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Angel Blue as MimÌ in La bohème A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle

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Page 1: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

Angel Blue as MimÌ in La bohème

A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle

Page 2: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

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 way of thinking. This season, our dreams have come true in what we’re able to offer:

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 Boris Godunov. Mozart’s gorgeous, complex, and spiky view of love with Così fan tutte. Verdi’s masterpiece of a family drama and revenge gone wrong in Rigoletto. And an 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 operas in its 9th year.

Our lineup of artists includes major stars, some of whom 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.

We believe art reminds us who we are and inspires us to own who we are. It shows us how we are different, and how that is our strength. We hope you enjoy our dreams.

Warmly,

Timothy O’LearyG E N E R A L D I R E C T O R

Francesca ZambelloA RT I S T I C D I R E C T O R

FidelioLove fuels a revolution in Beethoven’s monumental masterpiece.

Nixon in ChinaStep behind “the week that changed the world” in John Adams’s opera ripped from the headlines.

Boris GodunovThe tapestry of Russia's history unfurls in Musorgsky’s tale of a tsar plagued by guilt.

RigolettoThe revenger becomes the revenged in Verdi’s captivating drama.

Così fan tutteFidelity is frivolous—or is it?—in Mozart’s rom-com.

La bohèmePuccini’s tribute to young love soars with joy and heartbreak.

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars.

David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of WNO.

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

WNO’s Presenting Sponsor Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

Additional support for WNO artistic programming is provided by Clarice Smith.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

American Opera Initiative Catch several original short operas in their world premiere.

Marian Anderson Vocal Award WinnerWill Liverman performs an intimate recital.

The Domingo-Cafritz Young ArtistsCatch our talented Young Artists in several special presentations.

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Page 3: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

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4 5K E N N E D Y - C E N T E R . O R G / S U B S C R I P T I O N S

Page 4: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

In a secret underground cell, political prisoner Florestan suffers under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore, Florestan’s wife, has disguised herself as male guard Fidelio for the ultimate undercover mission. By infiltrating the very system that oppresses her husband, can she be the voice that overthrows it?

In celebration of 250 years since Beethoven’s birth, we launch the new season with his only opera, last staged by WNO in the Opera House more than 30 years ago. Beethoven premiered this story of resistance, freedom, and dissent during a time of complete European upheaval. If 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/FideLioElza van den Heever*

FLorestanBrandon JovanovichO C T. 2 4 , 3 0 , N O V. 1 M , 4 , 7

Clay HilleyN O V. 9

don PizarroBrian Mulligan

roccoRyan Speedo Green*

JaquinoJoshua Blue†

don FernandoEric Owens

conductorRobert Spano*

directorFrancesca Zambello

associate directorGarnett Bruce

set designerPeter Davison

costume designerAnita Yavich

Lighting designerMark McCullough

† Alumnus of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program* WNO Mainstage Debut

October 24–November 9, 2020

sun mon tue wed thu Fri sat

20 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

08 09 10 11 12 13 14

E V E N I N G / M A T I N E E

Only her love can set him free.

music

Ludwig van Beethoven LiBretto

Joseph von SonnleithnercomPosed

1805–1814

Photo by Matt Karas

7K E N N E D Y - C E N T E R . O R G / S U B S C R I P T I O N S

Page 5: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

Nixon. Kissinger. Mao. Political titans converge in China in February 1972 for “the week that changed the world.” But the headlines will miss one side of the story: the inner lives behind the history.

Celebrated as a 20th-century classic, John Adams’s Nixon in China captures President Richard Nixon’s landmark visit with Chairman Mao Tse-tung and the media frenzy that followed. Adams’s sweeping music fuses national and personal histories, from Pat Nixon’s vision for a peaceful world to Madame Mao’s defiant reflection on the Cultural Revolution. Nixon in China’s final aria 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 nixonRyan McKinny

Pat nixonJoélle Harvey*

mao tse-tungSean Panikkar

chiang ch’ing (madame mao)So Young Park*

chou en-LaiJoo Won Kang*

henry KissingerCraig Colclough*

conductorDavid Robertson*

directorElkhanah Pulitzer*

scenic & Video designerAlexander V. Nichols*

FiLm designerBill Morrison*

costume designerElisabeth Scott*

Lighting designerDavid Finn*

sound designerMark Grey*

* WNO Mainstage Debut

Additional support for Nixon in China is provided by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

October 31–November 14, 2020

sun mon tue wed thu Fri sat

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

08 09 10 11 12 13 14

E V E N I N G / M A T I N E E

There’s a story behind the superpowers.

music

John AdamsLiBretto

Alice GoodmancomPosed

1987

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Page 6: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

Ivan the Terrible is dead. The throne is empty. When scheming aristocrat Boris Godunov assumes power as the new tsar, his rise hides a dirty secret: someone has killed the rightful young heir Dmitri. But a monk claiming to be the murdered prince could dismantle the ruthless ruler—unless his own tormented conscience destroys him first.

Musorgsky’s opera brings to life “Russian Shakespeare” Alexander Pushkin’s epic story of 16th-century politics. This towering tale of deception, guilt, and revolution surges with dark orchestral themes and the eye-popping pageantry of over 100 cast members. From the spectacular coronation scene to the tsar’s famous “clock scene” breakdown, Boris Godunov is a dual tragedy of ruler and ruled during Russia’s fractured “Time of Troubles.”

SUNG IN RUSSIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION

Boris godunoVEvgeny Nikitin

PimenKwangchul Youn

grigory/the PretenderSergey Skorokhodov*

shuisKyŠtefan Margita*

shcheLKaLoVAndrey Zhilikhovsky

hostess/nurseElizabeth Bishop

VarLaamDavid Leigh*

missaiLDavid Cangelosi

the hoLy FooLRobert Brubaker

conductorEvan Rogister

directorFrancesca Zambello

set designerErhard Rom

Lighting designerMark McCullough

ProJection designer S. Katy Tucker

* WNO Mainstage Debut

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

music & LiBretto

Modest MusorgskycomPosed

1868-1872

February 20–March 17, 2021

sun mon tue wed thu Fri sat

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 01 02 03 04 05 06

07 08 09 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

E V E N I N G / M A T I N E E

Photo by Natasha Razina

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Page 7: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

By day, Rigoletto is a jester in the court of the predatory Duke of Mantua. By night, he’s a father to Gilda, who he has kept hidden from the Duke’s relentless prowling. But when a joke falls flat and Rigoletto becomes cursed, things are no longer a laughing matter. As the Duke sets out to seduce Gilda, Rigoletto plots his vengeance. Just when the jester thinks he’s getting even, revenge tragically backfires.

You’ll recognize melody after melody in Verdi’s tragic drama, from the Duke’s irresistibly catchy “La donna è mobile” to Gilda’s “Caro nome” aria. Behind this Italian masterpiece is a captivating story of a father-daughter relationship—and a heartbreaking lesson on who pays the devastating price of revenge.

SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION

rigoLettoChristopher Maltman*

giLdaVuvu Mpofu*

duKe oF mantuaPene Pati*

maddaLenaAlisa Kolosova*

sParaFuciLeStanislav Trofimov*

gioVannaDeborah Nansteel†

monteroneKevin Short

conductorRoberto Abbado

directorE. Loren Meeker

set designerErhard Rom

Lighting designerMark McCullough

ProJection designerS. Katy Tucker

† Alumnus of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program* WNO Mainstage Debut

Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

February 21–March 20, 2021

sun mon tue wed thu Fri sat

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 01 02 03 04 05 06

07 08 09 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

E V E N I N G / M A T I N E E

Vengeance is no laughing matter.

music

Giuseppe Verdi LiBretto

Francesco Maria PiavecomPosed

1851

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Page 8: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

Let the games begin! Young soldiers Ferrando and Guglielmo are so confident that their fiancées Fiordiligi and Dorabella will remain loyal when they are away that they make a bet to prove it. A dashing disguise, a slick seduction...what could possibly go wrong? It’s all fun and games until the women fall for their “new” admirers.

Mozart’s charming comedy returns under the eagerly awaited directorial debut of Kennedy Center Artistic Advisor-at-Large Renée Fleming. A cast of opera’s rising international stars assembles to sing Mozart’s sublime music, from the luminous “Soave sia il vento” trio to Fiordiligi’s determined “Come scoglio” aria. Everyone fools and everyone is fooled in this satirical romp. Are love’s strings more loosely attached than we’d like to admit?

SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TITLES | WNO PRODUCTION

FiordiLigiLaura Wilde*

doraBeLLaAnna Stéphany*

FerrandoKang Wang*

gugLieLmoAndrey Zhilikhovsky

desPinaAnna Caterina Antonacci*

don aLFonsoPaulo Szot

conductorDalia Stasevska*

directorRenée Fleming

set designerErhard Rom

costume designerAmanda Seymour*

Lighting designerMark McCullough

ProJection designerS. Katy Tucker

* WNO Mainstage Debut

Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

February 27–March 19, 2021

sun mon tue wed thu Fri sat

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 01 02 03 04 05 06

07 08 09 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

E V E N I N G / M A T I N E E

Everyone cheats in the game of hearts.

music

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart LiBretto

Lorenzo Da PontecomPosed

1790

Featuring the eagerLy awaited directoriaL deBut oF Kennedy center artistic adVisor at Large,

Renée Fleming

15K E N N E D Y - C E N T E R . O R G / S U B S C R I P T I O N S

Page 9: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

Oh, to be young and in love in Paris! Sure, there are bills to be paid—but there’s also art, moonlight, and poetry! When a group of young bohemian artists gets tangled up in love’s highs and lows, growing up is its own bittersweet heartbreak.

If tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, then make today a party! No other group of friends bursts with more youthful optimism than in Puccini’s tough and tender story. This striking production features grand sets evoking the city of love, from the gritty garrets of the Left Bank to the bustling Café Momus. With Puccini’s ravishing music and its relatable tale 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

mimìAngel Blue*

M A Y 1 5 , 1 7 , 2 1 , 2 3 M , 2 6 , 2 9

Janai Brugger M A Y 1 6 M , 1 9 , 2 4

rodoLFoStephen CostelloM A Y 1 5 , 1 7 , 2 1 , 2 3 M , 2 6 , 2 9

Evan LeRoy Johnson*

M A Y 1 6 M , 1 9 , 2 4

musettaJacqueline Echols†

marceLLoAdam Plachetka*

M A Y 1 5 , 1 7 , 2 1 , 2 3 M , 2 6 , 2 9

Gihoon Kim*

M A Y 1 6 M , 1 9 , 2 4

schaunardAdrian Timpau*

coLLineAlexandros Stavrakakis*

Benoit/aLcindoroArthur Woodley

conductorEvan Rogister

directorPeter Kazaras

originaL ProductionJo Davies

originaL set designLee Savage

costume designerJennifer Moeller

Lighting designerBruno Poet

choreograPherBen Wright

† Alumnus of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program*WNO Mainstage Debut

Generous support for WNO Italian Opera is provided by Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello.

May 2021

sun mon tue wed thu Fri sat

09 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28‡ 29

E V E N I N G / M A T I N E E

‡ D C Y A P E R F O R M A N C E

Life is too short. Join the party.

music

Giacomo Puccini LiBretto

Giuseppe Giacosa & Luigi IllicacomPosed

1896

Photo by Matt Karas

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Page 10: A Season of Thrilling Intrigue and Grand Spectacle · A Season of Thrilling Intrigue ... under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore,

David Robertson*

CONDUCTOR

A noted champion of contemporary American opera, David Roberston makes his WNO debut conducting John Adams’s Nixon in China. Currently Chief Conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Robertson conducted the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019–2020 season opening production of Porgy and Bess. David is closely associated with the music of John Adams, recently conducting his opera El Niño in Houston and winning a 2014 Grammy Award® for Best Orchestral Performance for his City Noir.

Ryan McKinnyRICHARD NIXON | BASS-BARITONE

Ryan McKinny returns to WNO after singing the title role in Mozart’s Don Giovanni last season. Ryan has performed a wide range of repertoire, including Handel, Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, and contemporary American opera at the Metropolitan Opera, Wagner’s Bayreuth Festival, Houston Grand Opera, Dutch National Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and with the San Francisco and Los Angeles symphonies.

Sean PanikkarMAO TSE-TUNG | TENOR

Hailed as “one of the stars of his generation” (Opera News), American Sean Pannikar’s recent engagements have brought him to Komische Oper Berlin for Henze’s The Bassarids, English National Opera as Don José in Bizet’s Carmen, Dutch National Opera as Jim in Weill’s Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny, the 2020 Salzburg Festival in Luigi Nono’s Intolleranza 1960, and Los Angeles Opera in Philip Glass’s Satyagraha. Sean last joined WNO as the Leader in Weill’s Lost in the Stars.

So Young Park*

CHIANG CH'ING (MADAME MAO) | SOPRANO

Having made her Metropolitan Opera debut as the Queen of the Night, So Young Park makes her WNO debut in another challenging role for coloratura soprano. Since graduating from LA Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program, Park has made important debuts throughout the United States and Europe, including with the New York Philharmonic, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Komische Oper Berlin, and Houston Grand Opera.

Joélle Harvey*

PAT NIXON | SOPRANO

A noted interpreter of a broad range of repertoire including Handel, Mozart, and new music, American soprano Joélle Harvey also makes her WNO debut with this production of Nixon in China. The 2019–2020 season saw her debuts with the Metropolitan Opera and Santa Fe Opera, as well as returns to New York Philharmonic, the Cleveland Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony.

Robert Spano*

CONDUCTOR

Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Robert Spano makes his WNO debut this season conducting Beethoven’s Fidelio. Renowned for his artistry in concert halls and opera houses worldwide, Robert made his critically acclaimed Metropolitan Opera debut in October 2018 leading the world premiere of Nico Muhly’s Marnie, and has appeared as a guest conductor at Covent Garden, New York Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Seattle Opera.

Elza van den Heever*

LEONORE | SOPRANO

Acclaimed South African soprano Elza van den Heever has emerged as one of the most exciting dramatic sopranos of her generation. With an expansive repertoire that includes Mozart, Wagner, Bellini, Strauss, and Berg, Elza has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Wiener Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Oper Frankfurt, English National Opera, and Opéra national de Bordeaux. Fidelio marks her anticipated WNO debut in the challenging title role.

Brandon JovanovichFLORESTAN | TENOR

Praised for his “ardent, heroic tenor” (The Wall Street Journal), Brandon Jovanovich is sought after by opera companies worldwide for some of the most demanding tenor roles in the repertoire. In recent seasons, he has appeared with Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, San Francisco Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, singing the lead tenor roles in Fidelio, Rusalka, La Fanciulla del West, Carmen, Die Walküre, and more.

Brian MulliganDON PIZARRO | BARITONE

Brian Mulligan’s repertoire encompasses classic works by Verdi, Wagner, and Strauss as well as 20th and 21st-century operas. In 2019, he made significant debuts at the Salzburg Festival and at the Dutch National Opera. He regularly performs with San Francisco Opera, and has appeared internationally at Zurich Opera, Dutch National Opera, Oper Frankfurt, and Wiener Staatsoper. He makes his Don Pizarro role debut with this production.

Eric OwensDON FERNANDO | BASS-BARITONE

Bass-baritone Eric Owens returns to WNO following a sensational 2019–2020 season, which included opening the Metropolitan Opera season as Porgy in Porgy and Bess, Wotan in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s complete Ring Cycle, and his role debut as King Marke in Tristan und Isolde at Santa Fe Opera. Eric has performed orchestral, recital, and operatic repertoire worldwide, including appearances at the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, San Francisco Opera, and Dutch National Opera.

Be on the lookout for these great talents in our new season!* WNO Mainstage Debut

Artist SpotlightFi

delio

Nix

on in

Chi

na

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Evan RogisterPRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR

Evan Rogister launches into his third exciting season as WNO Principal Conductor leading performances of Musorgsky’s monumental Boris Godunov (not seen in D.C. for over 20 years) and Puccini’s poignant La bohème. Rogister appears as a guest conductor with important companies on both sides of the Atlantic, including the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Bolshoi Theatre, Bergen Philharmonic, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Royal Swedish Opera. He leads Göteborg Opera’s first-ever complete Ring Cycle, which culminates in 2021.

Evgeny NikitinBORIS GODUNOV | BASS-BARITONE

One of the eminent interpreters of the Russian bass repertoire, Evgeny Nikitin makes his eagerly awaited return to WNO after a more than 15 year absence. In a career spanning over two decades, he has sung at all the world’s major opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, Paris Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, and his home theater, the Mariinsky.

Kwangchul YounPIMEN | BASS

Korean bass Kwangchul Youn is widely recognized in the international operatic and concert world for his interpretations of iconic bass roles by Verdi and Wagner. He appears at major opera houses across Europe and internationally, including those in Vienna, London, Berlin, Milan, Munich, Dresden, Paris, Barcelona, 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.

Štefan Margita*

SHUISKY | TENOR

Slovakian tenor Štefan Margita has performed in the most prestigious opera houses in the world, such as La Scala, Covent Garden, the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opéra National de Lyon, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. He makes his WNO debut as Shuisky, one of his signature roles.

Elizabeth BishopHOSTESS/NURSE | MEZZO-SOPRANO

American mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Bishop has been praised by Opera News for her “gorgeous voice” and is in equal demand for both opera and concert performances across the country. She last appeared with WNO as Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro, and has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Cincinnati Opera, Palm Beach Opera, and Florida Grand Opera.

Roberto AbbadoCONDUCTOR

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 centuries. He has conducted many of Verdi’s major works at opera houses in the United States and Europe, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Wiener Staatsoper, Bayerische Staatsoper, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and Paris Opera, among others. He returns to WNO after leading the company premiere of Fedora 20 years ago.

Christopher Maltman*

RIGOLETTO | BARITONE

Praised for his “smooth but expansive baritone” (The Financial Times), Christopher Maltman makes his WNO and American-role debut in the title role of Rigoletto. A remarkably versatile singer, Christopher recently sang the title roles in Enescu’s Oedipe at the Salzburg Festival, Rigoletto at the Berlin Staatsoper, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte at the Metropolitan Opera, and the lead baritone roles in La forza del destino (Covent Garden), Falstaff (Wiener Staatsoper), and Le nozze di Figaro (LA Opera).

Pene Pati*

DUKE OF MANTUA | TENOR

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 most promising tenors of his generation. In addition to returning to San Francisco Opera, he has performed at Opéra national de Bordeaux and the Bolshoi Theatre. In the 2019–2020 season, Pene will make debuts at the Wiener Staatsoper and Berlin Staatsoper.

Vuvu Mpofu*

GILDA | SOPRANO

South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu makes her eagerly anticipated WNO debut as Gilda in Rigoletto. Winner of the coveted John Christie Award, Vuvu sang Gilda at Glyndebourne in 2018, and has recently made memorable debuts at Bayerische Staatsoper, Oper Köln, Bergen National Opera, Opera North, Cape Town Opera, Vlaamse Opera, and Rossini Opera Festival - Pesaro. A rising star, she is an Operalia prizewinner and has a number of exciting future engagements including a return to the Glyndebourne Festival.

Alisa Kolosova*

MADDALENA | MEZZO-SOPRANO

A former member of the Wiener Staatsoper Ensemble, mezzo-soprano Alisa Kolosova has triumphed in performances at major opera houses around the world, including Paris Opera, Bayerische Staatsoper, the Glyndebourne Festival, the Salzburg Festival, and Rome Opera, among others. Alisa makes her WNO debut this season as Maddalena. Bo

ris G

odun

ov

Rig

olet

to

A R T I S T S P O T L I G H T A R T I S T S P O T L I G H T

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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 Stockholm, and Finnish National Opera.

Anna Stéphany*

DORABELLA | MEZZO-SOPRANO

Anna Stéphany has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting mezzo-sopranos singing today, with a repertoire that includes the lead mezzo roles in Werther, Der Rosenkavalier, La Clemenza di Tito, and Idomeneo, 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 Glyndebourne Festival, and will soon debut at the Dutch National Opera as Marguerite in Berlioz’s La Damnation de Faust.

Anna Caterina Antonacci* DESPINA | SOPRANO

Noted for her singular, indelible performances over three decades, Italian 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 La voix humaine (Torino, Luxembourg), the title roles in Cherubini’s Medea (Paris, Toulouse) and Bizet’s Carmen (Madrid, Covent Garden, Paris), and Vitellia in La Clemenza di Tito (Paris, Geneva). Having sung both Fiordiligi and Dorabella, Anna Caterina makes her role debut as Despina in these performances.

Kang Wang* FERRANDO | TENOR

Australian Chinese tenor Kang Wang recently debuted at Opera Australia, Pittsburgh Opera, the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, the Glimmerglass Festival, and Welsh National Opera. He is a graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, making his debut with the house in Salome in 2016, and returning in subsequent seasons for Fidelio, Semiramide, and Manon Lescaut.

Paulo SzotDON ALFONSO | BARITONE

Baritone Paulo Szot maintains an active career in both opera and musical theater. He won a 2008 Tony Award® for his performance in South Pacific, recently returned to Broadway in Kander & Ebb’s Chicago, and in 2010 he made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Shostakovich’s The Nose. Recently, he sung Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte at Paris Opera, and has appeared at Teatro di San Carlo, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Teatro Real, and with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Angel Blue*

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 Bess at the Metropolitan Opera last season, she makes her WNO debut as Mimì, one of her signature roles. Recently, she has sung Tosca at the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Violetta at La Scala, Covent Garden, and Seattle Opera, Mimì and Musetta at the Metropolitan Opera, and Bess at La Scala.

Stephen CostelloRODOLFO | TENOR

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 Greenhorn (Ishmael) in Jake Heggie’s Moby Dick. Recently, he has returned to Paris Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Semperoper Dresden, and the Gran Teatre de Liceu, among others.

Adam Plachetka*

MARCELLO | BASS-BARITONE

Making his WNO debut as Marcello, Czech baritone Adam Plachetka has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Wiener 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 Papageno at the Salzburg Festival.

Jacqueline EcholsMUSETTA | SOPRANO

A graduate of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program at WNO, Jacqueline Echols made her Metropolitan Opera debut last season as Pousette in 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 Dallas Opera, in addition to appearances with Michigan Opera Theater, The Glimmerglass Festival, North Carolina Opera, and others. C

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A R T I S T S P O T L I G H T A R T I S T S P O T L I G H T

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C AT C H A G L I M P S E I N T O T H E F U T U R E O F O P E R A !

American Opera Initiative Our talented Young ArtistsCurrently guided by Robert Ainsley, this leading resident-training program cultivates promising young singers and accompanists on the verge of international careers, with many graduates going on to perform in the world’s top opera houses.

Throughout their training, the Young Artists are featured prominently in WNO performances—including this season’s production of La bohème (see page 17), in which they take on the leading roles for one night only.

The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program is made possible through the generous support of The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, with additional funding provided by Susan Carmel, Judy and Billy Cox, Robert and Lynn Downing, Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Virginia McGehee Friend, John and Mary Lee Malcolm, Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey P. Pohanka, Dr. Arthur and Mrs. Robin Sagoskin, Mr. Alan J. Savada and Mr. Will Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Schuiling, Jr., Dr. and Mrs. Guillermo Schultz, Washington National Opera Council, and The Women’s Committee of Washington National Opera.

WNO’s acclaimed commissioning program for contemporary American opera enters its eighth exciting iteration, this season showcasing three new 20-minute operas. Our Young Artists and other talented performers will be featured, guided by program director Robert Ainsley. The 2021 AOI 20-Minute Operas will be mentored by award-winning composer Anthony Davis, acclaimed librettist Kelley Rourke, and renowned conductor David Neely.

Three New 20-Minute OperasJANUARY 16 (2021), 2 SHOWS | TERRACE THEATER

Three world-premiere short operas will be staged in a concert performance, accompanied by a small chamber orchestra comprised of WNO Orchestra musicians. The second performance will be followed by a Q&A with the artists and creative team. “Short-form chamber opera appears to be the wave of operatic future,” said the Washington Post about our 2015 world premiere presentations. “The young members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program did themselves proud.”

“WNO’s American Opera Initiative is an exciting and positive leap forward in the trajectory of American opera:

keeping it fresh, energized, bold, and current.”Jake Heggie

FO R M E R AO I M E N TO R

S U B S C R I B E R O P T I O N S S U B S C R I B E R O P T I O N S

2020 Marian Anderson Vocal Award Winner

Will Liverman in RecitalNOV. 30 (2020) | TERRACE THEATER

Named for the groundbreaking African American contralto, the Marian Anderson Vocal Award recognizes a young American singer in opera, oratorio, or recital repertory. Given annually by the Kennedy Center, the award offers a cash prize, a residency at Washington’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and a recital co-presented by WNO and the Kennedy Center’s Fortas Chamber Music Concerts. Prior recipients include Soloman Howard, Ryan Speedo Green, Denyce Graves, Eric Owens, Lawrence Brownlee, Janai Brugger, John Holiday, and many others.

This year’s winner, Will Liverman, is praised for his “lithe, metallic baritone” (The Washington Post) and “suave and savvy stage presence” (The Seattle Times). The gifted baritone has quickly gained a reputation for his compelling performances, with significant debuts on stages such as the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Seattle Opera, Opera Philadelphia, and more.

The Marian Anderson Vocal Award is made possible in part thanks to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

Opera Master Class with Angel Blue MAY 18 (2021) JUSTICE FORUM AT THE REACH

Witness how great performers are made, hear opera’s voices of tomorrow, and observe the creative process. Emerging artists hone their craft under the guidance of Angel Blue, who is praised for her “sumptuously voiced soprano” (The New York Times). Angel makes her mainstage debut in WNO’s La bohème following her acclaimed portrayal of Bess in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019–2020 Porgy and Bess.

More Learning OpportunitiesWNO and the Kennedy Center Education Division are committed to supporting arts learning for every age, every art form, everywhere: from look-ins and open rehearsals for student groups; to support for aspiring singers and artistic professionals through the WNO Young Associates and WNO Opera Institute at American University; to innovative professional development for teachers and classroom support through Kids Create Opera. Learn more at kennedy-center.org/wno/home/education

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

From the Kennedy Center’s Education Division

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Noseda & AxTHU. , FEB. 18 , 2021 AT 7 P.M.FRI . , FEB. 19 , 2021 AT 11 :30 A.M.SAT. , FEB. 20 , 2021 AT 8 P.M.

Gianandrea Noseda, conductorEmanuel Ax, pianoWagner: Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey

(from Götterdämmerung)Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 9 K 281, “Jeunehomme”Schumann: Symphony No. 3, “Rhenish”

Remarkable Women: Rimsky-Korsakov’s ScheherazadeTHU. , MAR. 4 , 2021 AT 7 P.M.FRI . , MAR. 5 , 2021 AT 8 P.M.SAT. , MAR. 6 , 2021 AT 8 P.M.

Gianandrea Noseda, conductorLorelei EnsembleJ. Wolfe: Her Story (D.C. Premiere—NSO co-commission)Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

Noseda conducts Rachmaninoff & DvořákTHU. , MAY 20 , 2021 AT 7 P.M.SAT. , MAY 22 , 2021 AT 8 P.M.

Gianandrea Noseda, conductorUniversity of Maryland Concert Choir

Edward Maclary, DirectorDvořák: The Noon-Day WitchSzymanowski: Stabat MaterRachmaninoff: Symphony No. 3

Gods & Monarchs: Noseda conducts Oedipus Rex & “Jupiter”THU. , JUNE 3 , 2021 AT 7 P.M.SAT. , JUNE 5 , 2021 AT 8 P.M.SUN. , JUNE 6 , 2021 AT 3 P.M.

Gianandrea Noseda, conductorMozart: Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter”Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex

A CO -PRESENTATION OF

Fortas Chamber Music Concerts & Renée Fleming VOICES

Susan Graham and Music from Copland House EnsembleNOV. 18 , 2020 | TERRACE THEATER

Take a musical journey through America’s rich past with the “beloved and irreplaceable” (Gramophone Magazine) Grammy Award®–winning mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and the “excellent musicians” (The Chicago Tribune) of Music from Copland House Ensemble. The centerpiece of the evening highlights a major

collaboration between Grammy®-winning composer Richard Danielpour and Pulitzer Prize–winning author and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita 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.

S U B S C R I B E R O P T I O N S S U B S C R I B E R O P T I O N S

National Symphony OrchestraDon’t miss these thrilling programs featuring some of your favorite singers, composers, and vocal works in the Concert Hall.

Beethoven at 250: Noseda conducts Missa SolemnisTHU. , OCT. 8 , 2020 AT 7 P.M.FRI . , OCT. 9 , 2020 AT 8 P.M.SAT. , OCT. 10 , 2020 AT 8 PM

Gianandrea Noseda, conductorGenia Kühmeier, sopranoElisabeth Kulman, mezzo-sopranoBenjamin Bruns, tenorHanno Müller-Brachmann, bass-baritoneThe Choral Arts Society of WashingtonBeethoven: Missa Solemnis

Salonen conducts Karawane & Daphnis and ChloéTHU. , NOV. 12 , 2020 AT 7 P.M.SAT. , NOV. 14 , 2020 AT 8 P.M.

Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductorThe Washington ChorusE.-P. Salonen: KarawaneRavel: Daphnis and Chloé —complete ballet

Salonen conducts Stravinsky’s Perséphone Directed by Peter SellarsFRI . , NOV. 20 , 2020 AT 8 P.M.SAT. , NOV. 21 , 2020 AT 8 P.M.

Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductorPeter Sellars, directorMarianne Crebassa, mezzo-sopranoPauline Cheviller, narratorPaul Groves, tenorChildren’s Chorus of WashingtonThe Choral Arts Society of WashingtonE.-P. Salonen: FOG (World premiere of orchestral

version—NSO co-commission)Berlioz: Les Nuits d'étéStravinsky: Perséphone (staged)

Handel’s MessiahTHU. , DEC. 17 , 2020 AT 7 P.M.FRI . , DEC. 18 , 2020 AT 8 P.M.SAT. , DEC. 19 , 2020 AT 8 P.M.SUN. , DEC. 20 , 2020 AT 1 P.M.

Fabio Biondi, conductorLiv Redpath, sopranoKate Lindsey, mezzo-sopranoJohn Matthew Myers, tenorNeal Davies, bassUniversity of Maryland Concert ChoirHandel: Messiah

The NSO Music Director Chair is generously endowed by Roger and Victoria Sant.

The Blue Series is sponsored by United Technologies Corporation.

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, widow of Abe Fortas.

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

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Pre-Performance TalksJoin a free lecture before every Opera House production! Delve deeper as you take a peek inside the composer’s mind, behind the scenes of planning a production, and into the history and social context of each opera. These lectures are free, but patrons must present a ticket from any performance of the production that is being discussed in the lecture.

Most Pre-Performance Talks begin 1 hour before the performance and last 25–30 minutes.

Musicologist Saul Lilienstein’s talks take place on the following days, beginning 1 hour and 15 minutes before the performance and lasting 35–40 minutes: Fidelio: Nov. 4 (2020); Nixon in China: Nov. 11 (2020); Boris Godunov: Mar. 17 (2021); Rigoletto: Mar. 10 (2021); Così fan tutte: Mar. 3 (2021); and La bohème: May 19 (2021).

WNO Previews and Recitals on the Millennium Stage Enjoy preview performances and discussions of the season’s operas along with recitals featuring the Young Artists. Enhance your upcoming opera experience with dynamic speakers providing insightful introductions—including historical context, synopses, and more—alongside young artists who perform excerpts from select scenes and arias. All performances begin at 6 p.m. Be on the lookout for more performances to be announced soon.

ɐ Fidelio and Nixon in China Preview: Oct. 2 (2020)

ɐ Rigoletto and Così fan tutte Preview: Jan. 28 (2021)

ɐ WNO Young Artists in Recital: Apr. 8 (2021)

ɐ La bohème Preview: May 11 (2021)

ɐ Elephant & Piggie’s SLOPERA!: Date to be announced

Post-Performance Artist Q&AsFollowing select performances, don’t miss your opportunity to engage directly with our artists and share your thoughts on the experience you just had! Here’s your chance to ask questions and get the inside scoop on the production from members of the cast and creative team. All discussions begin immediately after the performance and are free with your ticket.

ɐ Fidelio: Nov. 1, 9 (2020)

ɐ Nixon in China: Nov. 2, 8 (2020)

ɐ Rigoletto: Feb. 21, Mar. 1, 14 (2021)

ɐ Boris Godunov: Feb. 28, Mar. 8 (2021)

ɐ Così fan tutte: Mar. 7, 15 (2021)

ɐ La bohème: May 16, 17, 23, 24 (2021)

Opera in the Outfield®

Bring your family and friends to Nationals Park for a free live screening of a classic opera! Previous presentations have ranged from The Marriage of Figaro and Cinderella to Aida and The Barber of Seville. Relax and enjoy all that the ballpark has to offer while you watch—including concessions, prizes, entertainment, and more. Be on the lookout for more information in the months ahead posted to OperaInTheOutfield.org.

The Millennium Stage is brought to you by

Opera in the Outfield® is brought to you by the M&M’S® Chocolate Candies and American Heritage® Chocolate Brands, and the Washington Nationals.

Elephant & Piggie’s SLOPERA!A WNO AND KENNEDY CENTER COMMIS SION AND WORLD PREMIERE

PERFORMANCE DATE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

Elephant & Piggie are in…an OPERA?! Yes! Even better, it’s a SLOPera! Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems pens the libretto of a 20-minute opera for families based on his Elephant & Piggie adventure I

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!

F R E E E V E N T S F R E E E V E N T S

Art © Mo Willems. ELEPHANT & PIGGIE is a trademark of The Mo Willems Studio, Inc.

Special presentation

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Your WNO experience at the Kennedy Center

ɐ Pre-paid parking at tkc.co/parking

ɐ Convenient, enclosed parking under the building

ɐ Free shuttle to and from Metro

ɐ Free daily Millennium Stage shows

ɐ Shop, eat, and take a free tour

Renew todayRenew online at Kennedy-Center.org/subscriptions

Mail your completed personalized renewal form in the provided envelope

Or email it to [email protected]

Or fax it to (202) 416-8585.

Questions? Call the Subscriptions Office at (202) 416-8500, weekdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and a representative will be happy to assist you.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities. If you or a member of your party require accessible seating, such as a wheelchair accessible location, please indicate when placing your order. For more information about accessibility services and programs, please contact the Accessibility Office at (202) 416-8727 or [email protected], or visit our website at Kennedy-Center.org/accessibility.

The REACHWith the opening of the REACH, the Kennedy Center has affirmed its role as one of the nation’s most interactive and inspiring arts and culture destinations, where everyone truly belongs.

It is an immersive learning center, a public incubator, and 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, delivering on a vision for what a 21st century arts center should be—inclusive, accessible, and interactive.

For more information, visit Kennedy-Center.org/REACH

Find WNO online

Kennedy-Center.org/wno

WashingtonNationalOpera

@WashNatOpera

WashNatOpera

@WashNatOpera

wno-blog.kennedycenterblogs.org

Enhance your WNO subscription with a Membership!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 tax-deductible contribution of $75 or more, you will receive exclusive Membership benefits such as special ticketing privileges, 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.

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 from our programming. So the next time you come to a performance, come knowing that you helped make it possible!

Interested in even more WNO Giving Opportunities? Please contact the WNO Circles Office at (202) 416-8309.

Have you included a gift for WNO in your will? Please call us at (202) 416-8041 so we may thank you! You can also contact

us to learn more about bequests or gifts that produce income for life.

Associate $75

ɐ Members-Only Ticket Priority* for individual ticket purchases and new subscriptions

ɐ Exclusive Members-Only Newsletter On the Aisle

ɐ 10% discount at the Kennedy Center Gift Shops, Roof Terrace Restaurant, and KC Café

Contributor $180

ɐ Use of our private Membership Lounges for you and your guests

ɐ Four $2 parking discount codes

ɐ Invitations to an NSO Working Rehearsal and Curtain Up Theater Event

Partner $350

ɐ Special invitation for you and a guest to tour the WNO Costume Studio

ɐ Invitations to a Meet the Conductor Reception, Ballet Working Rehearsal, and a second NSO Working Rehearsal

Sponsor $700

ɐ Reduced service fees on purchases for Kennedy Center performances (some exclusions may apply)

ɐ Invitations to a Backstage Experience, President’s Annual Meeting, and a third NSO Working Rehearsal

ɐ Access to the Priority Waitlist for up to two tickets to the Kennedy Center Honors

Principal $1,000

ɐ Invitation to purchase tickets to the Kennedy Center July 4th Celebration

ɐ Invitation to a fourth NSO Working Rehearsal

ɐ Redeemable voucher for a collectible Kennedy Center Souvenir Cup (available with beverage purchase)

Patron Circle $1,800

ɐ Admittance to the exclusive Circles Lounges for you and your guests

ɐ Invitation to all WNO Dress Rehearsals

ɐ Recognition in Playbill for all Kennedy Center performances

ɐ Special rates and discounts at Washington-area hotels and restaurants

Golden Circle $4,000

ɐ Ticket Concierge Service: Prime orchestra seats unavailable to the general public, reserved for purchase directly from the Circles Office up to 48 hours before curtain

ɐ Invitations to all WNO Director’s Dialogues which connect you to the Director and Artists

*Kennedy Center, NSO, and WNO presentations only

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FidelioNixon in China

Boris GodunovRigoletto

Così fan tutteLa bohème

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

American Opera Initiative

Marian Anderson Vocal Award Winner

The Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists

DON'T FORGET YOUR SUBSCRIBER ADVANTAGE

More flexible exchanges than ever

Early access to the best seats

Exclusive savings on performances and moreSee inside for more details. COVER: Photo by Matt Karas

Photo by Natasha Razina

Yevgeny Nikitin in Boris Godunov