Free Events from the Washington National Opera
By Elisabeth Grant
Is the Washington National Opera sensitive to the current economic crisis? Or are they looking for new (more frugal) viewers? Whatever their motive, the Washington National Opera keeps rolling out free performances, making wallets happy all over D.C.
Earlier this year they threw the second annual Opera in the Outfield, a free simulcast of their opening night performance, this year The Barber of Seville, at Nationals Park. And now from November 13th through the 22nd they will celebrate “National Opera Week” (who knew that existed?) with a series of free performances and events.
1. Open Orchestra Read: The Marriage of Figaro
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 6 pm
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
Hear selections from The Marriage of Figaro performed by the Washington National Opera Orchestra and coupled with narration by Maestro Ken Weiss “explaining the art of rehearsal and answering questions about the process of preparing a score.”
2. Community In Bloom, A Ward 7 Community Project
Sunday, November 15, 2009, 3:30 pm
Kelly Miller Middle School
301 49th Street NE, Washington, DC, 20019
The Washington National Opera teams up with the Humanities Council of Washington DC and the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative to present performances and art focused on the lives of Ward 7 community members.
3. So You Want to Be a Singer? An Opera Career Talk
Monday, November 16, 2009, 6 pm
American University Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC
Hear about how to start a career in opera from Christina Scheppelmann (WNO Director of Artistic Operations), Elizabeth Bishop (mezzo-soprano), and Brandy Hawkins (mezzo-soprano). Free, but to reserve seats, call (202) 448-3465.
4. Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Recital
Friday, November 20, 2009, 12 pm
The Russell Senate Office Building, Rotunda
Constitution Avenue and 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Enjoy arias performed by members of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program.
5. Hola Opera! An Introduction to Opera
Friday, November 20, 2009, 11 am
Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library
5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC, 20011
Children 5 to 10 and their families are invited to a bilingual event, where Peter Burroughs and Anamer Castrello will perform arias and zarzuelas.
Ah free, music to one’s ears.