If you go
The Washington National Opera 2009-10 Performance Season
Where: Kennedy Center Opera House
When: Various performance dates
Info: Tickets, brochures and additional information at 202-295-2400 or dc-opera.org
As the Washington National Opera opens its 54th season this year Sept. 12, a staggering 51 performances of six memorable productions at the Kennedy Center Opera House is sure to regale aficionados of all that is beautifully produced in tale and song. “Opera is about love, power, beauty, the heights of joy and the depths of despair and everything in between,” said the opera’s executive director, Mark Weinstein.
Indeed, all of opera’s magnetic components to which Weinstein alludes are gathered together in this season’s productions of Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville”, Verdi’s “Fallstaff”, Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos”, the Gershwins’ “Porgy and Bess”, Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and Ambrose Thomas’ “Hamlet.”
“Personally, I’m looking forward to ‘Ariadne auf Naxos’ this fall,” Weinstein continued. “[It] is one of the most beautiful operas, with stunning music, well-drawn characters and a poignant story that’s both funny and sad at the same time.”
Weinstein also said he is tremendously proud that the Washington National Opera is reviving its exceptional production of the Gershwin brother’s “Porgy and Bess”; a work he says is “truly the great American opera.”
Christina Scheppelmann, WNO’s director of artistic operations, looks forward to the entire season but, she says, “To have ‘Barber’ opening the season and also simulcast to Nationals Ballpark on September 12 will be a great highlight.”
In addition to the main-stage productions, WNO General Director Placido Domingo announced new concerts for 2009 that include his direction of internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina and her husband, bass-baritone Ildar Abdrazakov, performing an evening of beautiful arias and art songs. WNO Music Director Heinz Fricke also will conduct two concert performances of Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung.”
“With a blend of beloved classics and dramatic masterpieces, and exceptionally talented singers, directors and conductors, our season is one that will delight opera newcomers and aficionados alike,” Domingo said. “But most importantly, WNO is offering a season of the highest quality, featuring the best talents and finest productions that Washingtonians have come to expect from the nation’s opera company.”
