| Washington National Opera - Washington | 4 May 2024 |
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Performance reviews
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Lost in the StarsWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Don’t cry for me, South Africa |
 16 Feb 16 / Washington City Paper |
Washington National Opera takes on a bit of Broadway with Lost in the Stars |
| 16 Feb 16 / Broadway World |
South Africa as social metaphor |
| 16 Feb 16 / Communities Digital News |
more reviews [+]
This is a mighty work of music-theatre work that should be seen in Washington |
| 16 Feb 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
‘Lost in the Stars’ falls short as compelling musical drama |
| 15 Feb 16 / Washington Post |
Lost in the Stars is a spiritual and musical revelation! |
| 15 Feb 16 / DC Theater Arts |
Broadway meets Opera in Washington's Lost in the Stars |
| 15 Feb 16 / Bachtrack |
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 |
| 13 Jan 16 / Communities Digital News |
Throne away |
| 13 Jan 16 / parterre box |
Better Gods, new opera reveals Hawaii’s last queen, from WNO |
| 12 Jan 16 / DC Theatre Scene |
more reviews [+]
Better Gods soars at the Kennedy Center |
| 12 Jan 16 / Broadway World |
Deposed queen leads valiant but flawed ‘Better Gods’ at WNO |
| 11 Jan 16 / Washington Post |
Hansel und GretelWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
‘Hansel and Gretel’ is catnip for kids |
| 15 Dec 15 / The Georgetowner |
Hansel and Gretel wander into Kennedy Center |
| 15 Dec 15 / Broadway World |
WNO fires up ‘Hansel and Gretel,’ in a polished but uninviting performance |
| 14 Dec 15 / Washington Post |
more reviews [+]
Hansel and Gretel is as tempting to the eye and the ear as the Witch’s gingerbread house itself |
| 14 Dec 15 / DC Theater Arts |
AppomattoxWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 14 | |
“Appomattox,” redux |
| 23 Nov 15 / Washington Post |
‘Appomattox’ revised: Two one-act operas squashed into one |
| 21 Nov 15 / Communities Digital News |
That it’s actually enjoyable on its own terms is almost a miracle. |
| 18 Nov 15 / Washington City Paper |
more reviews [+]
The war we’re still fighting |
| 18 Nov 15 / Wall Street Journal |
WNO's Appomattox struggles to capture the civil rights movement |
| 18 Nov 15 / Broadway World |
Bold, sweeping, dreamlike, socially relevant, and ultimately deeply spiritual |
| 17 Nov 15 / DC Theatre Scene |
A frustratingly uneven work that presents well-known historical facts on a conveyor belt of forgettable music |
| 17 Nov 15 / Daily Star Albany |
Glass warfare |
| 17 Nov 15 / parterre box |
Operatic righteous anger or self-indulgence? Philip Glass' Appomattox Take 2 |
| 17 Nov 15 / Bachtrack |
Philip Glass's revised opera considers race in America |
| 16 Nov 15 / The Guardian |
Glass’s revised “Appomattox” proves even more unwieldy at Washington National Opera |
| 16 Nov 15 / Classical Review |
A superb night at the opera |
| 16 Nov 15 / Washington Post |
Magic time! |
| 16 Nov 15 / DC Theater Arts |
‘Appomattox’ at the Kennedy Center |
| 16 Nov 15 / New York Times |
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 |
| 16 Oct 15 / Mundo Clásico (Spanish) |
Washington National Opera’s ‘Carmen’ is halfway through run |
| 28 Sep 15 / Washington Post |
A smashing Carmen at Washington National Opera |
| 23 Sep 15 / DC Theatre Scene |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera's Carmen satisfies |
| 23 Sep 15 / Broadway World |
Dance and Song are wed in Washington's Carmen |
| 23 Sep 15 / Bachtrack |
A visually gorgeous and vocally stunning Carmen |
| 22 Sep 15 / DC Theater Arts |
Thank you for smoking |
| 22 Sep 15 / parterre box |
Enlivening the familiar |
| 21 Sep 15 / Washington Post |
La CenerentolaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
D.C. Cenerentola weighs in with splendid singing |
| 21 May 15 / Classical Voice North America |
‘Cinderella’ second cast offers eager warmth at WNO |
| 18 May 15 / Washington Post |
WNO's Cinderella is joyous, humorous and eminently accessible for opera novices |
| 15 May 15 / Metro Weekly |
more reviews [+]
No longer by the cinders: Tara Erraught’s American debut in with WNO Cenerentola |
| 14 May 15 / Bachtrack |
Tara Erraught in this performance shined as Cinderella |
| 13 May 15 / DC Theater Arts |
Isabel Leonard is the calm center of this production |
| 13 May 15 / DC Theatre Scene |
A long, fast-paced opera that retains its loveliness |
| 13 May 15 / The Georgetowner |
A longish evening of colorful family fun |
| 12 May 15 / Communities Digital News |
Cinderella steals hearts in lyrical production |
| 12 May 15 / Broadway World |
In Washington National Opera’s ‘Cinderella,’ parts are better than sum |
| 11 May 15 / Washington Post |
The WNO welcomes spring with a joyful, funny, lighthearted fairy tale |
| 11 May 15 / DC Theater Arts |
Der Fliegende HolländerWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
Washington National Opera’s production of Wagner’s ‘The Flying Dutchman’ feels adrift |
| 17 Mar 15 / Wall Street Journal |
WNO’s “Flying Dutchman”: Outstanding singing, slow boat |
| 16 Mar 15 / Communities Digital News |
‘Flying Dutchman’ features one-night casting change |
| 13 Mar 15 / Washington Post |
more reviews [+]
I’m on a boat |
| 11 Mar 15 / Washington City Paper |
An adrift Flying Dutchman makes port at Washington National Opera |
| 10 Mar 15 / Broadway World |
Eric Owens' Flying Dutchman delivers in Washington |
| 10 Mar 15 / Bachtrack |
At WNO, strong ‘Dutchman’ cast makes up for production’s deficits |
| 9 Mar 15 / Washington Post |
associated articles [+]
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 |
| 6 Mar 15 / Metro Weekly |
An underwhelming Dialogues of the Carmelites from Francesca Zambello in Washington |
| 3 Mar 15 / Bachtrack |
WNO’s moving new production of “Dialogues of the Carmelites” |
| 1 Mar 15 / Communities Digital News |
more reviews [+]
Another event that feels incredibly special |
| 28 Feb 15 / Broadway World |
A chilling Dialogues of the Carmelites from Washington National Opera |
| 24 Feb 15 / DC Theatre Scene |
The mix of devotional passages and big romantic climaxes makes for a split-personality score |
| 24 Feb 15 / Washington City Paper |
“Carmelites” is too cool, in every sense, in WNO debut |
| 23 Feb 15 / Washington Post |
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? |
| 28 Dec 14 / Communities Digital News |
A perfect Fable for kids and grown-ups |
| 28 Dec 14 / The Georgetowner |
The Little Prince lands at Kennedy Center |
| 28 Dec 14 / Broadway World |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera’s tuneful ‘Little Prince’ pleases kids — or does it? |
| 22 Dec 14 / Washington Post |
La bohèmeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 5 | |
Washington National Opera’s ‘La Bohème’ is young at heart |
| 8 Nov 14 / Communities Digital News |
Washington National Opera crafts gorgeous production of Puccini's La bohème |
| 4 Nov 14 / Broadway World |
A new production for 'La Boheme' from Washington National Opera |
| 4 Nov 14 / Baltimore Sun |
more reviews [+]
Puccini's passion for all |
| 4 Nov 14 / The Georgetowner |
A ‘La Bohème’ that gets the job done |
| 3 Nov 14 / Washington Post |
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 |
| 30 Sep 14 / Wall Street Journal |
WNO’s sensational “Florencia in the Amazon” at the KenCen |
| 24 Sep 14 / Communities Digital News |
A magical quest for love |
| 24 Sep 14 / The Georgetowner |
more reviews [+]
Indulge in the fantasy with Washington National Opera's beautiful Florencia in the Amazon |
| 24 Sep 14 / Broadway World |
It’s got vocal talent, accessible music, terrific staging, and a sort-of-original story |
| 24 Sep 14 / Washington City Paper |
An ephemeral dream in first WNO outing |
| 22 Sep 14 / Washington Post |
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' |
| 6 May 14 / The Georgetowner |
Washington National Opera offers ‘The Magic Flute’ in a color-saturated production |
| 5 May 14 / Washington Post |
WNO's eye-popping Magic Flute casts a musical spell |
| 5 May 14 / Broadway World |
L'elisir d'amoreWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 4 | |
You'll want to drink this operatic potion |
| 25 Mar 14 / The Georgetowner |
Washington National Opera serves up an effective 'Elixir' |
| 24 Mar 14 / Baltimore Sun |
Perez, Costello are game in WNO’s ‘L’elisir d’amore’ |
| 22 Mar 14 / Washington Post |
more reviews [+]
A decent three-hour distraction |
| 22 Mar 14 / Washington City Paper |
Moby-DickWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 6 | |
A white whale at the opera |
| 10 Mar 14 / ConcertoNet (English) |
As for the music, it’s pleasantly dramatic if not as arresting as the visuals |
| 1 Mar 14 / Washington City Paper |
WNO’s spectacular, epic “Moby-Dick” a smash hit in debut |
| 28 Feb 14 / Communities Digital News |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera's Moby-Dick at the Kennedy Center is stunning! |
| 25 Feb 14 / Broadway World |
Inventive American triumph |
| 25 Feb 14 / The Georgetowner |
WNO offers Heggie and Scheer’s “Moby-Dick” in visually arresting Dallas production |
| 24 Feb 14 / Washington Post |
The Lion, the Unicorn, and MeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 3 | |
New family opera for Christmas from Washington National Opera |
| 20 Dec 13 / Baltimore Sun |
The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me charms audience |
| 19 Dec 13 / Broadway World |
WNO’s ‘The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me’ lacks suspense but has fresh energy and charm |
| 16 Dec 13 / Washington Post |
La Forza del DestinoWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 11 | |
The Force of Destiny has several bells and whistles opera fans will enjoy |
| 18 Oct 13 / MD Theatre Guide |
In full ‘Force’ |
| 17 Oct 13 / Washington Blade |
A Force to be reckoned with |
| 16 Oct 13 / The American Spectator |
more reviews [+]
A provocative new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s The Force of Destiny |
| 14 Oct 13 / DC Theater Arts |
Zambello sustituía la tradicional posada como lugar de mezcla de gentes, por un sitio actual de libertinaje |
| 14 Oct 13 / Opera World (Spanish) |
This is not your grandmother’s opera |
| 14 Oct 13 / DC Theatre Scene |
Washington National Opera offers new take on Verdi's 'Forza' |
| 14 Oct 13 / Baltimore Sun |
Washington National Opera's spectacular, uneven 'Force of Destiny' |
| 14 Oct 13 / Washington Times |
WNO’s “Force of Destiny” lets down vocal standards, and Verdi |
| 14 Oct 13 / Washington Post |
A stylish and often sexy production |
| 13 Oct 13 / Philip Kennicott |
Adina Aaron, Monsalve, Delavan Shine in Zambello’s Remake of Verdi’s “Forza” |
| 13 Oct 13 / Opera Warhorses |
Tristan und IsoldeWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 7 | |
The elixir of love |
| 1 Oct 13 / ConcertoNet (English) |
Iréne Theorin nails the musical and narrative crux in Act II |
| 21 Sep 13 / Washington City Paper |
The score has rarely sounded this good |
| 20 Sep 13 / Ionarts |
more reviews [+]
Washington National Opera opens season with 'Tristan and Isolde' |
| 19 Sep 13 / Washington Times |
Washington National Opera opens season with potent 'Tristan' |
| 17 Sep 13 / Baltimore Sun |
The overpowering Wagner is in charge |
| 17 Sep 13 / The Georgetowner |
In ‘Tristan und Isolde,’ outstanding music drowns out any uneven voices on opening day |
| 16 Sep 13 / Washington Post |
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' |
| 10 May 13 / Baltimore Sun |
Show Boat aims to dazzle, and in that it succeeds |
| 8 May 13 / Washington City Paper |
‘Show Boat’ at the Washington National Opera is worth the ride |
| 7 May 13 / Washington Post |
more reviews [+]
Show Boat rolls along at Washington National Opera |
| 7 May 13 / Broadway World |
NormaWashington National OperaNo. of reviews: 8 | |
Good opera, bad theater |
| 15 Mar 13 / Seen and Heard |
Amid a season of divas, the emotive, mercurial Norma stands out |
| 14 Mar 13 / Washington City Paper |
Washington National Opera's 'Manon Lescaut,' 'Norma' hit mark with Racette, Meade |
| 13 Mar 13 / Baltimore Sun |
more reviews [+]
Unrealized potential: Angela Meade debuts in Norma |
| 13 Mar 13 / Bachtrack |
associated articles [+]
Washington National Opera's Norma
Of men, women and sopranos.
Of men, women and sopranos.
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 |
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