This February and March, Thomas Hampson brings his “beautifully articulated portrayal” (Classical Voice North America) of Richard Nixon back to the Opéra Bastille, bowing in John Adams’ operatic masterpiece, Nixon in China. 

It’s a triumphant reprisal of a signature role for Hampson, who sang it in Paris in 2023. His performance earned high praise, with Artistik Rezo saying, “Thomas Hampson’s Nixon, a baritone with theatrical presence and perfect diction, is exemplary. Firstly, because he holds a leading role for almost three hours, and his vocal line, energy, and dramatic sense never falter. Secondly, because, undoubtedly very well directed, he portrays with great accuracy and intelligence a character who could easily fall into caricature and ridicule.”

Hampson will again appear in Valentina Carrasco’s lauded production, under the baton of Kent Nagano. He is joined by several other members of the 2023 production—called “the most stellar cast ever to sing Nixon in China” by Operawire—including Renée Fleming as Pat Nixon, John Matthew Myers as Mao Tse-Tung, Joshua Bloom as Henry Kissinger, and Xiaomeng Zhang as Chou En-Lai. Caroline Wettergreen will sing Madame Mao, with Aebh Kelly, Ning Liang, and Emanuela Pascu as Mao’s Secretaries. 

Nixon in China plays February 24, 27, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20.