Washington National Opera is turning 70 — and celebrating in style. The company has launched its 2026–27 season, its first full season as an independent company, with a daring new theatrical concept at the historic DAR Constitution Hall: WNO’s “Revolutionary Stage.”
For three weeks in November, the grand auditorium is transformed into an intimate opera house. A thrust stage reaches into the audience, wrapped in café-style seating, so every seat feels close to the music and the drama.
The season opens with a brand-new production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on November 7, 13, 15, 18 and 20, starring soprano Karah Son in her company debut as Cio-Cio-San. Then comes a major milestone: the company premiere of John Adams’ Nixon in China on November 14, 19 and 21, honoring the composer’s 80th birthday with Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson in the leading roles.
The November run closes with a star-studded concert, We the People, on November 22 at 4 p.m., featuring Fleming, Hampson and Amber R. Monroe with the WNO Orchestra under Music Director Robert Spano — a fitting centerpiece for the company’s 70th anniversary year.
The celebration continues through spring with a family-friendly holiday opera, Odyssey, the world premiere of O’Keeffe: Kiss the Sky, and beloved classics like Mozart’s Idomeneo and Verdi’s La traviata at venues across the region. Tickets and the full season are available at washnatopera.org.
Photo: Washington National Opera.
