Alexander Shelley conducting the orchestra with lights on their stands

Shelley Conducts Nixon in China

April 8 - April 13, 2027

Alexander Shelley, conductor
Elkhanah Pulitzer, stage director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
Pacific Symphony

NIXON IN CHINA by John Adams, libretto by Alice Goodman

Semi- staged opera in English

Cast to be announced

When President Nixon landed in Beijing in 1972, it was the diplomatic gamble of the century. Pulitzer Prize–winning composer, John Adams’ thrilling opera Nixon in China comes vividly to life in a theatrically staged production created for the concert hall. With its richly layered score, soaring vocal writing, and intimate human drama, this masterpiece unfolds with gripping dramatic power under Alexander Shelley.

Preview Talk at 7 p.m. with Classical California midday host Alan Chapman.

By arrangement with B&H Music Publishing Inc. d/b/a Hendon Music, Inc., a Boosey & Hawkes Company, publisher and copyright owner.

TOP: First Lady Pat Nixon and President Richard Nixon during during Nixon’s historic visit to China. 
BELOW: President Richard Nixon toasts Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai at a banquet in Shanghai on February 27, 1972. 
Photo Credits: Courtesy of The Richard Nixon Foundation

Photo courtesy of the Richard Nixon Foundation

Upcoming Dates & Times

April 8, 2027 | 8:00 PM
April 10, 2027 | 8:00 PM
April 13, 2027 | 8:00 PM

Upcoming Dates & Times

Artists

Alexander Shelley

Alexander Shelley

Conductor

Elkhanah Pulitzer

Elkhanah Pulitzer

Stage director

Pacific Chorale

Pacific Chorale

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