The Washington National Opera will once again be providing thousands of people the opportunity to see great opera for free in a most unusual venue, Nationals Park. I have personally taken many teenage violin students to this annual event and they have come away big opera fans. If you have never been to an opera, this is a great way to start. It is relaxed, casual, FREE and you can eat hot dogs and drink beer while you watch the opera on the enormous screen. You can even spread a blanket in the outfield where children have room to wiggle. Personally, I find some comfort in the notion that the sound of opera is wafting out across DC courtesy of the PA system in Nationals Park. This year's opera is Verdi's "Masked Ball" which is simulcast live from the Kennedy Center. Best of all, this event is free thanks to Target and the M&M Mars Company.
Usually the event has been held after dark on a Saturday evening, which makes the screen images bright and crisp. I'm wondering how the 2:00pm start time on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 19th) will affect the experience. The crowd size had increased dramatically last year, from previous years, so the advanced reservations are probably a good idea. A big thumbs up on this event!
Starring:
Salvatore Licitra as King Gustavus III
Luca Salsi as Count Anckarström, the King’s best friend and advisor
Tamara Wilson as Amelia, Anckarström’s wife and Gustavus’ secret love
Micaëla Oeste as Oscar, a page in Gustavus’ court
Elena Manistina as Mam’zelle Arvidson, a fortune teller
Kenneth Kellogg and John Marcus Bindel as Count Ribbing and Count Horn, conspirators against the crown
Conductor………………………………Daniele Callegari*
Director………………………………James Robinson*
Set Design………………………………Allen Moyer
Costume Design………………………………James Schuette*
You can make reservations by clicking here.
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