One of the major operas of the 20th century by American music composer John Adams, with a libretto by Alice Goodman, directed by Peter Sellars and choreography by Mark Morris, Nixon in China is considered one of the cornerstones of American minimalist music. Commissioned by the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Houston Grand Opera and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the opera highlights the visit of the United States President Richard M. Nixon to China in 1972, where he met with China’s Chairman Mao Zedong and other Chinese officials. The Metropolitan performance features composer John Adams as conductor, James Maddalena- baritone as Richard Nixon, Janis Kelly -soprano as Pat Nixon, Robert Brubaker as Mao Tse-tung, Kathleen Kim as Mao’s wife Chiang Ch”ing, Russell Braun portrays Chou En-lai and Richard Paul Fink as Henry Kissinger.
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Sigi and I very much enjoyed the whole day. The opera was impressive and we are lucky to have been able to see it live. (The HD presentations from the Met are also excellent, but being there is a plus.) We hope that going to the Met this way will be repeated.
I had a wonderful time at the Met seeing “Nixon in China.” I may be mistaken, but I think this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the opera at this venue, with Peter Sellars producing and John Adams conducting the orchestra. Kathleen Kim was marvelous as Chiang Ch’ing, and Mark Morris’ choreography was inspiring.
As I don’t own a car, I don’t get to NYC as often as many of my compatriots in Northampton. Taking the bus made the whole thing easy and pleasant on such a cold day. I look forward to more trips sponsored by the FAC!