Making of Opera: The Ring - Enter the Dragon
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Soloman Howard and Technical Director, Paul Taylor, take us behind the scenes to reveal the mysteries of the Dragon. http://www.kennedy-center.org/festivals/ring Washingtonians have eagerly awaited WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner’s extraordinary four-opera saga of gods and men, giants and dwarves. First performed as separate WNO productions before being presented as a full cycle in San Francisco, The Ring in its entirety now returns to the nation’s capital, to be staged in three complete cycles across three weeks. Conceived and directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Music Director Philippe Auguin, the production brings together a world-class cast including British soprano Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde, Cycles I & II), Swedish soprano Nina Stemme (Brünnhilde, Cycle III), American tenor Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), American bass-baritone Alan Held (Wotan/The Wanderer), and many other top artists, including several reprising their roles from the original Washington productions. Additional events, ranging from expert-led lectures and engaging symposia to convenient dining options, give audiences even more ways to explore and celebrate The Ring’s WNO homecoming. Spectacularly evoking the mythology of America, Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production draws provocative parallels between Wagner’s fantastical drama and civilization’s corruption of nature. The struggle for the possession of a powerful ring drives this extraordinary series of operas, in which the stakes—control of the entire world—could not be higher. Credits as of April 1, 2016.
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Play video Making of Opera: The Ring - Pixels and Pyro
Making of Opera: The Ring - Pixels and Pyro
Technical Director Paul Taylor and Associate Technical Director Christy Blackham give a behind-the-scenes look into the special effects of The Ring. http://www.kennedy-center.org/festivals/ring Washingtonians have eagerly awaited WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner’s extraordinary four-opera saga of gods and men, giants and dwarves. First performed as separate WNO productions before being presented as a full cycle in San Francisco, The Ring in its entirety now returns to the nation’s capital, to be staged in three complete cycles across three weeks. Conceived and directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Music Director Philippe Auguin, the production brings together a world-class cast including British soprano Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde, Cycles I & II), Swedish soprano Nina Stemme (Brünnhilde, Cycle III), American tenor Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), American bass-baritone Alan Held (Wotan/The Wanderer), and many other top artists, including several reprising their roles from the original Washington productions. Additional events, ranging from expert-led lectures and engaging symposia to convenient dining options, give audiences even more ways to explore and celebrate The Ring’s WNO homecoming. Spectacularly evoking the mythology of America, Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production draws provocative parallels between Wagner’s fantastical drama and civilization’s corruption of nature. The struggle for the possession of a powerful ring drives this extraordinary series of operas, in which the stakes—control of the entire world—could not be higher. Credits as of April 1, 2016.
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Play video Making of Opera: The Ring - Fafner the Giant
Making of Opera: The Ring - Fafner the Giant
Go behind the scenes with the WNO’s costume department as they transform Soloman Howard into Fafner the Giant. http://www.kennedy-center.org/festivals/ring Washingtonians have eagerly awaited WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner’s extraordinary four-opera saga of gods and men, giants and dwarves. First performed as separate WNO productions before being presented as a full cycle in San Francisco, The Ring in its entirety now returns to the nation’s capital, to be staged in three complete cycles across three weeks. Conceived and directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Music Director Philippe Auguin, the production brings together a world-class cast including British soprano Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde, Cycles I & II), Swedish soprano Nina Stemme (Brünnhilde, Cycle III), American tenor Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), American bass-baritone Alan Held (Wotan/The Wanderer), and many other top artists, including several reprising their roles from the original Washington productions. Additional events, ranging from expert-led lectures and engaging symposia to convenient dining options, give audiences even more ways to explore and celebrate The Ring’s WNO homecoming. Spectacularly evoking the mythology of America, Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production draws provocative parallels between Wagner’s fantastical drama and civilization’s corruption of nature. The struggle for the possession of a powerful ring drives this extraordinary series of operas, in which the stakes—control of the entire world—could not be higher. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Major support for WNO and the Ring is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO. WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. General Dynamics is the Presenting Sponsor of WNO’s 2015-2016 Season. Generous support for the Ring is provided by Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire & Jehan Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire, Panasonic, Lynn and John Pohanka, Ken and Dorothy Woodcock, and an anonymous gift. Additional support for the Ring is provided by The Theodore H. Barth Foundation; Robert and Lynn Downing; Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros, on behalf of The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Feinberg, PC; James A. Feldman and Natalie Wexler; Ms. Wilhelmina Holladay; Prince Charitable Trusts; and Renaissance Tours. Crediting as of April 1, 2016
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Play video Making of Opera: Nabucco - An Introduction
Making of Opera: Nabucco - An Introduction
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Nabucco, Verdi's Italian masterpiece. Go behind the scenes with the Washington National Opera and discover what it takes to bring an opera to life. Performances run April 28 - May 21, 2012, at The Kennedy Center. Musical excerpts used courtesy of EMI Classics. For the first time in the company's 56 years, WNO brings Nabucco, the opera that made Verdi famous, to the Opera House stage in its Washington, D.C. premiere. http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=OMOSC In a stunning new production by Thaddeus Strassberger, the epic struggle of the Jews suppressed by Babylon's King Nabucco is echoed in Italy's nationalist conflict with Austria at the time Verdi created the opera. This landmark work is filled with grand and gorgeous music, including one of opera's most famous choruses, "Va, pensiero," adopted as Italy's unofficial national anthem. WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin conducts, and Franco Vassallo and Csilla Boross make their company debuts as Nabucco and Abigaille. Apr. 28--May 21, 2012 | Opera House | Tickets from $25 Franco Vassallo as Nabucco Csilla Boross as Abigaille Burak Bilgili as Zaccaria Sean Panikkar as Ismaele Géraldine Chauvet as Fenena Washington National Opera Orchestra Washington National Opera Chorus
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Play video Making of Opera: The Ring - Alberich and Nibelungen
Making of Opera: The Ring - Alberich and Nibelungen
Peek into a WNO rehearsal room as Gordon Hawkins (Alberich) rehearses a scene with the Nibelungen. http://www.kennedy-center.org/festivals/ring Washingtonians have eagerly awaited WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner’s extraordinary four-opera saga of gods and men, giants and dwarves. First performed as separate WNO productions before being presented as a full cycle in San Francisco, The Ring in its entirety now returns to the nation’s capital, to be staged in three complete cycles across three weeks. Conceived and directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Music Director Philippe Auguin, the production brings together a world-class cast including British soprano Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde, Cycles I & II), Swedish soprano Nina Stemme (Brünnhilde, Cycle III), American tenor Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), American bass-baritone Alan Held (Wotan/The Wanderer), and many other top artists, including several reprising their roles from the original Washington productions. Additional events, ranging from expert-led lectures and engaging symposia to convenient dining options, give audiences even more ways to explore and celebrate The Ring’s WNO homecoming. Spectacularly evoking the mythology of America, Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production draws provocative parallels between Wagner’s fantastical drama and civilization’s corruption of nature. The struggle for the possession of a powerful ring drives this extraordinary series of operas, in which the stakes—control of the entire world—could not be higher. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Major support for WNO and the Ring is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO. WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. General Dynamics is the Presenting Sponsor of WNO’s 2015-2016 Season. Generous support for the Ring is provided by Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire & Jehan Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire, Panasonic, Lynn and John Pohanka, Ken and Dorothy Woodcock, and an anonymous gift. Additional support for the Ring is provided by The Theodore H. Barth Foundation; Robert and Lynn Downing; Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros, on behalf of The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Feinberg, PC; James A. Feldman and Natalie Wexler; Ms. Wilhelmina Holladay; Prince Charitable Trusts; and Renaissance Tours. Crediting as of April 1, 2016
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Play video Making of Opera: The Ring - Staging Timelapse
Making of Opera: The Ring - Staging Timelapse
Experience the rigorous work behind the scenes, as the many sets of The Ring are constructed in just 45 seconds. http://www.kennedy-center.org/festivals/ring Washingtonians have eagerly awaited WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner’s extraordinary four-opera saga of gods and men, giants and dwarves. First performed as separate WNO productions before being presented as a full cycle in San Francisco, The Ring in its entirety now returns to the nation’s capital, to be staged in three complete cycles across three weeks. Conceived and directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Music Director Philippe Auguin, the production brings together a world-class cast including British soprano Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde, Cycles I & II), Swedish soprano Nina Stemme (Brünnhilde, Cycle III), American tenor Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), American bass-baritone Alan Held (Wotan/The Wanderer), and many other top artists, including several reprising their roles from the original Washington productions. Additional events, ranging from expert-led lectures and engaging symposia to convenient dining options, give audiences even more ways to explore and celebrate The Ring’s WNO homecoming. Spectacularly evoking the mythology of America, Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production draws provocative parallels between Wagner’s fantastical drama and civilization’s corruption of nature. The struggle for the possession of a powerful ring drives this extraordinary series of operas, in which the stakes—control of the entire world—could not be higher. Credits as of April 1, 2016.
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Play video Making of Opera: The Ring - Garments of the Gods
Making of Opera: The Ring - Garments of the Gods
Costume Designer Catherine Zuber describes all of the costumes of Wotan, played by Alan Held. http://www.kennedy-center.org/festivals/ring Washingtonians have eagerly awaited WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, Richard Wagner’s extraordinary four-opera saga of gods and men, giants and dwarves. First performed as separate WNO productions before being presented as a full cycle in San Francisco, The Ring in its entirety now returns to the nation’s capital, to be staged in three complete cycles across three weeks. Conceived and directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and conducted by Music Director Philippe Auguin, the production brings together a world-class cast including British soprano Catherine Foster (Brünnhilde, Cycles I & II), Swedish soprano Nina Stemme (Brünnhilde, Cycle III), American tenor Daniel Brenna (Siegfried), American bass-baritone Alan Held (Wotan/The Wanderer), and many other top artists, including several reprising their roles from the original Washington productions. Additional events, ranging from expert-led lectures and engaging symposia to convenient dining options, give audiences even more ways to explore and celebrate The Ring’s WNO homecoming. Spectacularly evoking the mythology of America, Francesca Zambello’s acclaimed production draws provocative parallels between Wagner’s fantastical drama and civilization’s corruption of nature. The struggle for the possession of a powerful ring drives this extraordinary series of operas, in which the stakes—control of the entire world—could not be higher. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Major support for WNO and the Ring is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars. David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO. WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey. General Dynamics is the Presenting Sponsor of WNO’s 2015-2016 Season. Generous support for the Ring is provided by Constance Milstein de La Haye St. Hilaire & Jehan Christophe de La Haye St. Hilaire, Panasonic, Lynn and John Pohanka, Ken and Dorothy Woodcock, and an anonymous gift. Additional support for the Ring is provided by The Theodore H. Barth Foundation; Robert and Lynn Downing; Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros, on behalf of The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Feinberg, PC; James A. Feldman and Natalie Wexler; Ms. Wilhelmina Holladay; Prince Charitable Trusts; and Renaissance Tours. Crediting as of April 1, 2016
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