On Sunday, November 6, music lovers were treated to a warm, sunny afternoon for Washington National Opera's special big-screen simulcast performance of the Gershwins' Porgy and Bess of which I was privileged to be a member of the cast. The performance, which was given as gift to the citizens of Washington, D.C. by the WNO trustees, was transmitted live from the Kennedy Center stage to a huge 18' x 32' LED video screen located near the Capitol, marking the first time a live performance has ever been transmitted to the Mall.
Over 13,000 people gathered to watch and listen to a spectacular performance of America's most popular opera, highlighted by almost a dozen of Gershwin's gorgeous melodies such as "Summertime," "It Ain't Necessarily So," and "Bess, You Is My Woman Now." The outstanding cast was led by internationally renowned singers Gordon Hawkins and Indira Mahajan and also included some of the best talent in Washington, D.C. This free performance was part of Washington National Opera's celebration of the company's 50th anniversary.
