Media contact Information

For interview requests, press materials, performance coverage, or to sign up for organizational announcements, please email:

• press@washnatopera.org 

Please include your name, media outlet, deadline, and the nature of your request.

Washington National Opera (WNO) is one of the leading opera companies in the United States. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, the company presents compelling works at the highest levels of artistry, balancing the standard repertory with new and infrequently performed works. Each season the WNO seeks to shape the future of opera through commissioned American works and various special concerts, youth operas, and events.  

Founded in 1956, WNO boasts a rich legacy of groundbreaking world premieres and new productions, digitally streamed content, and innovative education and community engagement programs. For decades, WNO has supported a wide range of American creators, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all audiences and artists alike to experience an extensive spectrum of inspired productions.  

Recent artistic highlights feature a new production of Puccini’s unfinished opera Turandot with a world premiere ending by Christopher Tin and Susan Soon He Stanton; a new production of Strauss’ Elektra starring Christine Goerke; the D.C. premiere of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s Blue, commissioned by Zambello; Terence Blanchard’s Champion, commissioned by O’Leary; and the WNO’s first complete Ring Cycle, directed by Zambello.  

WNO is committed to expanding opera’s reach and fostering new generations of artists and audiences. WNO’s Cafritz Young Artists program is one of the most sought-after training residencies for singers and pianists preparing for international careers. Other WNO initiatives include the American Opera Initiative, which has premiered over 50 short new works, the annual Marian Anderson Vocal Award, and the Artist Ambassador program.  

WNO’s annual Opera in the Outfield® welcomes a crowd of up to 10,000 people each year to Nats Park baseball stadium for a free screening of a popular WNO production, along with dozens of activities for families and children. WNO education programs include in-person and digital Opera Look-In performances, “Use Your Voice” workshops for young people at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center, WNO’s Summer Opera Institute for the most talented high school singers in the country, free pre-concert lectures, and post-show Q&As after many shows.