FOUR PRODUCTIONS OF GRAND OPERA EXPLORING THEMES OF FREEDOM & JUSTICE
PLUS TWO STAGED CONCERTS & A NEW HOLIDAY OPERA
- New Production of Fidelio
First collaboration between Robert Spano as Music Director Designate & WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello; featuring Sinéad Campbell Wallace in her American debut - Verdi’s Macbeth Returns After 17 Years, in a New Production
Featuring Étienne Dupuis in his role debut, Ewa Płonka returning, and Principal Conductor Evan Rogister - WNO Premiere of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
WNO Premiere of opera composed by former Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates and librettist Mark Campbell - Revival of Porgy and Bess
Conducted by Kwamé Ryan in his WNO debut; featuring Michael Sumuel, Reginald Smith, Jr., Brittany Renee, Alyson Cambridge, Denyce Graves, Vuvu Mpofu, Amber Monroe, Kenneth Kellogg, and Norman Garrett - World Premiere of New Version of New Holiday Opera, Jungle Book
Expanded orchestration and revision to the Kipling classic by Kamala Sankaram and Kelley Rourke - Two Staged Concerts in the Opera House
Gods and Mortals: A Celebration of Wagner featuring Christine Goerke and Brandon Jovanovich
American Rhapsody featuring Marin Alsop, Renée Fleming, Denyce Graves, and Thomas Hampson - Advancing Opera: Supporting Artists and Audiences
Artist Ambassador Program, 12th Season of American Opera Initiative, Marian Anderson Award,
True Voice Award, Opera in the Outfield®
(WASHINGTON)—The Washington National Opera (WNO) will present a 2024–2025 season that pays tribute to the grand tradition of opera, while shaping its future with two new productions, two WNO premieres, and a long-awaited revival. The season—led by General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello—explores themes that reflect our times and expands the company’s offerings in the Opera House. In this season, WNO continues its commitment to presenting established and rising artists, a list of which can be found here.
WNO General Director Timothy O’Leary said, “WNO is committed to riveting performances and to innovation. This year, our Artistic Director Francesca Zambello has assembled a season that introduces three new productions, revives an American classic, and adds two new works to our repertoire. We present four operas and two concerts in the beloved Kennedy Center Opera House. We build on WNO’s tradition of casting important artists in American debuts and role debuts. And our community makes it possible for WNO to shape the future of opera through signature programs—the American Opera Initiative, Cafritz Young Artists, Marian Anderson Award, the True Voice Award and others.”
“The works we have chosen for next season demonstrate how the choices we make can reverberate and shape lives both individually and collectively,” said WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. “These operatic characters’ fights for freedom and justice still resonate with us today. These grand ideas will have a grand stage as we return to the Opera House for four operas that examine the power and consequences of individual choices. We will meet characters driven by their passion for justice, their lust for power, their yearning for connection, their hope for the future. Our kaleidoscopic offerings that each plumb the depths of the human spirit include large-scale concerts showcasing our orchestra and soloists, our beloved holiday opera, recitals, and the American Opera Initiative in its 12th season. We look forward to collaborating with artists new and returning.”
Season opening: New production of Fidelio
WNO will present a new production of Beethoven’s Fidelio, directed by Francesca Zambello. This marks Zambello and Music Director Designate Robert Spano’s first collaboration at WNO. “Beethoven’s only opera is set against the backdrop of a society oppressed by a corrupt government,” said Zambello. “Beethoven is a composer very aware of the politics of his time. Fidelio is not only about one woman’s fight to release her husband from prison, but also a rallying cry for all the unfairly prosecuted and clandestinely executed.” Irish soprano Sinéad Campbell Wallace sings the role of Leonora in her American debut. In his much-anticipated WNO debut, New Orleans-born tenor Jamez McCorkle, who rose to prominence playing the titular role in the eponymous 2023 Pulitzer Prize–winning opera, Omar, sings the role of Florestan. Australian bass-baritone Derek Welton makes his role and WNO debut as Don Pizzaro. Music Director Designate Robert Spano conducts. “Beethoven famously struggled writing Fidelio,” said Spano. “In this opera, he wrestled with the social and political, as well as the spiritual. After all of Beethoven’s toil, revising the opera four times and renaming it once, its message continues to resonate with us today. Just listen to the ‘Prisoners’ Chorus’ and you will hear the emancipation of the human spirit.”
A new production of Macbeth
Macbeth, Verdi’s first Shakespearean opera, returns to WNO in a new production after 17 years. “Smooth-toned and seductive” (The New York Times) Canadian baritone Étienne Dupuis makes his role debut in the title role. Ewa Płonka, who was praised by Das Opernglas for her “brilliant high notes of her high-class-voice," sings the role of Lady Macbeth. “To sing this role, you need to have it all,” says Płonka. “Coloratura technique, buttery legato, scary chest voice, and brilliant high. You need all of them to portray her complete character. It is exciting!” Kang Wang, who possesses “a secure, beautifully even tone and a thrilling top register” (Limelight), plays Macduff in his role debut. Soloman Howard, WNO Artist Ambassador and Cafritz Young Artist alumnus, plays Banquo. The production will be conducted by Principal Conductor Evan Rogister who the Washington Post said “deserves maximal plaudits” for his conducting of WNO’s Romeo and Juliet. Brenna Corner, who directed the company’s recent production of Il trovatore with “elegant restraint” (The Washington Post), will helm this new production.
WNO premiere of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
Kennedy Center’s first-ever Composer-in-Residence (2015–2020) Mason Bates and librettist Mark Campbell’s The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs makes its anticipated WNO premiere in a production by Tomer Zvulun. Lidiya Yankovaskaya, pioneering music director of Chicago Opera Theater, returns to conduct. “A triumph” (The Washington Post), the 2019 Grammy Award® winner for Best Opera Recording, and one of the most captivating new American operas of the 21st century, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs charts the tumultuous life of this pivotal figure and his quest for inner peace. Bates said, “The story of Steve Jobs is the stuff of opera. It’s got obsession, betrayal, love, passion, and the ultimate tragic death. It exists at the intersection of creativity, technology, and human communication—thematic crossroads that opera can explore unlike any other medium.” John Moore sings Steve Jobs, Cafritz Young Artist Winona Martin sings Laurene Powell Jobs, Cafritz Young Artist alumni Wei Wu sings Kōbun Chino Otogawa, and Justin Burgess sings Paul Jobs.
Revival of Porgy and Bess
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess returns to WNO with a new generation of singers ready to carry on and reexamine the legacy of this seminal American opera. The performances will be conducted by Kwamé Ryan—who makes his debut at WNO following his debut this season with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Theater of St. Louis, and the Houston Grand Opera this season and who was recently appointed to the position of music director designate of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. “Gershwin was a great melodist and I think there’s probably nothing more appealing in music than a memorable tune,” said Ryan. “His music also pulls together popular songs and dance trends of his time that would eventually become the emblematic ‘American sound.’ Those qualities make his music still attractive today.” The cast, many of whom making their WNO debuts, includes Michael Sumuel and Reginald Smith, Jr. as Porgy, Brittany Renee and Alyson Cambridge as Bess, Vuvu Mpofu as Clara, and Chauncey Packer as Sportin’ Life. Cafritz Young Artists alumnus Norman Garrett and Kenneth Kellogg sing Crown. Opera legend Denyce Graves sings Maria. Francesca Zambello directs.
A new holiday opera Jungle Book
Building on multiple successes of WNO’s family opera presentations, WNO introduces a new work into the family opera repertoire, Jungle Book, composed by Kamala Sankaram with a libretto by Kelley Rourke. This world premiere presentation of the expanded orchestration and instrumentation of Jungle Book retells the classic Kipling story through music from Eastern and Western traditions. It also incorporates Bollywood dancing in a special collaboration with the Indian Classical dance company Taal. “As a bi-racial Indian American myself, it is important to me to bring the two cultural heritages together in my work,” says Sankaram. “This is a wonderful opportunity because it allows us to introduce young performers to the tradition of Indian music, as well as bring it to a young audience. Kids don’t have preconceived ideas about what they can do or what opera should sound like. If you teach them, they’ll learn it!” The production is directed by Francesca Zambello and Brenna Corner and conducted by Stephanie Rhodes Russell.
Gods and Mortals: A Celebration of Wagner
In addition to the four grand operas in the 2024–2025 season, WNO will present two staged concerts in the Opera House. The first, on October 26, 2024, features Wagner’s revolutionary music, including selections from Tannhäuser, Der Ring des Nibelungen, The Flying Dutchman, Lohengrin, and Parsifal. Two of the most important Wagnerian singers—Christine Goerke and Brandon Jovanovich—join the WNO Orchestra and members of Cafritz Young Artists in this fully staged concert with video projections, conducted by Music Director Designate Robert Spano.
American Rhapsody
From soaring arias to toe-tapping ensembles, this gala evening on May 3, 2025 is a lively homage to the music that captures the American spirit. The program includes music by Samuel Barber, Amy Beach,
Leonard Bernstein, Margaret Bonds, Carlos Simon, Stephen Sondheim, Kurt Weill, and more. The event features Renée Fleming, Denyce Graves, and Thomas Hampson in his WNO debut, and is conducted by Marin Alsop, last seen at the WNO in the world premiere of Sophie’s Choice in 2006.
Fostering the Next Generation of Artists
Washington National Opera continues its commitment to shaping the future of opera. The following initiatives are designed not only to develop and support a new generation of opera creators and performers, but also to increase diversity both on and off its stages.
- WNO’s 12th American Opera Initiative (AOI) will feature three newly commissioned works that will premiere on January 18, 2025 in the Terrace Theater. A diverse group of composers—Kyle Brenn, JL Marlor, and Omar Najmi, and librettists—Clare Fuyuko Bierman, Lex Brown, and Christine Evans were selected from a field of more than 150 hopefuls. Their mentors are composer Gregory Spears—who has been commissioned by the New York Philharmonic, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Santa Fe Opera, Cincinnati Opera, and Houston Grand Opera—and Pulitzer Prize winner and former U.S. Poet Laureate, librettist Tracy K. Smith, who will guide the teams throughout the development process. George Manahan conducts and Chloe Treat, who directed AOI in 2024, returns to direct. Launched in January 2012, AOI is a groundbreaking commissioning program created to stimulate, enrich, and ensure the future of contemporary American opera by providing opportunities for outstanding composers and librettists who have not yet had a major operatic premiere.
- Named for the barrier-breaking African American contralto, the Marian Anderson Vocal Award is presented annually by the Kennedy Center and WNO to a young American singer. This year’s winner, countertenor Key'mon Murrah, praised for his “resplendent, voluptuous tone” by Opera News, will have an intimate recital in the Terrace Theater on December 17, 2024. In addition to the recital, Murrah also receives a prize and gives mentorship to young singers at Washington D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
- Soloman Howard continues to serve as WNO Artist Ambassador for the 2024–2025 season. A 2019 Marian Anderson Vocal Award Winner and 2014 Cafritz Young Artist Program graduate, Howard has performed on celebrated opera stages around the world from the Metropolitan Opera to Teatro Real de Madrid. In this role, Howard will cultivate partnerships with local organizations and groups to widen WNO’s impact in the community. In the 2023–2024 season, WNO’s partnerships included events with Alfred Street Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.
- Washington National Opera’s Cafritz Young Artists program is a resident-training program that offers artists on the verge of international careers a course of intensive training, study, career guidance, and performance opportunities in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Throughout their training, the Cafritz Young Artists are featured prominently in WNO performances, including a special performance of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs on May 9, 2025, the American Opera Initiative on January 18, 2025, Jungle Book (December 13–15, 2024), and will be presenting a special offering to be announced at a later date.
- Awarded every three years under the partnership between WNO and librettist Kimberly Reed, composer Laura Kaminsky, and librettist Mark Campbell, the True Voice Award supports an emerging singer who self-identifies as transgender or non-binary. The inaugural True Voice Award recipient, tenor Katherine Goforth, will give a recital on Millennium Stage on May 1, 2024.
- Opera in the Outfield®, the popular annual summer event at which a classic opera is broadcast, free of charge, on the high-definition scoreboard at D.C.’s Nationals Park, will feature Turandot on August 24, 2024.
Let’s Go There
As part of WNO’s Let's Go There, an ongoing series that explores timely topics of identity and justice raised in opera, the following collaborations are planned. More information and specific dates will be announced closer to the opening of the 2024–2025 season:
- Fidelio: Famous in part for its epic “Prisoner’s Chorus,” Beethoven’s opera connects across centuries to contemporary conversation about incarceration and criminal justice reform. WNO will host discussion in partnership with Nkechi Taifa, Senior Fellow for the Columbia University Center for Justice, and convener emeritus of The Justice Roundtable. Collaborations with both incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons are planned.
- The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs: WNO will partner with “Girls Who Code” at George Washington University in a multifaceted collaboration, with a focus on equity in the tech sector. Girls Who Code is a national organization with a mission to close the gender gap in technology. Its “College Loops” provide university-level networks for college-aged women interested in tech to support one another and help each other persist and succeed in the field. In addition to a panel discussion, the collaboration will include workshops at the Kennedy Center with women in technology and technology-driven design fields.
- Porgy and Bess: Through partnership with The Denyce Graves Foundation as well as opera scholar Naomi André, David G. Frey Distinguished Professor in Music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, WNO will convene discussion about the origin and history of Porgy and Bess and the opera’s continuing reconsideration within Black American culture and American society. Discussion will focus partly on the opera’s meaning for and impact on Black operatic artists, given the Denyce Graves Foundation’s mission to promote equity and inclusion in American classical vocal arts and to uplifting young artists of world-class talent from all backgrounds.
ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA
Washington National Opera (WNO) is one of the leading opera companies in the United States. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and world-renowned Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, the company presents a diverse repertory of grand opera across three main venues of the Kennedy Center. From classic operas to contemporary works, each season the WNO’s artistic output also includes commissioned American works and a variety of special concerts, youth operas, and events. Founded in 1956 and an artistic affiliate of the Kennedy Center since 2011, WNO has a storied legacy of more than 100 new productions, over 50 world premieres, international tours, live recordings and radio broadcasts, digitally streamed content, as well as innovative education and community-engagement programs. Recent celebrated productions have included a new production of Strauss’ Elektra; the D.C. premiere of Jeanine Tesori’s and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, which was commissioned by Zambello; the world premiere of Written in Stone—composed for the Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary season; the world premiere of Philip Glass’ reconceived Appomattox, presented in conjunction with cultural events throughout Washington, D.C.; the powerful performances of Kurt Weill’s Lost in the Stars; and the massive feat of WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, which was helmed by Zambello and played to sold-out houses following international acclaim. The 2023–2024 season included the world premiere of Grounded by Jeanine Tesori and George Brant, and Turandot with a new ending by Christopher Tin and Susan Soon He Stanton. WNO is committed to expanding opera’s reach and fostering a new generation of opera talent. Among the company’s most successful education and community engagement programs are the American Opera Initiative, the Cafritz Young Artist Program, the WNO Opera Institute, Opera in the Outfield®, in-person and digital Look-In performances, the Student Dress Rehearsal Program, free pre-concert lectures and post- show Q&As after many shows, the WNO Young Associates program, and the Let’s Go There discussion series.
Discover Washington National Opera on social media:
Funding Credits
The WNO Season Sponsor is General Dynamics
The Official Airline of the WNO Season is American Airlines
Major support provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mrs. Eugene B. Casey
Additional support provided by Chevron
Major support for American Opera Initiative provided by Denise Littlefield Sobel
Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased online at kennedy-center.org, in-person at the Kennedy Center Box Office, or by calling (202) 467-4600.
Media Contacts
Jen Luzzo
Director of Public Relations, Classical
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
(201) 572 9364
[email protected]
David Hsieh
Senior Press Representative, Classical
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
(202) 416 8093
[email protected]
# # #
WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA 2024–2025 SEASON SCHEDULE
Fidelio
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven
Libretto by Joseph von Sonnleithner
October 25–November 4, 2024 in the Opera House
In German with Projected English Titles
Co-production with Indiana University
Friday, October 25, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Monday, November 4, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Cast/Creatives
|
Leonore |
Sinéad Campbell Wallace* |
|
Florestan |
Jamez McCorkle* |
|
Don Pizarro |
Derek Welton* |
|
Rocco |
David Leigh* |
|
Don Fernando |
Denyce Graves |
|
|
|
|
Conductor Director |
Robert Spano Francesca Zambello |
|
Scenic designer Costume designer |
Erhard Rom Anita Yavitch |
|
Lighting designer |
Jane Cox |
* WNO mainstage debut
† Alumnus of the Cafritz Young Artist program
Gods and Mortals: A Celebration of Wagner
October 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the Opera House
Robert Spano, conductor
Christine Goerke, soprano
Brandon Jovanovich*, tenor
* WNO mainstage debut
Macbeth
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave & Andrea Maffei
November 13–23, 2024 in the Opera House
In Italian with Projected English Titles
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Cast/Creatives
|
Macbeth |
Étienne Dupuis* |
|
Lady Macbeth |
Ewa Płonka |
|
Macduff |
Kang Wang |
|
Banquo |
Soloman Howard† |
|
|
|
|
Conductor |
Evan Rogister |
|
Director |
Brenna Corner |
|
Scenic designer Lighting designer Projections designer |
Erhard Rom A.J. Guban S. Katy Tucker |
Costumes by Lyric Opera of Chicago
* WNO mainstage debut
† Alumnus of the Cafritz Young Artist program
Jungle Book
Music by Kamala Sankaram
Libretto by Kelley Rourke
December 13–15, 2024 in the Terrace Theater
In English with Projected English Titles
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 12 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 12 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Creatives
|
Conductor |
Stephanie Rhodes Russell |
|
Co-directors Taal Academy of Dance Executive Director |
Francesca Zambello and Brenna Corner Shuchi Buch* |
|
Lighting designer Scenery and props designer Costume designer |
Amith Chandrashaker James F. Rotondo III Erik Teague |
* WNO mainstage debut
† Alumnus of the Cafritz Young Artist program
Originally commissioned for The Glimmerglass Festival
Marian Anderson Vocal Award Recital
December 17, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the Terrace Theater
Key'mon Murrah, countertenor
American Opera Initiative
Friday, January 18, 2025 at 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. in the Terrace Theater
Creatives
|
Conductor |
George Manahan |
|
Mentors |
Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith |
|
Composer |
Kyle Brenn |
|
Composer |
JL Marlor |
|
Composer |
Omar Najmi |
|
Librettist |
Clare Fuyuko Bierman |
|
Librettist |
Lex Brown |
|
Librettist |
Christine Evans |
The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs
Music by Mason Bates
Libretto by Mark Campbell
May 2–10, 2025 in the Opera House
In English with Projected English Titles
Friday, May 2, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. (CYA Cast)
Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Cast/Creatives
|
Steve Jobs |
John Moore* |
|
Laurene Powell Jobs |
Winona Martin^ |
|
Kōbun Chino Otogawa |
Wei Wu† |
|
Steve (“Woz”) Wozniak |
Jonathan Burton |
|
Paul Jobs |
Justin Burgess† |
|
|
|
|
Conductor |
Lidiya Yankovskaya |
|
Original production and staging |
Tomer Zvulun |
|
Revival stage director |
Rebecca Herman* |
|
Original scenery and costume designer |
Jacob Climer |
|
Original projection designer |
S. Katy Tucker |
|
Original lighting designer |
Robert Wierzel |
|
Original sound designer |
Rick Jacobsohn |
* WNO mainstage debut
† Alumnus of the Cafritz Young Artist program
^Current member of the Cafritz Young Artist program
This production of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs is jointly owned by The Atlanta Opera, Austin Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Utah Symphony & Opera, and Calgary Opera Association
American Rhapsody
May 3, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Opera House
Marin Alsop, conductor
Renée Fleming, soprano
Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano
Thomas Hampson*, baritone
* WNO mainstage debut
Porgy & Bess
Music by George Gershwin
Libretto by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward
May 23–31, 2025 in the Opera House
In English with Projected English Titles
Friday, May 23, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 30, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Cast/Creatives
|
Porgy |
Michael Sumuel* / Reginald Smith Jr.* |
|
Bess |
Brittany Renee* /Alyson Cambridge |
|
Maria |
Denyce Graves |
|
Clara |
Vuvu Mpofu* |
|
Serena |
Amber Monroe† |
|
Sportin’ Life |
Chauncey Packer* |
|
Jake |
Ben Taylor* |
|
Crown |
Norman Garrett† / Kenneth Kellog† |
|
|
|
|
Conductor Director |
Kwamé Ryan* Francesca Zambello |
|
Associate director & choreographer Original scenic designer Original costume designer Original lighting designer |
Eric Sean Fogel Peter J. Davison Paul Tazewell Mark McCullough |
* WNO mainstage debut
† Alumnus of the Cafritz Young Artist program
The scenery was originally created for The Glimmerglass Festival & Seattle Opera