Wherever American soprano Patricia Racette sings in major opera houses here and abroad, she reaps raves for her beautiful voice and her natural acting ability. Those talents are multiplied when she prefaces her appearance in the title role of Washington National Opera’s new co-production of Leos Janácek’s “Jenufa” by wowing a Birchmere audience with her “Flip Side” as cabaret chanteuse.

Lucky Washington! Backed by Larry Dunlap on piano and abass player of his choosing, Racette inaugurates her stay in town by kicking off her heels Tuesday for an evening of songs by Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Stephen Sondheim, Vernon Duke, Cy Coleman, David Friedman and a host of her favorite composers.