This DCist loves opera, but we understand that it is not for everyone and that the cost can be prohibitive. If your mood turns operatic, however, it’s a good month for you. This is the final week for Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, with sold-out performances on Tuesday (November 15, 7:30 p.m.), Friday (November 18, 7:30 p.m.), and Saturday (November 19, 7 p.m.). If you still want to attend this positively reviewed production, we understand that there may still be tickets available for members of the Generation O program. Sign up if you are a student or young professional, ages 18 to 35. Obviously, we are not opposed to the short drive to Baltimore when opera is concerned. Baltimore Opera is presenting its second production of the season, a rare and promising La Sonnambula by Vincenzo Bellini. Based on our very favorable experience of lead soprano Valeria Esposito, we reviewed last night’s premiere at Ionarts, if you want to know more. Performances remain on Wednesday (November 16, 7:30 p.m.), Friday (November 18, 8:15 p.m.), and Sunday (November 20, 3 p.m.). Also in Baltimore, the Peabody Opera Theater will present one of the greatest operatic comedies of all time, Verdi’s Falstaff, from Thursday through Sunday, at the Peabody Institute of Music at Johns Hopkins.
FREE CONCERTS:
>> The Library of Congress is presenting two fine concerts this week. On Tuesday (November 15, 7:30 p.m.) the Master Chorale of Washington will present the new piece by their music director, Holocaust Cantata, as part of the commemorations of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. As part of that series of events, this concert is still free, but you must make a special reservation (call 202-707-6179 or e-mail vhpRSVP@loc.gov). We recommended this to you when it was first performed last May, when you had to buy a ticket at the Kennedy Center. Now it’s free.
>> Also, on Friday (November 18, 8 p.m.), the Kennedy Center Chamber Players will play a concert of music by Prokofiev and Grieg, as well as Mendelssohn’s Octet, at the Library of Congress. Once again, this is a group that we recommend regularly, but usually when they are at the Kennedy Center and cost money. Reserve a free ticket through Ticketmaster, for the usual fees, or show up early to wait for an unused seat.
