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Join us for our upcoming
2026 program offerings
Masterclass
Washington Opera Society is pleased to invite the public to a special Masterclass on Friday, May 30, 2026, from 1:45 PM–4:00 PM, featuring the distinguished teaching and artistic guidance of internationally acclaimed baritone Franco Pomponi. (Learn more below.)
As part of the Washington Opera Society Masterclass Series, this unique educational program offers audiences an intimate opportunity to observe emerging artists working directly with a celebrated operatic professional in a live coaching environment focused on vocal artistry, interpretation, and stagecraft.
We warmly welcome the community to join us for this inspiring afternoon of music, mentorship, and artistic excellence.
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:
Saturday May 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.
About our Guest Artist:
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.