2026
MASTERCLASS SERIES #3
What Is an Opera Masterclass?
A Masterclass is a unique opportunity to witness the art of opera-making up close. Rather than performing for an audience, talented singers work directly with an acclaimed opera professional, receiving personal guidance on voice, musical interpretation, character, language, and stage presence.
For the audience, it is a rare chance to listen, observe, and discover what goes into transforming a beautiful voice into a truly compelling operatic performance.
Featuring Internationally Acclaimed Baritone Michael Chioldi
The Washington Opera Society invites you to experience this extraordinary process live with renowned baritone Michael Chioldi, whose distinguished career includes performances with the Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, San Francisco Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and leading opera companies around the world.
Join us for an intimate afternoon of music, mentorship, and artistic discovery as emerging artists receive coaching and insight from one of opera’s accomplished performers and teachers.
Whether you are a lifelong opera lover, an aspiring singer, a music student, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this Masterclass offers a fascinating look at the artistry of opera.
Saturday, September 12, 2026
1:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Cleveland Park Congregational UCC
3400 Lowell St. NW, Washington, DC
Tickets
General Admission — $35
Students — $5
Student pricing supports the Washington Opera Society’s educational mission.
Experience Opera From the Inside.
About Our Artist
Michael Chioldi is one of the world's most sought after Dramatic Baritones. His interpretations of the Verdi, Puccini and Strauss repertoire has been praised by critics and audiences across the world.
In January 2022 Michael made his major role debut with the Metropolitan Opera as Rigoletto to critical acclaim in a new production by Bart Sher. Critics praised his performance as a “Triumph in the title role” (Robert Levine - Bachtrack) and as “a true Verdian voice that displays booming power, tender softness, and ravaging tragic colors” (Maria-Cristina Necula -Women About Town).He recently made his Gran Teatro Liceu (Spain) debut as Gerard in Andrea Chenier along side Sondra Radvanovsky and Jonas Kaufmann and subsequently as Miller in Verdi’s Louisa Miller with Piotr Beczala. His portrayal of Henry VIII by Saint-Seans with Odyssey Opera in Boston was heralded by Ed Tapper with Edge Media as “world class baritone singing…..Moments such as Henry's Act IV monologue and the final passages of the opera were nothing short of thrilling.” A recording of this performance is now readily available.
During the pandemic Michael was fortunate to be able to perform Tonio in Pagliacci with Palm Beach Opera where “Michael dominated the stage. His flawless diction, commanding acting skills and multi-colored instrument were a real showstopper.” (Palm Beach Daily News) He made his Seattle Opera debut as Scarpia in Tosca, now one of his signature roles, and later that season appeared as Marcello in La Boheme. He curated a one man show of Dominick Argento’s The Andree Expedition, a show that will utilize immersive 3D green screen technology. With NYC Opera he performed the title role of Rigoletto at the Phoenicia Festival of the Voice and to over four thousand people in Bryant Park. He is thrilled to be returning to both venues this summer as Papa Germont in Verdi’s La Traviata.This past fall he had two solo recitals with collaborative pianist Nikolay Verevkin in Austin TX with Austin Opera and in Pittsburgh PA with Pittsburgh Festival Opera at the Carnegie Music Hall. He also returned to Charleston SC where he appeared several times with the Spoleto Festival for a gala concert with Charleston Opera Theater.Upcoming Michael will sing Holländer in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer with Utah Opera, Falstaff with Palm Beach Opera, Papa Germont in La Traviata with Seattle Opera and a much anticipated return to the Metropolitan Opera stage to reprise his triumphant performance as Rigoletto.
Chioldi has performed at nearly every major American opera house, including The Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Washington National Opera and Los Angeles Opera. Signature roles include Scarpia in Tosca with Hawaii Opera Theater, Ft. Worth Opera, New York City Opera, Toledo Opera, and Spain's Opera de Oviedo; Jochanaan in Salome with Utah Opera, Virginia Opera, and the Saito Kinen Festival in Japan; the title role of Macbeth with Michigan Opera Theatre and Palm Beach Opera, Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor with Washington National Opera, Utah Opera, and New Orleans Opera; and Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Washington National Opera and in a nationwide broadcast on the PBS television series Live from Lincoln Center, which received an Emmy award in 2008.
In the 2015-16 season Chioldi made his debut at the Royal Opera House, Muscat in performances of Macbeth. Additional recent performances include the title role in Hamlet with Washington National Opera; the title role in Der Fliegende Holländer with Pforzheim Opera; Marcello in La bohéme at London's Royal Albert Hall; Ford in Falstaff with Utah Opera, Chautauqua Opera, and the Ft. Worth Opera Festival; Giorgio Germont in La Traviata with Palm Beach Opera; Count Almaviva in Le nozze di Figaro with Hawaii Opera Theater, Chautauqua Opera, and the Macau International Music Festival; and Giacomo in Verdi's Giovanna d'Arco with Chicago Opera Theater.
He made his debut at New York's Metropolitan Opera as Fléville in Andrea Chénier with Luciano Pavarotti and Aprile Millo under the baton of James Levine, and traveled extensively in Japan with Maestro Seiji Osawa. He has also performed in Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, Macau and Spain.
A frequent performer of American and English works, he premiered the role of Man in Anthony Brandt's The Birth of Something in 2008. Additional performances include as the First Mate in Billy Budd with Washington National Opera; the title role in Nixon in China with Long Beach Opera; John Proctor in The Crucible with Toledo Opera; and John Sorel in The Consul with Arizona Opera and the Glimmerglass Festival.
Chioldi has performed with symphony orchestras around North America and Europe, including as soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Santa Fe Concert Association; Brahms' Requiem with the Städtisches Orchester Pforzheim; and in a concert performance of Debussy & Poe: Fall of the House of Usher & Devil in the Belfry with the Oviedo Philharmonia. Additional orchestral appearances include with the New York Philharmonic and The National Symphony Orchestra under Mo. Leonard Slatkin; as well as the New Jersey, New Haven, and Houston Symphony Orchestras.
Chioldi has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including The Metropolitan Opera National Council Competition (Winner 1995); The MacAllister Competition; The Licia Albanese-Puccini Competition; The Miami Opera Competition; The Sullivan Foundation; and The Anna Case-Mckay Award. He received his Bachelors' degree from West Virginia University, and his Masters' degree from Yale University. His recordings appear on the Sony Classical, BMG, Accord and Newport Classics labels.
Mr. Chioldi makes his home in New York City.
Masterclass 2
Please join us:
Saturday May 30th from 1:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Cleveland Park Congregational UCC: 3400 Lowell St. NW, Washington, DC.
Tickets:
General Admission ~ $35.00*
Students ~ $5.00*
*As part of Washington Opera Society’s educational mission, students from music institutions are invited to attend for a nominal fee.
Franco Pomponi, baritone
Franco Pomponi has appeared on many of the world’s leading opera stages in a distinguished international career spanning Europe and the United States. His acclaimed performances include Hamlet at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Opéra de Marseille, and La Monnaie in Brussels; Don Giovanni at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Athens, Geneva, and Montpellier; and Escamillo in Carmen with New York City Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Finnish National Opera, Miami Opera, and numerous European houses. Additional celebrated roles include Golaud in Pelléas et Mélisande, Michele in Il Tabarro, Ford in Falstaff, Germont in La Traviata, Marcello in La Bohème, Jack Rance in La fanciulla del West, and Zurga in Les pêcheurs de perles. Widely respected for his commanding stage presence, rich vocal artistry, and dramatic insight, Mr. Pomponi continues to inspire audiences and young artists alike through both performance and mentorship. Mr. Pomponi currently serves as Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the Opera Festival of Chicago.
Masterclass 1
March 30th, 2026
The Washington Opera Society Masterclass Series is a five-part educational initiative designed to nurture emerging opera talent through direct mentorship with internationally respected artists, educators, and leaders in the field. This series reflects the Society’s commitment to artistic excellence, education, and professional development while expanding community engagement and donor participation. In the Fall of 2026, the series will culminate in a fully staged operatic performance showcasing select masterclass participants who have demonstrated exceptional artistic readiness, alongside established season professionals.
Initial funding for the 2026 season provided by Lantry Family Foundation, as part of a strategic expansion of our Education and Outreach initiatives.
Please join us for our first public class offering on
March 30th from 1:45 pm - 4:00 pm at Cleveland Park Congregational UCC: 3400 Lowell St. NW, Washington, DC.
Tickets:
General Admission ~ $35.00*
Students ~ $5.00*
*As part of Washington Opera Society’s educational mission, students from music institutions are invited to attend for a nominal fee.
2025
December 17, 2025 at the National Press Club
Step into the warmth and elegance of the season with An Enchanted Holiday Tribute, presented at the prestigious National Press Club. This exceptional evening blends the stirring artistry of The Washington Tattoo and the refined voices of the Washington Opera Society into a spectacular, sophisticated celebration. Far from your everyday holiday concert, the performance will showcase beloved seasonal classics alongside a heartfelt salute to our Armed Forces, culminating in a festive sing-along. Join us for an unforgettable evening where elegance, music, and patriotism intertwine beautifully to inspire your holiday spirit.
With special guests
Maestro Jason Tramm, conductor
Robin Phillips, narrator
Jeremy Brauner, tenor
Christina Major, soprano
Tickets start at $75.00 (concert only)
Join us Sunday, November 16th, 6-9:30pm, for a truly unforgettable evening of music and meaningful connection. In an elegant and intimate setting, experience a captivating performance by exquisite singers. Savor a taste of France – avec les vins et Coq au Vin – in a charming cabaret-style setting.
Performers to include:
Robin Phillips, narrator
Gerald Steichen, piano
Jessica Gu, soprano
Jude Reagan, tenor
Kristin Sampson, soprano
Enjoy the chance to see old friends and make new ones.
Sunday, November 16, 6 - 9:30 pm
Address:
Carderock Falls Manor
McLean, VA 22101
Tickets
Thank you for your interest and support!
We are SOLD OUT - for this performance!
Please join us December 17th at the National Press Club.
Dressy cocktail attire.
*All proceeds benefit the Washington Opera Society and its mission to bring world-class opera to our community.
Die Fledermaus
by Johann Strauss
September 19, 2025 at the Austrian Embassy
*Performance begins at 7:30pm
In Die Fledermaus, Johann Strauss’s sparkling masterpiece, wit, intrigue, and champagne flow freely as the clever and cunning Rosalinde transforms an opulent masquerade ball into an evening of playful deception and delightful revenge. Amid glittering masks and hidden identities, secrets unravel in the most charming and unexpected ways. Join us for this timeless comedic opera where elegance and mischief collide in glorious harmony.
With
Maestro Julien Benichou, conductor
Amy Hutchison, director
Robin Phillips, narrator
CAST
Markel Reed as Gabriel von Eisenstein
Esther Tonea as Rosalinde
Franco Pomponi as Dr. Falke
Kelly Curtin as Adele
Nathan Schafer as Alfred
Michelle Mariposa as Prince Orlofsky
José Sacin as Frank
Michael Celentano as Dr. Blind
Jessica Gu as Ida
Featuring the Washington Opera Society Orchestra and Chorus
Tickets start at $75.00 (concert only)
Carmen by Georges Bizet
Friday May 23, 2025
Atrium of the Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC 20007
7:30 PM Performance
Join Washington Opera Society on May 23, 2025, at the Embassy of France for a mesmerizing performance of Bizet's Carmen. Set against the vibrant ambiance of 19th-century Seville, Carmen captures the allure, passion, and tragedy of its unforgettable characters. With unforgettable arias and captivating drama, this production promises an evening of musical brilliance in a truly elegant setting. Don’t miss your chance to experience this operatic masterpiece!
Featuring:
Lisa Chavez as Carmen
Isaac Hurtado as Don José
Kevin Short as Escamillo
Esther Tonea as Micaëla
John Paul Huckle as Zuniga
Kelly Curtin as Frasquita
Leah Heater as Mercédès
Carl Rosenthal as Dancaïre
John Solomon Collins as Moralès
Samual Keeler as Remendado
and Special Guest Robin Phillips as Narrator
Semi-staged by Dashiell Waterbury
With Maestro Julien Benichou
Conducting the Chorus & Orchestra of the Washington Opera Society
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Tickets starting at $75.00 Concert only (concert only admission 7 pm)
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Early admission starting at 5:45 pm for the following tickets including hors d'oeuvres and cocktails:
*Reserved Orchestra Seats: $175
*Front Seating: $250
*Event Sponsor Package: $800 per couple
~
Cocktail Attire
La fanciulla del West
by Giacomo Puccini
Friday 24 January 2025
Atrium of the Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC 20007
7:30 PM Performance
Tickets starting at $75.00 Concert only
*Dinner prior to the performance
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
Kristin Sampson as Minnie
Jonathan Burton as Dick Johnson
Franco Pomponi as Jack Rance
Michael Boley as Nick
John Paul Huckle as Ashby
Kenneth Stavert as Sonora
Narrated by Robin Phillips
Stage Director: Adam Cioffari
With The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, and
Maestro Julien Benichou, conducting the Chorus & Orchestra of the Washington Opera Society
5:00 PM Cocktails & Dinner
7:30 PM Performance
With Live and Silent Auctions
Event Sponsor Package: $800 per couple
Box Seats with Dinner $250
Reserved Orchestra Seats with Dinner $175
Concert only $75
Cocktail Attire
2024
Don Giovanni
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Embassy of Austria
3524 International Ct NW, Washington, DC 20008
Friday September 13, 2024, 7:30 PM
Mozart's Don Giovanni thrillingly explores the passions and perils of love, morality, and the inevitable fallout of reckless choices, all centered on the daring exploits of Don Giovanni. His seductive adventures ignite intense encounters and fierce conflicts with unforgettable characters like Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, and Zerlina. The electrifying drama pulls audiences into a world of intrigue, where every action has thrilling consequences. Join us at the Embassy of Austria, September 13th at 7:30 pm for what will be an exhilarating night of opera!
Maestro Julien Benichou, Conductor
featuring:
Franco Pomponi as Don Giovanni
Kevin Thompson as Il Commendatore
Alexandra Razskazoff as Donna Elvira
Heidi Middendorf as Donna Anna
Maggie Polglaze as Zerlina
Henrique Carvalho as Masetto
Michael Butler as Don Ottavio
Matthew Burns as Leporello
Presented with Orchestra and Chorus
Wine and Dessert Buffet
Immediately following the performance
Orchestra Reserved $195
Unreserved $165
Students w/ID $40
IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF GIACOMO PUCCINI
THE WASHINGTON OPERA SOCIETY
Presents
JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING FUNDRAISER IN OUR EARLY-20TH CENTURY PARIS CAFÉ.
Step into the enchanting world of Giacomo Puccini as the Washington Opera Society proudly presents an extraordinary concert that brings the timeless beauty and passionate drama of Puccini's operas to life.
Our world-class performers will deliver powerful renditions of Puccini's most beloved arias and duets from masterpieces such as
La fanciulla del west, La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot.
We promise an unforgettable evening of musical splendor and operatic grandeur.
Featuring:
Jonathan Burton, Michael Butler, Adam Cioffari, Kristin Sampson, & Kevin Short
and Maestro Julien Benichou
Conducting the Chamber Ensemble of the Washington Opera Society
Narration provided by Robin Phillips
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At the Atrium of the Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC 20007
MAY 28, 2024
6:30 PM French Dinner with Wine
8:00 PM Performance
~
Reserved Table Seating $150
Unreserved $100
Seniors +70 $ 75
Students $25
~
Cocktail Attire
Featuring Gustavo Ahualli, Melanie Ashkar, Juliette Di Bello*
And Israel Lozano
Under the Direction of José Antonio Espinal, piano accompaniment
Wine Reception/Light Supper 6:30 PM
Performance 8 PM
$50 with Promo Code WOS2024
Students $25
Tickets: InstantSeats
Free Parking
* Miss Di Bello appears through the generosity of the Juilliard School
2023
2022
2021
2020
Dark due to pandemic.
2019
Above: An Evening Under the Stars III: 24 August 2019
2018
Above: Christmas in Croatia, 16 November 2018
2017
16 DECEMBER, 2017
Under the Gracious Patronage of H.E. Stanislav Vidovič, Ambassador of Slovenia
CHRISTMAS IN SLOVENIA - AN OPERATIC HOLIDAY SONGFEST
Featuring: Jesús Daniel Hernández, Elizabeth Treat, Gustavo Ahualli, Nicole Butler,
Timothy Augustin, Kwuangkyu Lee, Fairouz Foty, April Yeager
And The Washington Opera Society Chorus
Under the direction of: Maestro Robert Scott Beard
The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia
A Michael J. Reilly Production
L’Elisir de Amore
BY GAETANO DONIZETTI
23 SEPTEMBER, 2017
A GALA PERFORMANCE
23 SEPTEMBER, 2017
A GALA PERFORMANCE OF L’ELISIR D’AMORE BY GAETANO DONIZETTI
To Honor and Welcome H.E. Camilo Reyes, Ambassador of Colombia and Mrs. Gloria Ritter
Featuring: Suzanne Karpov, Jesús Daniel Hernández, Gustavo Ahualli, Kwuangkyu Lee & Nicole Butler
with
The Washington Opera Society Chorus & Orchestra
Under the Baton of Maestro Julien Benichou
at
The Residence of the Ambassador of Colombia
A Michael J. Reilly Production
________________
See photos of this show on Facebook.
18 MAY, 2017
LA CENERENTOLA BY GIOACHINO ROSSINI
Under the Gracious Patronage of H.E. the Ambassador of France to the United States Gérard Araud
Featuring: Magdalena Wór in the title role, and Timothy Augustin as Prince Ramiro, with
Elizabeth Treat, Gustavo Ahualli, Anamer Castrello, & Kwuangkyu Lee
Leading an all-star cast
Conducted by: Maestro Julien Benichou
Narrations by: Dr. Scott Beard
at
The Embassy of France - La Maison Française
See backstage photos on Fakebook.
See society scene photos on Facebook.
2016
Above: photo of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
A HOLIDAY GALA OF GRAND OPERA
09 DEC 2016
A Holiday Gala of Grand Opera, Indonesian Embassy, 9 December 2016
Under the Gracious Patronage of H.E. Budi Bowoleksono, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the United States of America & Mrs. Reshanty Bowoleksono
Featuring: Gustavo Ahualli, Timothy Augustin, Anamer Castrello, Natalie Conte, Israel Lozano,
Liora Michelle, & Elizabeth Treat
Accompanied by the Washington Opera Society Orchestra and Chorus,
Conducted by Maestra Lucy Arner, Narrations Provided by Dr. Scott Beard
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
A Michael J. Reilly Production
A GALA OF RIGOLETTO HIGHLIGHTS
23 SEP 2016
A Gala of Rigoletto Highlights, Woman's National Democratic Club, 23 September 2016
Featuring: Gustavo Ahualli, Narda Muñoz, Israel Lozano,
Washington Opera Society Orchestra
Conducted by Maestra Rachel Carlson
Narrations Provided by Dr. Scott Beard
A Michael J. Reilly Production
2015
Christmas / Hanukkah Party
Celebrate the Season with the Washington Opera Society with a sumptuous buffet, including wine and puddings and then...
Enjoy our opera and holiday concert as we present our lead singers: Nicole Butler, Narda Muñoz, Jesús Daniel Hernández, Pablo Henrich, Kwangkyu Lee, & Dariusz Ocetek. All under the Direction of Dr. Scott Beard. Business Attire.
December 11, 2015
A WARSZAWA SALON
23 OCT 2015
A Warszawa Salon ~ An Evening of Music and Song, Embassy of Poland, 23 October 2015
Under the gracious patronage of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland and Mrs. Schnepf ~ Proudly presented by: The Washington Opera Society, in collaboration with The International Club of Washington.
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Featuring: Magdalena Wór, Jesús Daniel Hernández, Elizabeth Treat, Liora Michelle, & Dariusz Ocetek ~ Under the direction of Lucy Arner ~ Narrated by Hanna Bondarwska
A Michael J. Reilly Production