Nixon in China - John Adams
Information about the opera Nixon in China by John Adams, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
John Adams' first opera tells the story of president Richard Nixon's meetings with Mao Tse-Tung, resulting in the opening of China to Western countries.
Recommended recordings on CD
Alsop/Yuan/Orth (Naxos 8.669022-24)
Recorded live in Denver in 2008, this is a superb production, well recorded.
Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Opera Colorado Chorus, conducted by Marin Alsop, 2008.
Cast: Chen-Ye Yuan (Chou en-Lai), Robert Orth (Richard Nixon), Thomas Hammons (Henry Kissinger), Melissa Malde (First Secretary to Mao).
Naxos 8.669022-24
Waart/Sylvan/Maddalena (Nonesuch 7559-79177-2)
St Luke's Chorus, St Luke's Orchestra, conducted by Edo de Waart, 1987.
Cast: Sanford Sylvan (Chou en-Lai), James Maddalena (Richard Nixon), Thomas Hammons (Henry Kissinger), Mari Opatz (First Secretary to Mao).
Nonesuch 7559-79177-2