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.
NIXON IN CHINA by John Adams, libretto by Alice Goodman
Semi- staged opera in English
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Elkhanah Pulitzer, stage director
Pacific Chorale — Robert Istad, artistic director
Pacific Symphony
CAST
Nixon - Ryan McKinny
Pat - Mary Bevan
Kissinger - Joshua Bloom
Mao - Daniel Norman
Madame Mao - Hye-Jung Lee
Chou En Lai - Kyle Miller
Nancy - Yajie Zhang
Secretary No. 2 - Ning Liang
Secretary No. 3 - Cecelia McKinley
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
Upcoming Dates & Times
April 8, 2027 | 8:00 PM
April 10, 2027 | 8:00 PM
April 13, 2027 | 8:00 PM
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