Matthew Polenzani & Ken Noda
Vocal Arts DC presents tenor Matthew Polenzani and pianist Ken Noda in an intimate recital at La Maison Française at the French Embassy. The program begins with Franz Schubert’s *Schwanengesang*, his final song collection, which explores longing, grief, loss, and transcendence through settings of poetry by Heinrich Heine and Ludwig Rellstab.
The second half turns to Italian song and opera, featuring music by Francesco Cilea, Ildebrando Pizzetti, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Gaetano Donizetti, and Francesco Paolo Tosti. Polenzani’s acclaimed lyric tenor and Noda’s expressive, collaborative piano playing place equal emphasis on vocal beauty, dramatic insight, and the conversation between singer and accompanist.
When: Monday, November 9th, 2026
Showtime: 7:00 PM
Program: Franz Schubert’s *Schwanengesang*, followed by songs and arias by Francesco Cilea, Ildebrando Pizzetti, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Gaetano Donizetti, and Francesco Paolo Tosti
Lineup: Matthew Polenzani, tenor; Ken Noda, piano
Program note: The Schubert cycle evokes the legendary swan’s final song and moves through themes of yearning, bereavement, and spiritual release. The Italian selections range from the passionate intensity of verismo to Tosti’s melodic lyricism and Pizzetti’s more contemplative style.
Tickets: Price not available
Venue: La Maison Française at the French Embassy
Address: 4101 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
Run time: To be determined
Selections: The program may change.
Matthew Polenzani: The American tenor is recognized for his refined musicianship, stylistic command, dramatic commitment, and work at major opera, concert, and recital venues worldwide. His career includes more than 300 performances at the Metropolitan Opera, along with engagements at leading American and European companies, orchestras, and recital halls. His honors include the 2004 Richard Tucker Award, the Metropolitan Opera’s 2008 Beverly Sills Artist Award, and a 2017 Opera News Award.
Ken Noda: Noda is the Metropolitan Opera’s Musical Advisor for its Lindemann Young Artist Development Program and has served as a coach and teacher at the Met since 1991. He also works with young artists at the Verbier Festival, Salzburg Mozartwoche, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. As a pianist and vocal collaborator, he has performed with major orchestras and artists including Kathleen Battle, Jessye Norman, Marilyn Horne, Renata Scotto, and Matthew Polenzani.