Washington National Opera has released its calendar of Spring 2010 events.
YOUNG ARTISTS IN CONCERT: Boleros and More-February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Mexican Cultural Institute| 2829 16th St. NW | Washington, DC
The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists present Boleros and More, featuring Boleros by composers MariaGrever, Consuelo Velázquez, Armando Manzanero, Agustín Lara and others. February 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Mexican Cultural Institute. This event is free but space is limited; reserve a space by emailing cdiaz@instuteormexicodc.org. For more information, visit www.instituteofmexicodc.org.
SPECIAL EVENT: A Midwinter Fête: An Evening in Paris-February 20 at 6:30 p.m.
La Maison Française| 4101 Reservoir Road | Washington, DC
WNO's Midwinter Fête is an enchanting evening of French culture, cuisine and entertainment. Guests will be transported to the streets of Paris to enjoy opera performances and French chansons, savor cocktails and an array of foods from some of the city's finest restaurants, peruse the indoor market of silent and live auction items, and bask in avant-garde French lounge music. Proceeds from the Midwinter Fête support WNO's award-winning education and outreach programs. February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at La Maison Française. Tickets begin at $250 for individuals; sponsorship packages start at $500.
For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.dc-opera.org or contact specialevents@dc-
opera.org.
DISCUSSION: All-American Music: Porgy and Bess-February 25 at 7:00 p.m.
National Museum of American History | Carmichael Auditorium
14th St. & Constitution Ave., NW | Washington, DC
This discussion of the upcoming WNO production of Porgy and Bess takes the historical long view of Gershwin's groundbreaking work. Participants include conductor John Mauceri, assistant director
Rita D' Angelo Tikador, and Dwight Bowers, curator of music at the National Museum of American
History. Members of the cast will perform highlights from the opera. February 25 at 7:00 p.m. in
the Carmichael Auditorium of the National Museum of American History. This event is free and
open to the public.
YOUNG ARTISTS IN CONCERT: American Scenes-March 7 at 3:00 p.m.
Renwick Gallery Grand Salon| 1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Washington, DC
The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists will perform semi-staged selections from American opera,
including works by composers such as Argento, Weill, Barber, Susa, Bolcom and Menotti. March 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the Renwick Gallery Grand Salon. This event is free and open to the public.
DISCUSSION: Porgy and Bess Roundtable-March 14 at 2:00 p.m.
National Museum of Women in the Arts | 1250 New York Ave. NW | Washington, DC
WNO and the National Museum of Women in the Arts present a roundtable discussion with Director
Francesca Zambello, moderated by WNO Director of Artistic Operations Christina Scheppelmann. The program features performances by cast members Lester Lynch (Porgy) and Indira Mahajan (Bess). March 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the National Museum of Women and the Arts. Tickets are $15 and include free admission to museum exhibits. Tickets may be purchased at www.dc-opera.org or by calling WNO Audience Services at 202.295.2400 or 800.US.OPERA, and are also available at the museum beginning at 12:30 on the day of the event.
MAINSTAGE: Porgy and Bess-March 20 through April 3
WNO's critically acclaimed production, which received rave reviews in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, is back! George Gershwin melded classical music, popular song, jazz, blues, and spirituals into iconic American songs like "Summertime," "I Got Plenty O'Nuttin'" and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now." This quintessential American masterpiece follows the story of a crippled beggar and the headstrong woman he loves. In English with English supertitles. Twelve performances, March 20 to April 3 at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Tickets range from $25-$300. See page 6 for dates and additional information.
DISCUSSION: Porgy and Bess Artist Q & A-March 21 at approximately 5:15 p.m.
Following Sunday matinee performances, join WNO's Christina Scheppelmann, Director of Artistic
Operations, and select cast members for an opportunity to discuss Porgy and Bess. March 21
following the performance in the Kennedy Center Opera House. This event is free to all patrons
presenting a ticket or ticket stub from any WNO performance of Porgy and Bess.
