| Washington National Opera - Washington | 25 January 2021 |
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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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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 Metro 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 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 |
Reviews search
Performance schedule
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News & Articles
| 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 |
| Washington National Opera announces revised 2020-21 season |
The new 2020-21 season will include an innovative mix of virtual performances and small-scale live performances, culminating in May and July with two mainstage productions. |
| 24 Jul 2020 / OperaWire |
| Domingo's name removed from Washington Opera program |
Plácido Domingo's name has been removed from the Washington National Opera's young artist program “in light of recent developments,” the opera house announced. |
| 4 Mar 2020 / Associated Press |
| Washington National Opera announces American opera initiative |
This year, the initiative will present three world premieres on Jan. 10, 2020, in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. |
| 29 Nov 2019 / OperaWire |
| 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 |
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