Washington National Opera General Director Plácido Domingo today announced the company's 2010-11 season, including productions, casting and creative teams, and performance dates for all main-stage operas. Opening September 11, 2010 at the Kennedy Center Opera House, the company's 55th season encompasses 45 performances of five productions, all new to Washington: Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera, Strauss' Salome, Puccini's Madama Butterfly, the company premiere of Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride, and Donizetti's Don Pasquale.
The company also shared additional details about the 2010-11 season, including the establishment of a new concert series. Named the Plácido Domingo Celebrity Series in honor of Maestro Domingo and his accomplishments in bringing world-class artists to WNO's stage, the series will feature concerts by Juan Diego Flórez and Bryn Terfel. Additionally, Maestro Domingo announced that WNO Music Director Heinz Fricke will return to Washington in October 2010 to conduct Salome. The company will continue its commitment to serving a broad community through its award-winning education and outreach programs, a highlight of which will be the third-annual, free "Opera in the Outfield" simulcast of opening night of Un Ballo in Maschera to Nationals Park.
"The 2010-11 season features five productions, all new to Washington audiences, and each with unique elements that will excite Washington-area opera lovers," stated Maestro Domingo. "From Salvatore Licitra in Un Ballo in Maschera to Deborah Voigt's company debut in Salome, to concerts with Juan Diego Flórez and Bryn Terfel, the season is filled to the brim with wonderful productions and talents."
