John Adams
Nixon in China

Orchestra e Coro
dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
conductor John Adams
soprano Mary Bevan (Pat Nixon)
baritone John Moore (Nixon)
baritone Gurgen Baveyan (Chou En Lai)
baritone Patrizio La Placa (Kissinger)
mezzosoprano Sara Tiburzi, Antonia Salzano and Eva Maria Ruggieri (secretaries)
chorusmaster Andrea Secchi

Adams Short Ride in a fast Machine
Copland Billy the kid suite
Adams Nixon in China: three scenes

• THE AMERICANS ARRIVE  Act I: Overture & Soldiers of Heaven, Arrival of Air Force 1 and “News” aria  (Chorus and President Nixon)
• MRS. NIXON TOURS PEKING Act II: Scene 1  (Chorus and Pat Nixon)
• BANQUET IN THE GREAT HALL OF THE PEOPLE Act I, Scene 3 (President Nixon, Pat Nixon and Chorus)

in collaboration with Romaeuropa Festival

One of the greatest living American composers, John Adams, takes the podium of the Santa Cecilia Orchestra and Chorus to conduct a breathtaking program. Experience the overwhelming energy of Short Ride in a Fast Machine, a true shot of symphonic adrenaline. Allow yourself to be transported to Aaron Copland’s legendary West with his famous suite Billy the Kid. And, for the finale, immerse yourself in history with the most significant scenes from Nixon in China, John Adams’ masterpiece opera, now considered a classic of the contemporary repertoire and performed in theaters around the world.

Instead of an ancient myth or a distant historical drama, Adams chose a nearly contemporary news event: the official visit of United States President Richard Nixon to the People’s Republic of China in 1972. An event that was described at the time as world-changing.

John Adams’ presence on the podium makes this event unique: the music is not just performed but offers a direct connection with the creative source.