers the Verdian goods in WNO “Aida” |
| 12 Sep 17 / Classical Review |
Stunning grand opera |
| 12 Sep 17 / DC Theatre Scene |
An ‘Aida’ that aspires to give street cred to grandiosity |
| 12 Sep 17 / Washington Post |
Fine singing vies with baffling production in WNO’s militaristic “Aida” |
| 11 Sep 17 / Classical Review |
associated articles [+]
A street artist tries opera
This legendary street artist, Retna, has done walls, shoes and Bieber albums. Now he’s trying opera.
This legendary street artist, Retna, has done walls, shoes and Bieber albums. Now he’s trying opera.
Madama ButterflyWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
Une Butterfly haute en couleur |
| 22 May 17 / ConcertoNet (French) |
Une Butterfly haute en couleur |
| 19 May 17 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Madama Butterfly an aesthetic treat at Washington National Opera |
| 10 May 17 / Bachtrack |
more reviews [+]
A bright and moving ‘Butterfly’ comes to WNO |
| 8 May 17 / Washington Post |
AriodanteWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 1 | |
Joyce DiDonato’s star turn in ‘Ariodante’ is as good as everyone hoped it would be |
| 6 May 17 / Washington Post |
ChampionWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Terence Blanchard's jazz opera Champion comes out swinging and delivers some powerful punches |
| 10 Mar 17 / Metro Weekly |
Go see “Champion,” embrace the modernity of the opera… |
| 9 Mar 17 / MD Theatre Guide |
At Washington National Opera: Griffith vs. Paret |
| 7 Mar 17 / The Georgetowner |
more reviews [+]
In pursuit of a more diverse night at the opera |
| 7 Mar 17 / NPR |
Washington National Opera's Champion isn't a total knockout, but it's a worthy endeavor |
| 7 Mar 17 / Washington City Paper |
What Cristofer’s Champion leaves out from Emile Griffith’s deadly seven seconds in the ring |
| 7 Mar 17 / DC Theatre Scene |
Opera in Jazz: Terence Blanchard's Champion in Washington DC |
| 7 Mar 17 / Bachtrack |
WNO’s musically lightweight “Champion,” more theater than opera |
| 6 Mar 17 / Classical Review |
Dead Man WalkingWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 9 | |
Dead Man Walking in Washington DC an unforgettable emotional experience |
| 7 Mar 17 / Bachtrack |
WNO’s extraordinary ‘Dead Man Walking’ is a must-see |
| 3 Mar 17 / Communities Digital News |
Washington National Opera's Dead Man Walking is the best case for middlebrow opera |
| 1 Mar 17 / Washington City Paper |
more reviews [+]
A bold and haunting Dead Man Walking |
| 28 Feb 17 / Broadway World |
A journey of harrowing truth and compelling beauty |
| 28 Feb 17 / DC Theatre Scene |
All of the elements have come together in this splendid Washington National Opera production |
| 28 Feb 17 / DC Theater Arts |
The Washington National Opera’s opening night of “Dead Man Walking” was a tremendous success |
| 28 Feb 17 / MD Theatre Guide |
Mezzo-soprano Kate Lindsey brings a sharp emotionalism and faith into her singing |
| 28 Feb 17 / The Georgetowner |
‘Dead Man Walking’ is a new opera for old audiences |
| 27 Feb 17 / Washington Post |
Three 20-minute operasWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 2 | |
WNO’s three new and intriguing 20-minute operas for 2017 |
| 23 Jan 17 / Communities Digital News |
Opera as lively art — or not-so-lively |
| 16 Jan 17 / Washington Post |
The Dictator's WifeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
A chance wasted |
| 17 Jan 17 / DC Theatre Scene |
Opera as lively art — or not-so-lively |
| 16 Jan 17 / Washington Post |
This unique and highly relevant opera is full of many different nuances, surprises, and dramatic twists and turns |
| 15 Jan 17 / DC Theater Arts |
more reviews [+]
With unfunny libretto and barren score, new Fairouz opera takes the fun out of tyranny |
| 15 Jan 17 / Classical Review |
associated articles [+]
Mohammed Fairouz' opera “The Dictator’s Wife” premieres this week
A new opera about a dictator may or may not be about Trump. It depends whom you ask.
A new opera about a dictator may or may not be about Trump. It depends whom you ask.
La fille du régimentWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 12 | |
Oropesa, Brownlee, Burdette in rollicking Washington National Opera “Fille du Régiment” |
| 3 Dec 16 / Opera Warhorses |
WNO’s jolly good production of “Daughter of the Regiment” |
| 18 Nov 16 / Communities Digital News |
Lawrence Brownlee is simply outstanding |
| 16 Nov 16 / MD Theatre Guide |
more reviews [+]
This opera is played with consummate skill and finesse by the entire ensemble (opening night cast) |
| 15 Nov 16 / DC Theater Arts |
Chuchman was plucky, graceful and intensely lovable as Marie (second cast) |
| 15 Nov 16 / DC Theater Arts |
The appearance of the charismatic comedic duo Oropesa and Burdette enlivens the entire production |
| 15 Nov 16 / Broadway World |
Oropesa, Brownlee lead the charge in WNO’s delightful “Daughter of the Regiment” |
| 15 Nov 16 / Classical Review |
All the vocal performances impress, but none more so than Lisette Oropesa as Marie |
| 15 Nov 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
The Supreme Court Justice survives Donizetti’s comic opera after a not very comic week |
| 15 Nov 16 / Washington City Paper |
Washington National Opera's sparkling Daughter of the Regiment |
| 15 Nov 16 / Bachtrack |
Brownlee, Oropesa and Ginsburg in WNO's 'Regiment' |
| 15 Nov 16 / The Georgetowner |
Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s opera debut brings relevance to WNO |
| 14 Nov 16 / Washington Post |
associated articles [+]
Standing ovation greets Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg cameo
The supreme court justice and opera lover, 83, had her first speaking role in The Daughter of the Regiment at the Kennedy Center.
The supreme court justice and opera lover, 83, had her first speaking role in The Daughter of the Regiment at the Kennedy Center.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg to make opera debut
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will make her opera debut next month in Donizetti's "Daughter of the Regiment" for Washington National Opera.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will make her opera debut next month in Donizetti's "Daughter of the Regiment" for Washington National Opera.
Le nozze di FigaroWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 10 | |
Washington National Opera opens with Figaro |
| 4 Oct 16 / ConcertoNet (English) |
The Marriage of Figaro Offers a bouquet of musical delights |
| 29 Sep 16 / Broadway World |
The singing was thoroughly delightful and in some instances stunning |
| 27 Sep 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
more reviews [+]
Another boring production of the overdone Mozart classic |
| 27 Sep 16 / Washington City Paper |
A big musical cake |
| 27 Sep 16 / The Georgetowner |
Upstairs Downstairs comedy: Figaro opens Washington's season |
| 27 Sep 16 / Bachtrack |
WNO’s winning ‘Marriage of Figaro’ triumphs over adversity |
| 25 Sep 16 / Communities Digital News |
Peter Kazaras has brought new life to one of Mozart’s most frequently performed operas |
| 24 Sep 16 / DC Theater Arts |
Light and accessible |
| 24 Sep 16 / MD Theatre Guide |
A nice, ordinary wedding when we’d like some drama |
| 24 Sep 16 / Washington Post |
associated articles [+]
Elizabeth Bishop
Elizabeth Bishop shows that in opera, success is quite different from stardom.
Elizabeth Bishop shows that in opera, success is quite different from stardom.
Der Ring des NibelungenWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 36 | |
The end of the world on the Potomac |
| 14 Jul 16 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Full cycle: Musings on the “American Ring” |
| 20 Jun 16 / Opera Today |
Full cycle: A choice, not an ecosystem |
| 27 May 16 / parterre box |
more reviews [+]
Full cycle: A historic “Ring” at a historic moment: two critics’ thoughts |
| 24 May 16 / Washington Post |
Die Walküre: The three sopranos, “Ring” style - Nina Stemme arrives for Cycle 3 |
| 20 May 16 / Washington Post |
Siegfried/Götterdämmerung: Musically brilliant, but overstuffed and conceptually muddled |
| 14 May 16 / Washington City Paper |
Das Rheingold/Die Walküre: It's taken 10 years and millions of dollars, but Washington National Opera's Ring cycle is finally here |
| 14 May 16 / Washington City Paper |
Full cycle: The Ring reverberates |
| 13 May 16 / The Georgetowner |
Götterdämmerung: Great music, strange finale |
| 11 May 16 / Communities Digital News |
Götterdämmerung: Stunning Twilight of the Gods at the Washington National Opera |
| 10 May 16 / Broadway World |
Götterdämmerung: Although much improved, this staging of the Ring still falls short of greatness |
| 10 May 16 / Ionarts |
Götterdämmerung: Images and music built a unified whole |
| 10 May 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
Siegfried: That ’70s show |
| 10 May 16 / parterre box |
Siegfried/Götterdämmerung: Wrapping up WNO's Ring |
| 10 May 16 / The Georgetowner |
Götterdämmerung: Twilight of the Gods gives way to an American dawn |
| 10 May 16 / Bachtrack |
Full cycle: Wagner’s ‘Ring’ grippingly Americanized in Washington, D.C. |
| 10 May 16 / Dallas Morning News |
Götterdämmerung: ‘Twilight of the Gods’ confirms the triumph of WNO’s ‘Ring’ |
| 9 May 16 / Washington Post |
Siegfried: Daniel Brenna made a heroic company debut in the role |
| 7 May 16 / Ionarts |
Siegfried: Catherine Foster returns to WNO’s ‘American Ring’ |
| 7 May 16 / Communities Digital News |
Siegfried: When Act II came around, things fell into dramatic focus |
| 7 May 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
Siegfried: After ‘Ring’ rehearsal injury, a soprano finally gets her U.S. debut |
| 6 May 16 / Washington Post |
Siegfried: Holding a mirror up to nature |
| 6 May 16 / Bachtrack |
Das Rheingold: Burden of gilt |
| 5 May 16 / parterre box |
Die Walküre: Special guest heldenreizerin |
| 5 May 16 / parterre box |
Die Walküre: Musically, this performance came together almost perfectly |
| 5 May 16 / Ionarts |
Das Rheingold: Washington National Opera's first complete Ring Cycle has finally arrived |
| 5 May 16 / Ionarts |
Die Walküre: Boy, does Zambello know her stuff with the physicality in this production! |
| 5 May 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
Die Walküre: Christine Goerke’s Brünnhilde saves the day in ‘The Valkyrie’ |
| 5 May 16 / Communities Digital News |
Die Walküre: Wagnerian family values of love, life and death |
| 5 May 16 / The Georgetowner |
Die Walküre: Two critics trade thoughts on Wagner’s ‘Ring’ in D.C. |
| 4 May 16 / Washington Post |
Die Walküre: Nature’s bonfire burns on |
| 4 May 16 / Bachtrack |
Das Rheingold: A vastly improved ‘Rhinegold’ debuts |
| 3 May 16 / Communities Digital News |
Das Rheingold: Zambello’s production of The Ring of the Nibelung is a big deal in all kinds of ways |
| 3 May 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
Das Rheingold: Manifest destiny and doom: Francesca Zambello’s All-American Ring |
| 3 May 16 / Bachtrack |
Das Rheingold: And so it begins — with ‘The Rhinegold’ |
| 3 May 16 / The Georgetowner |
Das Rheingold: The ‘Ring’ gets off to a good start |
| 2 May 16 / Washington Post |
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 |
| 17 Feb 16 / Baltimore Sun |
associated articles [+]
“Lost in the Stars”
Musical’s title song has staying power.
Musical’s title song has staying power.
Reviews search
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 |
 |