Nixon in China

John Adams’s modern opera transforms Richard and Pat Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China into a vivid combination of public spectacle and private emotion. This reimagined Washington National Opera production pairs Adams’s powerful score with archival footage and bold visual storytelling, exploring the political theater and personal tensions behind a momentous diplomatic encounter.

Renée Fleming and Thomas Hampson return to the WNO stage as Pat and Richard Nixon. The production is conducted by Robert Spano and directed by Elkhanah Pulitzer.

When: November 14–21, 2026

Showtimes: November 14 and 19 at 7:00 p.m.; November 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Venue: DAR Constitution Hall

Lineup: Renée Fleming as Pat Nixon and Thomas Hampson as Richard Nixon

Conductor: Robert Spano

Director: Elkhanah Pulitzer

Production: The staging incorporates rare archival footage and visually dynamic theatrical elements alongside John Adams’s score.

Tickets: Price not available.