WNO Announces Casting Update For CANDIDE

American soprano Emily Pogorelc makes her Washington National Opera (WNO) debut as Candide's forlorn love interest, Cunegonde, in Leonard Bernstein's effervescent social critique that blurs the lines between opera and musical theater. Candide runs from May 5-26, 2018 at the Kennedy Center Opera House.

"We are thrilled Kathryn Lewek will remain among a list of stars performing the WNO Gala on May 20 despite withdrawing from our production of Candide," says WNO Artistic Director and Candide director Francesca Zambello. "We eagerly look forward to having her return to Washington National Opera in future seasons, and congratulate Kathryn and her husband who are expecting their first child."

Praised for her "lively, incisive soprano" by the New York Times, Emily Pogorelc is currently a member of the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago. In the 2018-2019 season, she will appear in Massenet's Cendrillon and Strauss's Elektra with the company and will cover roles in Mozart's Idomeneo, Handel's Ariodante and Wagner's Siegfried. Read more about Emily Pogorelc.

Candide concludes WNO's 2017-2018 season and is directed by WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello with conductor Nicole Paiement, tenor Alek Shrader as Candide, and Denyce Graves as the Old Lady. Visit WNO's website for complete production details and casting information.