| Washington National Opera - Washington | 17 February 2019 |
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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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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 Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro 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 |
more reviews [+]
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 |
A production of Don Carlo full of the sorrows that signify the human condition |
| 7 Mar 18 / DC Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro 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 Metro Theater Arts |
Chuchman was plucky, graceful and intensely lovable as Marie (second cast) |
| 15 Nov 16 / DC Metro 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 Metro 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 |
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.
Reviews search
Performance schedule
Tchaikovsky
9 to 29 Mar 2019
Gounod
16 to 30 Mar 2019
Puccini
11 to 25 May 2019
Verdi
26 Oct to 16 Nov 2019
Mozart
2 to 23 Nov 2019
Various
10 Jan 2020
Mozart
29 Feb to 22 Mar 2020
Saint-Saens
1 to 21 Mar 2020
Tesori
15 to 28 Mar 2020
Gershwin
9 to 23 May 2020
News & Articles
| Washington National Opera extends Francesca Zambello’s contract |
The famed director has extended her contract as Artistic Director for three more years following a unanimous vote by the WNO Board of Trustees. |
| 30 Sep 2018 / OperaWire |
| Washington National Opera |
Timothy O’Leary, WNO’s new leader, brings idealism, pragmatism and fundraising chops. |
| 7 Sep 2018 / Washington Post |
| Washington National Opera announces 2018/19 season |
The 2018-2019 season continues its focus on bold productions of classic operas, fascinating contemporary perspectives, and the best in American artistry. |
| 1 Feb 2018 / Broadway World |
| Opera Theatre's Timothy O'Leary to lead Washington National Opera |
Opera Theatre of St. Louis general director Timothy O’Leary has accepted the position of general director at Washington National Opera in Washington, D.C. |
| 23 Sep 2017 / St Louis Post-Dispatch |
| A street artist tries opera |
This legendary street artist, Retna, has done walls, shoes and Bieber albums. Now he’s trying opera. |
| 5 Sep 2017 / Washington Post |
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