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A premier U.S. orchestra, the NSO performs approximately 150 concerts each year of classical, new works, pops, and special events, including nationally televised concerts on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol and numerous education and community engagement events.
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One of the leading opera companies in the United States, WNO focuses on bold productions of classic operas, fascinating contemporary perspectives, and the best in American artistry.
The Suzanne Farrel Ballet
Under the artistic direction of George Balanchine’s most admired muse, the Kennedy Center’s own ballet company encompasses an ever-growing repertoire of beloved ballets including more than 65 works choreographed by George Balanchine, Maurice Béjart, and Jerome Robbins.
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Featured Events
Washington National Opera: The Little Prince, a Holiday Family Opera
Thursday, December 14, 2017 - Sunday, December 17, 2017 TicketsWashington National Opera: Proving Up, a New Hour-Long Opera part of the American Opera Initiative Festival
Friday, January 19, 2018 - Sunday, January 21, 2018 TicketsGet Exclusive Events
& Early-Access Tickets
Become a Kennedy Center Member to get premium benefits not available to the general public. Your Kennedy Center Membership will keep you connected to the most exciting and anticipated theatrical, musical, dance, opera, and performance events in Washington with Members-only benefits that are truly outstanding, including the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public through our Members-Only Ticket Priority benefit. Learn More
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WNO Blog
Inside the WNO Costume Studio: Madame Butterfly
Published: Apr 21, 2017
A Lacquered Otherness: The Origins of Madame Butterfly
Published: Mar 28, 2017
Director Francesca Zambello on Don Giovanni
Published: Mar 8, 2017
Our 2017-2018 Season Has Just Been Announced! — By Artistic Director Francesca Zambello
Published: Jan 24, 2017
Spotlight on Robert Ainsley, Program Director of WNO’s American Opera Initiative and Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists
Published: Dec 8, 2016
Meet the Artists
Washington National Opera Artistic Director Francesca Zambello
Acclaimed American opera director Francesca Zambello, formerly Washington National Opera's Artistic Advisor, is WNO's new Artistic Director.
Featured Video
The Story of The Ring: The Rhinegold
M&M'S Opera in the Outfield
New & Noteworthy
M&M'S Opera in the Outfield Returns This Fall
WNO continues its partnership with the Washington Nationals with an M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield presentation of Aida on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Nationals Park. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for pre-opera activities for the entire family, and the opera will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the high-definition NatsHD scoreboard at 7 p.m. Free seating will be available on the outfield grass (weather permitting) and in the stands. Arrive early to Nationals Park to enjoy entertainment and activities including photo opportunities with M&M'S® Ms. Brown, chances to win prizes, performances by local artists, a screening of the Warner Bros. cartoon "What's Opera, Doc?," a playground, a costume trunk dress-up area, a craft table, face painting, and much more.
Announcing the 2017-2018 Mentors of the American Opera Initiative
This season’s distinguished mentors for three new 20-minute operas include the 2012 Pulitzer Prize–winning team from the opera Silent Night—composer Kevin Puts (The Manchurian Candidate) and librettist Mark Campbell (Approaching Ali, which the American Opera Initiative premiered in 2013)—and conductor George Manahan, the music director of Portland Opera who also conducted WNO’s production of Champion in March 2017. The operas will be staged in a concert performance on January 20, 2018, accompanied by a small chamber orchestra and followed by a Q&A with the artists and creative team.
Announcing the 2017-2018 Mentors of the American Opera Initiative: Learn MoreSubscribe to the 2017-2018 Season!
Enjoy all of WNO's riveting drama, spectacular stagecraft, and soaring performances with more bold productions of CLASSIC operas, fascinating CONTEMPORARY perspectives, and always the best in AMERICAN artistry. From two epic masterpieces by Verdi—Aida and Don Carlo—to Handel's spellbinding Alcina, Rossini's delightful comedy The Barber of Seville, and Leonard Bernstein's biting satire Candide, the 2017-2018 season offers something for everyone.
Subscribe to the 2017-2018 Season!: Learn MoreBetween 18 & 40 and Love Opera? Join BravO!
Washington National Opera's BravO is DC's premier young professional arts-lover program for those between the ages of 18 and 40! The program is free to join and offers discounted tickets, social events, backstage tours, pre-performance talks, and more.
Between 18 & 40 and Love Opera? Join BravO!: Learn More