By Emily Pellini By Emily Pellini | April 22, 2022 | Music,
From classical to rock, DC has an outstanding lineup of concerts for the spring and summer ahead.
Listen in awe as Grammy-winning opera singer Isabel Leonard takes the stage for the Washington National Opera’s performances of Carmen.
Hélène Grimaud Plays Ravel
Experience the grand vitality and wit of French pianist Hélène Grimaud as she takes on Maurice Ravel’s jaunty Piano Concerto at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. The program, led by outstanding young conductor Roderick Cox, also features Prokofiev’s emotion-spanning Symphony No. 5 and Esa-Pekka Salonen’s “Helix.” For a little extra insight into the performance, attendees can even join WETA’s Rich Kleinfeldt before the April 9 concert for Forewords, a 30-minute talk about intriguing stories behind the music. April 7 and 9, 2700 F St. NW, 202.467.4600, kennedy-center.org
The Kennedy Center Chamber
Encompassed by titled players from the National Symphony Orchestra, this acclaimed ensemble will perform today’s finest chamber repertoire at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. Slip away for an evening of mellifluous melodies as you hear the likes of Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Seven Romances on Poems by Alexander Blok” and Franz Schubert’s “Sei mir gegrüsst.” April 10, 2700 F St. NW, 202.467.4600, kennedy-center.org
This spring, spend an evening, or two, immersed in music at one of DC’s concerts, from piano concertos to melodious choirs and more.
Washington National Opera Presents Carmen
Smart staging and vibrant period costumes grace the stage as the Washington National Opera performs Carmen at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Georges Bizet’s blockbuster of tumultuous love has everything guests could want from an opera, from an instantly recognizable “Habanera” aria to the famous “Toreador Song.” Not to mention, the dazzling DC premiere of Francesca Zambello’s production will feature company debut performances from a few cast members, like Grammy Award-winning opera singer Isabel Leonard and acclaimed tenor Michael Fabiano. May 14-28, 2700 F St. NW, 202.467.4600, kennedy-center.org
Justin Bieber
Experience pop music like never before as Justin Bieber takes the Capital One Arena stage during his Justice World tour. The Grammy-winning artist has made waves in the music industry, as his new single “Yummy” has surged to more than 300 million streams globally. Guests can expect to hear a range of Bieber’s work, from fan favorites like “Never Say Never” to more recent hits like “No Brainer.” June 10, 601 F St. NW, 202.628.3200, capitalonearena.com
Sheryl Crow’s amphitheater performance at Filene Center at Wolf Trap is sure to delight.
Filene Center at Wolf Trap
This stunning outdoor amphitheater is gearing up for a summer full of star-studded performers. To kick off June, Bonnie Raitt will take center stage with special guest Lucinda Williams. Then, get ready to “Soak Up the Sun” because the queen of crossover country-rock, Sheryl Crow, is returning to Wolf Trap with alt-country icon Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Maybe performances of fan-favorites like “All I Wanna Do” and “Everyday Is a Winding Road” are on the setlist—you’ll have to wait and see. June 10-11 and 16-17, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Va.,703.255.1868, wolftrap.org
Paul McCartney
For the first time in more than 55 years, Paul McCartney will perform in Baltimore during his Got Back Tour. The set list will feature some of McCartney’s most memorable songs while also offering guests a sneak peek into the artist’s more recent works. Revel in the retro, state-of-the-art designs of Oriole Park at Camden Yards as you dance the night away to classics like “Maybe I’m Amazed” and “My Valentine.” June 12, 333 W. Camden St.,Baltimore, orioles.com
Photography by: Sergio Kurhajec; Kael Bloom/Unsplash; Courtesy of Wolf Trap