Washington Concert Opera Sets 30th Anniversary Season

Washington Concert Opera is proud to announce its 2016-2017 lineup, which marks the organization's 30th anniversary. WCO begins its season with a special 30th Anniversary Concert on September 18th, followed by a performance of Massenet's Hérodiade on on November 20th and ending on March 5th, 2017 with Beethoven's Leonore. All performances will start at 6pm and will take place at Lisner Auditorium on the campus of George Washington University.

The 30th Anniversary Concert on September 18th will explore the highlights of seasons past, with an emphasis on bel canto, featuring an impressive roster of acclaimed opera stars, including Angela Meade and Vivica Genaux. The evening will also feature Michele Angelini, a heralded tenor making his Washington, DC debut. This performance not only celebrates 30 seasons of Washington Concert Opera but also marks the 15th year under the direction of Maestro Antony Walker.

On November 20th, a king's insatiable lust and his stepdaughter's obsession with a man of God are at the forefront of Massenet's dramatic masterpiece, Hérodiade. Based on Gustave Flaubert's version of the biblical tale of Herodias, the phenomenal cast includes tenor Michael Fabiano (last seen in WCO's 2014 performance of Il Corsaro) as John the Baptist, internationally acclaimed soprano Joyce El-Khouy as Salome, and Metropolitan Opera star Michaela Martens in the title role.

Inspired by Napoleonic ideas and fervent nationalism, Leonore is best known as the first version of Beethoven's more famous opera, Fidelio. On March 5, 2017 this timeless tale of love conquering all will star American soprano Marjorie Owens (praised in the Washington Post for her "golden voice") in the title role. The opera also features Simon O'Neill as Florestan and soprano Celena Shafer as Marzelline.

Tickets can be purchased at www.concertopera.org or by calling 202 364-5826. Prices range from $15 student tickets to $200 for season subscriptions.