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Home , Adam Plachetka, Angel Blue, Anna Caterina Antonacci, Baritone, Benjamin Bruns, Bergen National Opera

A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle –

Angel as MimÌ in La bohème Love fuels a revolution in Beethoven’s The revenger becomes the revenged in Verdi’s monumental masterpiece. captivating drama.

Greetings and welcome to our 2020–2021 season, which we are so excited to present. We always begin our planning process with our dreams, which you might say is a uniquely American Così fan tutte way of thinking. This season, our dreams have come true in Step behind “the week that changed the world” in Fidelity is frivolous—or is it?—in Mozart’s what we’re able to offer: ’s ripped from the headlines. rom-com. Fidelio, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Nixon in China by John Adams—the first time WNO is producing an opera by one of America’s foremost composers. A return to Russian music with Musorgsky’s epic, sweeping, spectacular . Mozart’s gorgeous, complex, and Boris Godunov La bohème spiky view of love with Così fan tutte. Verdi’s masterpiece of The tapestry of Russia's history unfurls in Puccini’s tribute to young love soars with joy a family drama and gone wrong in Rigoletto. And an Musorgsky’s tale of a tsar plagued by . and heartbreak. audience favorite in our lavish production of La bohème, with two tremendous casts. Alongside all of this will continue our American Opera Initiative 20-minute in its 9th year. Our lineup of artists includes major stars, some of whom SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS we’re thrilled to bring to Washington for the first time, as well as emerging talents. In our choices—directors, designers, conductors, singers, and more—we continue to believe in diversity to reflect 21st-century America. American Opera Initiative We believe art reminds us who we are and inspires us to own Catch several original short operas in their world premiere. who we are. It shows us how we are different, and how that is our strength. We hope you enjoy our dreams.

Warmly, Marian Anderson Vocal Award Winner Will Liverman performs an intimate recital.

The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Timothy O’Leary Catch our talented Young Artists in several special presentations. GENERAL DIRECTOR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. WNO’s Presenting Sponsor Generous support for WNO is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello. David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of WNO. Additional support for WNO artistic WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. programming is provided by Clarice Smith.

2 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 3 Don’t forget Best seats Flexible exchanges Exclusive savings

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4 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 5 Only her love can set him free.

Music Composed Joseph von Sonnleithner 1805–1814

In a secret underground cell, political prisoner Florestan suffers October 24–November 9, 2020 under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore, Florestan’s wife, has disguised sun mon tue wed thu fri sat herself as male guard Fidelio for the ultimate undercover 20 19 20 21 22 23 mission. By infiltrating the very system that oppresses her 24 husband, can she be that overthrows it? 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 In celebration of 250 years since Beethoven’s birth, we 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 launch the new season with his only opera, last staged by WNO in the more than 30 years ago. 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 Beethoven premiered this story of resistance, freedom, and dissent during a time of complete European upheaval. If EVENING / MATINEE his “Ode to Joy” declares the universal triumph of peace over war, then his Fidelio is an inspiring ode to love’s transcendent power over tyranny.

SUNG IN GERMAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES CO-PRODUCTION WITH INDIANA UNIVERSITY

Leonore/Fidelio Don Pizarro Don Fernando Associate Director Lighting Designer Elza van den Heever* Eric Owens Garnett Bruce Mark McCullough

Florestan Rocco Conductor Set Designer † Alumnus of the Domingo- Cafritz Young Artist Program * * Brandon Jovanovich Ryan Speedo Green Peter Davison * WNO Mainstage Debut OCT. 24, 30, NOV. 1M, 4, 7 Photo by Matt Karas Clay Hilley Jaquino Director costume Designer † NOV. 9 Joshua Blue Francesca Zambello Anita Yavich

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 7 There’s a story behind the superpowers.

Music LIBRETTO Composed John Adams 1987

Nixon. Kissinger. Mao. Political titans converge in China in October 31–November 14, 2020 February 1972 for “the week that changed the world.” But the headlines will miss one side of the story: the inner lives sun mon tue wed thu fri sat behind the history. 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Celebrated as a 20th-century classic, John Adams’s Nixon in China captures President ’s landmark 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 visit with Chairman Mao Tse-tung and the media frenzy that followed. Adams’s sweeping music fuses national and 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 personal histories, from ’s vision for a peaceful EVENING / MATINEE world to Madame Mao’s defiant reflection on the . Nixon in China’s final reverberates with a timely question for Washington audiences, asking: “How much of what we did was good?”

SUNG IN ENGLISH WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES CO-PRODUCTION WITH LA PHILHARMONIC

Richard Nixon Chiang Ch’ing (Madame Mao) Conductor Film Designer Sound Designer Ryan McKinny So Young Park* David Robertson* Bill Morrison* Mark Grey*

Pat Nixon Chou En-Lai Director Costume Designer * WNO Mainstage Debut * * * * Joélle Harvey Joo Won Kang Elkhanah Pulitzer Elisabeth Scott Additional support for Nixon in China is provided by the Mao Tse-tung Scenic & Video Designer Lighting Designer Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Craig Colclough* Alexander V. Nichols* David Finn*

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 9 Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

Music & libretto Composed Modest Musorgsky 1868-1872

Ivan the Terrible is dead. The throne is empty. When February 20–March 17, 2021 scheming aristocrat Boris Godunov assumes power as the new tsar, his rise hides a dirty secret: someone has killed the sun mon tue wed thu fri sat rightful young heir Dmitri. But a monk claiming to be the 14 15 16 17 18 19 murdered could dismantle the ruthless ruler—unless 20 his own tormented conscience destroys him first. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Musorgsky’s opera brings to life “Russian Shakespeare” 28 01 02 03 04 05 06 Alexander Pushkin’s epic story of 16th-century politics. This towering tale of deception, guilt, and revolution surges with 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 dark orchestral themes and the eye-popping pageantry of over 100 cast members. From the spectacular coronation 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 scene to the tsar’s famous “clock scene” breakdown, Boris Godunov is a dual tragedy of ruler and ruled during Russia’s EVENING / MATINEE fractured “Time of Troubles.”

SUNG IN RUSSIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION

Boris Godunov Shuisky Varlaam Conductor Lighting Designer Evgeny Nikitin Štefan Margita* David Leigh* Evan Rogister Mark McCullough

Photo by Natasha Razina Pimen Shchelkalov Missail Director Projection Designer Kwangchul Youn Andrey Zhilikhovsky David Cangelosi Francesca Zambello S. Katy Tucker

Grigory/The Pretender Hostess/Nurse The Holy Fool Set Designer * WNO Mainstage Debut Sergey Skorokhodov* Elizabeth Bishop Robert Brubaker Erhard Rom

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 11 Vengeance is no laughing matter.

Music LIBRETTO Composed Francesco Maria Piave 1851

By day, Rigoletto is a jester in the court of the predatory February 21–March 20, 2021 Duke of Mantua. By night, he’s a father to Gilda, who he has kept hidden from the Duke’s relentless prowling. But when sun mon tue wed thu fri sat a joke falls flat and Rigoletto becomes cursed, things are no 22 23 24 25 27 longer a laughing matter. As the Duke sets out to seduce 21 26 Gilda, Rigoletto plots his vengeance. Just when the jester 28 01 02 03 04 05 06 thinks he’s getting even, revenge tragically backfires. 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 You’ll recognize melody after melody in Verdi’s tragic drama, from the Duke’s irresistibly catchy “La donna è 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 mobile” to Gilda’s “Caro nome” aria. Behind this Italian masterpiece is a captivating story of a father-daughter EVENING / MATINEE relationship—and a heartbreaking lesson on who pays the devastating price of revenge.

SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION

Rigoletto Maddalena Monterone Set Designer † Alumnus of the Domingo- Cafritz Young Artist Program * * Christopher Maltman Alisa Kolosova Kevin Short Erhard Rom * WNO Mainstage Debut

Gilda Sparafucile Conductor Lighting Designer Generous support for WNO * * Italian Opera is provided by Vuvu Mpofu Stanislav Trofimov Roberto Abbado Mark McCullough Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello. Duke of Mantua Giovanna Director Projection Designer Pene Pati* Deborah Nansteel† E. Loren Meeker S. Katy Tucker

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 13 Everyone cheats in the game of hearts.

Music LIBRETTO Composed Lorenzo Da Ponte 1790

Let the games begin! Young soldiers Ferrando and February 27–March 19, 2021 Guglielmo are so confident that their fiancées Fiordiligi and sun mon tue wed thu fri sat Dorabella will remain loyal when they are away that they make a bet to prove it. A dashing disguise, a slick seduction... 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 what could possibly go wrong? It’s all fun and games until the women fall for their “new” admirers. 28 01 02 03 04 05 06 Mozart’s charming comedy returns under the eagerly 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 awaited directorial debut of Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor-at-Large Renée Fleming. A cast of opera’s rising 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 international stars assembles to sing Mozart’s sublime music, from the luminous “Soave il vento” trio to EVENING / MATINEE Fiordiligi’s determined “Come scoglio” aria. Everyone fools and everyone is fooled in this satirical romp. Are love’s Featuring the eagerly awaited strings more loosely attached than we’d like to admit? directorial debut of Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor at Large, SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION Renée Fleming

Fiordiligi Guglielmo Conductor Costume Designer * WNO Mainstage Debut Laura Wilde* Andrey Zhilikhovsky Dalia Stasevska* Amanda Seymour* Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello. Dorabella Despina Director Lighting Designer Anna Stéphany* * Renée Fleming Mark McCullough

Ferrando Don Alfonso Set Designer Projection Designer Kang Wang* Erhard Rom S. Katy Tucker

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 15 Life is too short. Join the party.

Music LIBRETTO Composed Giuseppe Giacosa & Luigi Illica 1896

Oh, to be young and in love in ! Sure, there are bills to May 2021 be paid—but there’s also art, moonlight, and poetry! When a group of young bohemian artists gets tangled up in love’s sun mon tue wed thu fri sat highs and lows, growing up is its own bittersweet heartbreak. 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 If tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, then make today a party! No other group of friends bursts with more youthful optimism 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 than in Puccini’s tough and tender story. This striking 23 24 25 26 27 28‡ 29 production features grand sets evoking the city of love, from the gritty garrets of the Left Bank to the bustling Café EVENING / MATINEE

Momus. With Puccini’s ravishing music and its relatable tale ‡ DCYA PERFORMANCE of exuberance and struggle, La bohème will win your heart for the first or fiftieth time.

SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION

Mimì Marcello Conductor Lighting Designer * Adam Plachetka* Evan Rogister Bruno Poet MAY 15, 17, 21, 23M, 26, 29 MAY 15, 17, 21, 23M, 26, 29 Gihoon Kim* Director Choreographer MAY 16M, 19, 24 MAY 16M, 19, 24 Peter Kazaras Ben Wright

Rodolfo Schaunard Original Production † Alumnus of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program * Stephen Costello Adrian Timpau Jo Davies *WNO Mainstage Debut MAY 15, 17, 21, 23M, 26, 29 Original Set Design Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is Evan LeRoy Johnson* Colline provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello. * MAY 16M, 19, 24 Photo by Matt Karas Alexandros Stavrakakis Lee Savage

Musetta Benoit/Alcindoro Costume Designer Jacqueline Echols† Arthur Woodley Jennifer Moeller

KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 17 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Artist Spotlight David Robertson* Be on the lookout for these great talents in our new season! CONDUCTOR * WNO Mainstage Debut A noted of contemporary American opera, David Roberston makes * his WNO debut John Adams’s Nixon in China. Currently Chief Robert Spano Conductor of the Sydney Symphony , Robertson conducted the CONDUCTOR ’s 2019–2020 season opening production of Porgy and Music Director of the Symphony Orchestra, Robert Spano makes his WNO Bess. David is closely associated with the music of John Adams, recently debut this season conducting Beethoven’s Fidelio. Renowned for his artistry in concert conducting his opera El Niño in Houston and winning a 2014 Grammy Award® halls and opera houses worldwide, Robert made his critically acclaimed Metropolitan for Best Orchestral Performance for his . Opera debut in October 2018 leading the world premiere of ’s , and has appeared as a guest conductor at Covent Garden, , Royal Concertgebouw, Lyric Opera of , and Opera. Ryan McKinny RICHARD NIXON | - * Ryan McKinny returns to WNO after the title role in Mozart’s Elza van den Heever last season. Ryan has performed a wide range of repertoire, LEONORE | including Handel, Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, and contemporary American opera Acclaimed South African soprano Elza van den Heever has emerged as one of the at the Metropolitan Opera, Wagner’s Festival, Houston Grand most exciting dramatic of her generation. With an expansive repertoire Opera, , Deutsche Oper Berlin, and with the San that includes Mozart, Wagner, Bellini, Strauss, and Berg, Elza has performed at Francisco and symphonies. the Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, Opera, , , , and Opéra national de Bordeaux. Fidelio marks her anticipated WNO debut in the challenging title role. Sean Panikkar MAO TSE-TUNG | Hailed as “one of the stars of his generation” (), American Sean Brandon Jovanovich Pannikar’s recent engagements have brought him to Komische Oper Berlin FLORESTAN | TENOR for Henze’s , English National Opera as Don José in Bizet’s Praised for his “ardent, heroic tenor” (), Brandon , Dutch National Opera as Jim in Weill’s Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Jovanovich is sought after by opera companies worldwide for some of the most Mahagonny, the 2020 in Luigi Nono’s Intolleranza 1960, and demanding tenor roles in the repertoire. In recent seasons, he has appeared in ’s . Sean last joined WNO as the with Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, , the Leader in Weill’s Lost in the Stars. Metropolitan Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, singing the lead tenor roles in Fidelio, , , Carmen, Die Walküre, and more. So Young Park* CHIANG CH'ING (MADAME MAO) | SOPRANO Brian Mulligan Having made her Metropolitan Opera debut as the Queen of the Night, So DON PIZARRO | BARITONE Young Park makes her WNO debut in another challenging role for Brian Mulligan’s repertoire encompasses classic works by Verdi, Wagner, and soprano. Since graduating from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Strauss as well as 20th and 21st-century operas. In 2019, he made significant Artist Program, Park has made important debuts throughout the United debuts at the Salzburg Festival and at the Dutch National Opera. He regularly States and Europe, including with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Theatre Fidelio performs with San Francisco Opera, and has appeared internationally at of St. Louis, Komische Oper Berlin, and . Zurich Opera, Dutch National Opera, Oper Frankfurt, and Wiener Staatsoper. He makes his Don Pizarro role debut with this production. Joélle Harvey* PAT NIXON | SOPRANO Eric Owens A noted interpreter of a broad range of repertoire including Handel, Mozart, DON FERNANDO | BASS-BARITONE and new music, American soprano Joélle Harvey also makes her WNO debut Bass-baritone Eric Owens returns to WNO following a sensational 2019–2020 with this production of Nixon in China. The 2019–2020 season saw her debuts season, which included opening the Metropolitan Opera season as Porgy in with the Metropolitan Opera and , as well as returns to New , Wotan in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s complete Ring Cycle, York Philharmonic, the , and .

and his role debut as King Marke in at Santa Fe Opera. in China Nixon Eric has performed orchestral, recital, and operatic repertoire worldwide, including appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, and Dutch National Opera.

18 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 19 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Roberto Abbado Evan Rogister CONDUCTOR PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR Music Director of the Festival Verdi in Parma, Roberto Abbado is one of the world’s leading authorities on Italian opera of the 19th, 20th, and 21st Evan Rogister launches into his third exciting season as WNO Principal centuries. He has conducted many of Verdi’s major works at opera houses in Conductor leading performances of Musorgsky’s monumental Boris Godunov the United States and Europe, including the Metropolitan Opera, , (not seen in D.. for over 20 years) and Puccini’s poignant La bohème. Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and Rogister appears as a guest conductor with important companies on both , among others. He returns to WNO after leading the company sides of the Atlantic, including the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper premiere of 20 years ago. Berlin, , Philharmonic, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Royal Swedish Opera. He leads Göteborg Opera’s first-ever complete Ring Cycle, which culminates in 2021. Christopher Maltman* RIGOLETTO | BARITONE Evgeny Nikitin Praised for his “smooth but expansive baritone” (The ), BORIS GODUNOV | BASS-BARITONE Christopher Maltman makes his WNO and American-role debut in the title role of Rigoletto. A remarkably versatile singer, Christopher recently sang the One of the eminent interpreters of the Russian bass repertoire, Evgeny title roles in Enescu’s Oedipe at the Salzburg Festival, Rigoletto at the Berlin Nikitin makes his eagerly awaited return to WNO after a more than 15 Staatsoper, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte at the Metropolitan Opera, and the year absence. In a career spanning over two decades, he has sung at all the lead baritone roles in (Covent Garden), (Wiener world’s major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper), and Le nozze di Figaro (LA Opera). Staatsoper, Paris Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, and his home theater, the Mariinsky. Pene Pati* Kwangchul Youn DUKE OF MANTUA | TENOR PIMEN | BASS Since making his debut as the Duke in Rigoletto as an Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera, New Zealand tenor Pene Pati has emerged as one of the Korean bass Kwangchul Youn is widely recognized in the international most promising of his generation. In addition to returning to San operatic and concert world for his interpretations of iconic bass roles by Francisco Opera, he has performed at Opéra national de Bordeaux and the Verdi and Wagner. He appears at major opera houses across Europe and Bolshoi Theatre. In the 2019–2020 season, Pene will make debuts at the internationally, including those in , , Berlin, Milan, Munich, Wiener Staatsoper and Berlin Staatsoper. Dresden, Paris, , Torino, as well as the Metropolitan Opera and Lyric Opera Chicago, and the Bayreuth and Salzburg Festivals. This production marks a role debut for him and a long-awaited return to WNO. Vuvu Mpofu* GILDA | SOPRANO * Štefan Margita South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu makes her eagerly anticipated WNO SHUISKY | TENOR debut as Gilda in Rigoletto. Winner of the coveted John Christie Award, Vuvu sang Gilda at Glyndebourne in 2018, and has recently made memorable Slovakian tenor Štefan Margita has performed in the most prestigious opera debuts at Bayerische Staatsoper, Oper Köln, Bergen National Opera, Opera houses in the world, such as La Scala, Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, North, Cape Town Opera, Vlaamse Opera, and -

Paris Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opéra National de Lyon, and Lyric Opera of Rigoletto Pesaro. A rising star, she is an prizewinner and has a number of Chicago. He makes his WNO debut as Shuisky, one of his signature roles. exciting future engagements including a return to the Glyndebourne Festival.

Elizabeth Bishop Alisa Kolosova* HOSTESS/NURSE | MEZZO-SOPRANO MADDALENA | MEZZO-SOPRANO American mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop has been praised by Opera News A former member of the Wiener Staatsoper Ensemble, mezzo-soprano Alisa for her “gorgeous voice” and is in equal demand for both opera and concert Kolosova has triumphed in performances at major opera houses around performances across the country. She last appeared with WNO as Marcellina the world, including Paris Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, the Glyndebourne in Le nozze di Figaro, and has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and Rome Opera, among others. Alisa makes Chicago, , Palm Beach Opera, and Florida Grand Opera.

Boris Godunov her WNO debut this season as Maddalena.

20 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 21 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Dalia Stasevska* CONDUCTOR Appointed Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Symphony Orchestra in July 2019, Dalia Stasevska makes her WNO and American operatic debuts conducting Mozart’s Così fan tutte. At home equally in opera and symphonic music, Dalia has conducted the Detroit and Dallas symphonies, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, The Hallé, and Oslo Philharmonic, as well * as productions at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, Kungliga Opera Angel Blue Stockholm, and Finnish National Opera. MIMÌ | SOPRANO In recent seasons, Angel Blue has established herself as one of the most * impressive and versatile artists singing today. After singing Bess in Porgy and Anna Stéphany Bess at the Metropolitan Opera last season, she makes her WNO debut as DORABELLA | MEZZO-SOPRANO Mimì, one of her signature roles. Recently, she has sung at the Festival Anna Stéphany has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting d’Aix-en-Provence, Violetta at La Scala, Covent Garden, and , mezzo-sopranos singing today, with a repertoire that includes the lead Mimì and Musetta at the Metropolitan Opera, and Bess at La Scala. mezzo roles in , , , and , and many of the heroic mezzo roles in Handel’s operas. A former ensemble member at Zurich Opera, she has also sung at Covent Garden and the Stephen Costello Glyndebourne Festival, and will soon debut at the Dutch National Opera as RODOLFO | TENOR Marguerite in Berlioz’s La Damnation de . Stephen Costello stands “among the world’s best tenors” (Daily Express, UK). Since receiving the Richard Tucker Award in 2009, he has sung a wide * range of roles at opera houses across the globe, including creating the role of Anna Caterina Antonacci Greenhorn (Ishmael) in ’s Moby Dick. Recently, he has returned DESPINA | SOPRANO to Paris Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Dresden, and the Gran Noted for her singular, indelible performances over three decades, Italian Teatre de , among others. soprano Anna Caterina Antonacci makes her WNO debut in a rare U.S. appearance. Her signature roles have included Cassandre in Berlioz’s Les * Troyens (La Scala, Wiener Staatsoper), Elle in Poulenc’s humaine Adam Plachetka (Torino, Luxembourg), the title roles in Cherubini’s (Paris, Toulouse) MARCELLO | BASS-BARITONE and Bizet’s Carmen (, Covent Garden, Paris), and Vitellia in La Making his WNO debut as Marcello, Czech baritone Adam Plachetka has Clemenza di Tito (Paris, Geneva). Having sung both Fiordiligi and Dorabella, performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Wiener Anna Caterina makes her role debut as Despina in these performances. Staatsoper, Paris Opera, and Covent Garden. In the 2019–2020 season, he returned to the Metropolitan Opera in Le nozze di Figaro as both the Count * and Figaro, sang Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia at the Wiener Staatsoper, and Kang Wang Papageno at the Salzburg Festival. FERRANDO | TENOR Australian Chinese tenor Kang Wang recently debuted at , Opera, the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, the , Jacqueline Echols and . He is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s MUSETTA | SOPRANO Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, making his debut with the A graduate of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program at WNO, Jacqueline house in in 2016, and returning in subsequent seasons for Fidelio, Echols made her Metropolitan Opera debut last season as Pousette in , and Lescaut. Massenet’s Manon quickly followed by her first Musetta on the Met stage. She has sung Violetta at WNO and Palm Beach Opera, and has sung Pip in Heggie’s Moby-Dick with LA Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, and , in Paulo Szot La bohème addition to appearances with Michigan Opera Theater, The Glimmerglass DON ALFONSO | BARITONE Festival, North Carolina Opera, and others. Baritone Paulo Szot maintains an active career in both opera and musical theater. He won a 2008 Tony Award® for his performance in , Così fan tutte fan Così recently returned to Broadway in Kander & Ebb’s Chicago, and in 2010 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Shostakovich’s . Recently, he sung Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte at Paris Opera, and has appeared at Teatro di San Carlo, Teatro dell’Opera di , , and with the .

22 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 23 SUBSCRIBER OPTIONS SUBSCRIBER OPTIONS

CATCH A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF OPERA! 2020 Marian Anderson Vocal Award Winner

American Opera Initiative Will Liverman in Recital

NOV. 30 (2020) | TERRACE THEATER WNO’s acclaimed commissioning program for contemporary Our talented Named for the groundbreaking African American , the Marian American opera enters its eighth exciting iteration, this season Anderson Vocal Award recognizes a young American singer in opera, showcasing three new 20-minute operas. Our Young Artists and Young Artists , or recital repertory. Given annually by the Kennedy Center, the other talented performers will be featured, guided by program award offers a cash prize, a residency at Washington’s Duke Ellington Currently guided by Robert director Robert Ainsley. The 2021 AOI 20-Minute Operas will School of the Arts, and a recital co-presented by WNO and the Kennedy Ainsley, this leading resident- be mentored by award-winning composer Anthony Davis, Center’s Fortas Chamber Music Concerts. Prior recipients include training program cultivates acclaimed librettist Kelley Rourke, and renowned conductor Soloman Howard, Ryan Speedo Green, Denyce Graves, Eric Owens, promising young singers and David Neely. , Janai Brugger, John Holiday, and many others. accompanists on the verge of international careers, with many This year’s winner, Will Liverman, is praised for his “lithe, metallic graduates going on to perform in baritone” (The Washington Post) and “suave and savvy stage presence” Three New 20-Minute Operas the world’s top opera houses. (The Seattle Times). The gifted baritone has quickly gained a reputation for his compelling performances, with significant debuts on stages JANUARY 16 (2021), 2 SHOWS | TERRACE THEATER Throughout their training, such as the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera the Young Artists are featured Philadelphia, and more. Three world-premiere short operas will be staged in a prominently in WNO concert performance, accompanied by a small chamber performances—including this The Marian Anderson Vocal Award is made possible in part thanks to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. orchestra comprised of WNO Orchestra musicians. The season’s production of La bohème second performance will be followed by a Q&A with (see page 17), in which they take on the artists and creative team. “Short-form chamber the leading roles for one night only. From the Kennedy Center’s Education Division opera appears to be the wave of operatic future,” said The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program is made possible through the generous support of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, with the Washington Post about our 2015 world premiere additional funding provided by Susan Carmel, Judy and Billy Cox, Robert and Lynn Downing, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, presentations. “The young members of the Domingo- McGehee Friend, John and Mary Lee Malcolm, Opera Master Class More Learning Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey P. Pohanka, Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Robin Sagoskin, Cafritz Young Artist Program did themselves proud.” Mr. Alan J. Savada and Mr. Will Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Schuiling, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Guillermo Schultz, Washington National Opera Council, with Angel Blue Opportunities and The Women’s Committee of Washington National Opera. MAY 18 (2021) WNO and the Kennedy Center JUSTICE FORUM AT THE REACH Education Division are committed to supporting arts learning for every age, Witness how great performers are made, hear every art form, everywhere: from look-ins opera’s voices of tomorrow, and observe and open rehearsals for student groups; the creative process. Emerging artists hone to support for aspiring singers and artistic their craft under the guidance of Angel professionals through the WNO Young Blue, who is praised for her “sumptuously Associates and WNO Opera Institute “WNO’s American Opera Initiative is an exciting and voiced soprano” (). at American University; to innovative Angel makes her mainstage debut in professional development for teachers positive leap forward in the trajectory of American opera: WNO’s La bohème following her acclaimed and classroom support through portrayal of Bess in the Metropolitan Kids Create Opera. Learn more at keeping it fresh, energized, bold, and current.” Opera’s 2019–2020 Porgy and Bess. kennedy-center.org/wno/home/education

Jake Heggie Support for audience education and engagement programming is provided by FORMER AOI MENTOR The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and National Committee for the Performing Arts.

24 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 25 SUBSCRIBER OPTIONS SUBSCRIBER OPTIONS

National Symphony Orchestra Noseda & Ax Gods & Monarchs: Don’t miss these thrilling programs featuring some of your favorite singers, THU., FEB. 18, 2021 AT 7 P.M. Noseda conducts composers, and vocal works in the Concert Hall. FRI., FEB. 19, 2021 AT 11:30 A.M. & “Jupiter” SAT., FEB. 20, 2021 AT 8 P.M. THU., JUNE 3, 2021 AT 7 P.M. Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Beethoven at 250: Salonen conducts SAT., JUNE 5, 2021 AT 8 P.M. Emanuel Ax, piano Perséphone SUN., JUNE 6, 2021 AT 3 P.M. Noseda conducts Stravinsky’s Wagner: Dawn and ’s Rhine Journey Missa Solemnis Directed by (from Götterdämmerung) Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Mozart: No. 9 K 281, “Jeunehomme” Mozart: Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter” THU., OCT. 8, 2020 AT 7 P.M. FRI., NOV. 20, 2020 AT 8 P.M. Schumann: Symphony No. 3, “Rhenish” Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex FRI., OCT. 9, 2020 AT 8 P.M. SAT., NOV. 21, 2020 AT 8 P.M. SAT., OCT. 10, 2020 AT 8 PM Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Peter Sellars, director Remarkable Women: A CO-PRESENTATION OF Genia Kühmeier, soprano Marianne Crebassa, mezzo-soprano , mezzo-soprano Pauline Cheviller, narrator Rimsky-Korsakov’s , tenor , tenor Scheherazade Fortas Chamber Hanno Müller-Brachmann, bass-baritone Children’s Chorus of Washington The Choral Arts Society of Washington The Choral Arts Society of Washington THU., MAR. 4, 2021 AT 7 P.M. Music Concerts & FRI., MAR. 5, 2021 AT 8 P.M. Beethoven: Missa Solemnis E.-P. Salonen: FOG (World premiere of orchestral SAT., MAR. 6, 2021 AT 8 P.M. Renée Fleming VOICES version—NSO co-commission) Berlioz: Les Nuits d'été Gianandrea Noseda, conductor Stravinsky: Perséphone (staged) and Music from Salonen conducts Lorelei Ensemble J. Wolfe: Her Story (D.C. Premiere—NSO co-commission) Copland House Ensemble Karawane & Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade Daphnis and Chloé Handel’s NOV. 18, 2020 | TERRACE THEATER THU., DEC. 17, 2020 AT 7 P.M. Take a musical journey through THU., NOV. 12, 2020 AT 7 P.M. America’s rich past with the SAT., NOV. 14, 2020 AT 8 P.M. FRI., DEC. 18, 2020 AT 8 P.M. Noseda conducts SAT., DEC. 19, 2020 AT 8 P.M. Rachmaninoff & Dvořák “beloved and irreplaceable” Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor SUN., DEC. 20, 2020 AT 1 P.M. (Gramophone Magazine) Grammy ® The Washington Chorus THU., MAY 20, 2021 AT 7 P.M. Award –winning mezzo-soprano Fabio Biondi, conductor Susan Graham and the “excellent E.-P. Salonen: Karawane SAT., MAY 22, 2021 AT 8 P.M. Liv Redpath, soprano musicians” (The ) Ravel: Daphnis and Chloé—­ complete ballet Kate Lindsey, mezzo-soprano Gianandrea Noseda, conductor of Music from Copland House John Matthew Myers, tenor University of Maryland Concert Ensemble. The centerpiece of Neal Davies, bass Edward Maclary, Director the evening highlights a major ® University of Maryland Concert Choir Dvořák: The Noon-Day Witch collaboration between Grammy -winning composer Handel: Messiah Szymanowski: Stabat Mater Richard Danielpour and Pulitzer Prize–winning Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3 author and former U.S. Poet Laureate Dove. Specifically written for the talents of Susan Graham and the Ensemble, this robust song cycle chronicles our history from the pivotal 1960s to today.

The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger and Victoria Sant. The Fortas Chamber Music Concerts are supported by generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund, and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation. widow of Abe Fortas.

Support for Renée Fleming VOICES is provided by the Buffy and William Cafritz Family Foundation.

26 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 27 FREE EVENTS FREE EVENTS

Pre-Performance Talks Post-Performance Artist Q&As Special presentation Join a free lecture before every Opera House Following select performances, don’t miss your production! Delve deeper as you take a peek inside opportunity to engage directly with our artists and the composer’s mind, behind the scenes of planning share your thoughts on the experience you just a production, and into the history and social context had! Here’s your chance to ask questions and get of each opera. These lectures are free, but patrons the inside scoop on the production from members must present a ticket from any performance of the of the cast and creative team. All discussions begin production that is being discussed in the lecture. immediately after the performance and are free with your ticket. Most Pre-Performance Talks begin 1 hour before the performance and last 25–30 minutes. ɐ Fidelio: Nov. 1, 9 (2020) ɐ Nixon in China: Nov. 2, 8 (2020) Musicologist Saul Lilienstein’s talks take place on the following days, beginning 1 hour and 15 minutes ɐ Rigoletto: Feb. 21, Mar. 1, 14 (2021) before the performance and lasting 35–40 minutes: ɐ Boris Godunov: Feb. 28, Mar. 8 (2021) Fidelio: Nov. 4 (2020); Nixon in China: Nov. 11 ɐ Così fan tutte: Mar. 7, 15 (2021) (2020); Boris Godunov: Mar. 17 (2021); Rigoletto: Mar. 10 (2021); Così fan tutte: Mar. 3 (2021); ɐ La bohème: May 16, 17, 23, 24 (2021) and La bohème: May 19 (2021).

Opera in the Outfield® WNO Previews and Recitals Bring your family and friends to Nationals Park for on the Millennium Stage a free live screening of a classic opera! Previous presentations have ranged from of Enjoy preview performances and discussions of Figaro and Cinderella to and The Barber of the season’s operas along with recitals featuring Seville. Relax and enjoy all that the ballpark has the Young Artists. Enhance your upcoming opera to offer while you watch—including concessions, experience with dynamic speakers providing prizes, entertainment, and more. Be on the lookout insightful introductions—including historical context, for more information in the months ahead posted synopses, and more—alongside young artists who to OperaInTheOutfield.org. perform excerpts from select scenes and . All

performances begin at 6 p.m. Be on the lookout for Art © Mo Willems. ELEPHANT & PIGGIE is a trademark of The Mo Willems Studio, Inc. more performances to be announced soon. ɐ Fidelio and Nixon in China Preview: Oct. 2 (2020) Elephant & Piggie’s SLOPERA! ɐ Rigoletto and Così fan tutte Preview: Jan. 28 (2021) A WNO AND KENNEDY CENTER COMMISSION AND WORLD PREMIERE ɐ WNO Young Artists in Recital: Apr. 8 (2021) PERFORMANCE DATE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

ɐ La bohème Preview: May 11 (2021) Elephant & Piggie are in…an OPERA?! Yes! Even better, it’s a SLOPera! ɐ Elephant & Piggie’s SLOPERA!: Date to be Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems pens the libretto announced of a 20-minute opera for families based on his Elephant & Piggie adventure I The Millennium Stage is brought to you by Really Like Slop! This FREE 20-minute opera will be featured in the 2020–2021 season (more information coming soon). Elephant & Piggie’s SLOPERA! is a bite-sized opera with a flavor all its own! Opera in the Outfield® is brought to you by the M&M’S® Chocolate Candies and American Heritage® Chocolate Brands, and the Washington Nationals.

28 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 29 Enhance your WNO subscription with a Membership! The REACH As a WNO subscriber, you join us for countless performances every season. Make the most of that experience by becoming a Member today! Your gift not only includes special opera-exclusive benefits, but it also directly supports WNO. With a With the opening of the REACH, the Kennedy Center has tax-deductible contribution of $75 or more, you will receive exclusive Membership benefits such as special ticketing privileges, affirmed its role as one of the nation’s most interactive private lounge access before performances and during intermission, backstage events, and much more. In addition to the benefits that you will receive, your Membership contribution provides necessary support for the WNO’s artistic and education initiatives. and inspiring arts and culture destinations, where everyone truly belongs. As the Kennedy Center and WNO receive no federal appropriations for our programming, and ticket sales make up less than half of our operation costs, your contribution will help us deliver the kind of excellence that you have come to expect It is an immersive learning center, a public incubator, and from our programming. So the next time you come to a performance, come knowing that you helped make it possible! a set of dynamic, collaborative spaces where art happens so close audiences can reach out and touch it. The REACH is an open stage for differing ideas and divergent cultures, Associate Contributor Partner Sponsor delivering on a vision for what a 21st century arts center $75 $180 $350 $700 should be—inclusive, accessible, and interactive. ɐ Members-Only Ticket ɐ Use of our private ɐ Special invitation for you ɐ Reduced service fees on For more information, visit Kennedy-Center.org/REACH Priority* for individual Membership Lounges for and a guest to tour the purchases for Kennedy ticket purchases and new you and your guests WNO Costume Studio Center performances (some exclusions may apply) subscriptions ɐ Four $2 parking ɐ Invitations to a Meet the ɐ Exclusive Members-Only discount codes Conductor Reception, ɐ Invitations to a Backstage Experience, President’s Newsletter On the Aisle ɐ Invitations to an NSO Ballet Working Rehearsal, and a second Annual Meeting, and a third ɐ 10% discount at the Working Rehearsal and NSO Working Rehearsal Kennedy Center Gift Curtain Up Theater Event NSO Working Rehearsal Shops, Roof Terrace ɐ Access to the Priority Your WNO experience Renew today Restaurant, and KC Café Waitlist for up to two tickets to the Kennedy at the Kennedy Center Renew online at Kennedy-Center.org/subscriptions Center Honors ɐ Pre-paid parking at tkc.co/parking Mail your completed personalized renewal form in the provided envelope ɐ Convenient, enclosed parking under Principal Patron Circle Golden Circle Or email it to [email protected] the building $1,000 $1,800 $4,000 Or fax it to (202) 416-8585. ɐ Free shuttle to and from Metro ɐ Invitation to purchase tickets ɐ Admittance to the ɐ Ticket Concierge Service: ɐ Free daily Millennium Stage shows Questions? Call the Subscriptions Office at to the Kennedy Center July exclusive Circles Lounges Prime orchestra seats (202) 416-8500, weekdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and a 4th Celebration for you and your guests unavailable to the general public, reserved for ɐ Shop, eat, and take a free tour representative will be happy to assist you. ɐ Invitation to a fourth ɐ Invitation to all WNO purchase directly from NSO Working Rehearsal Dress Rehearsals the Circles Office up to 48 ɐ Redeemable voucher for a ɐ Recognition in hours before curtain collectible Kennedy Center for all Kennedy Center ɐ Invitations to all WNO Souvenir Cup (available performances Director’s Dialogues with beverage purchase) ɐ Special rates and discounts which connect you to the at Washington-area hotels Director and Artists Find WNO online and restaurants

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30 KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG/SUBSCRIPTIONS 31 Photo by Natasha Razina

Yevgeny Nikitin in Boris Godunov

Fidelio Boris Godunov Così fan tutte Nixon in China Rigoletto La bohème

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American Opera Initiative More flexible exchanges than ever Marian Anderson Vocal Award Winner Early access to the best seats The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Exclusive savings on performances and more

COVER: Photo by Matt Karas See inside for more details.