Music & Opera : programm and booking for Washington

Washington and music		History		Architecture
Washington National Opera: Founded in 1956 by Day Thorpe, a music critic, the company was then called the “Opera Society of Washington”. In 2004 it was given the designation “National Opera” to emphasise its role in the operatic landscape of America. The Washington National Opera has always had its heart set on promoting the artists of its country such as Reri Grist and James McCracken (who sang his first Otello there), Rockwell Blake, Maria Ewing, Frederica von Stade and more recently Denyce Graves, Jerry Hadley and Ruth Ann Swenson. Famous composers have conducted their works here, including Stravinsky, Barber, Hindemith or Menotti who premiered his latest opera here. Directed today by the great Placido Domingo, the Washington National Opera is considered one of the most important institutions of the United States. Thanks to its excellent programme, the company attracts a wide audience whilst the “Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program” helps young American singers develop their careers. National Symphony Orchestra: This year the National Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 75th birthday. Its inaugural concert took place on 2 November 1931 at Constitution Hall. There had been several attempts to create a permanent orchestra in Washington before the arrival of Hans Kindler, a former cellist at the Philadelphia Orchestra. He was the right man in the right place at the right time. Four music directors have succeeded him: Howard Mitchell, also a cellist, was playing in the orchestra when he was chosen as principal conductor. Under his direction, the Orchestra experienced its first world tours and saw the invitation of several guest conductors. Antal Dorati had already a great reputation when he took over. He expanded the repertoire considerably. It was the great cellist Mstislav Rostropovich who finally established the company’s international renown. An ambitious programme of commissioning works by young American composers has been set up. Under the direction of the Orchestra’s current music director Leonard Slatkin, the National Conducting Institute has been set up with a view to pushing forward the American talents of the future… Washington Performing Art Society: In 1965, the impresario Patrick Hayes established the “Washington Performing Arts Society”, one of the country’s first associations of independent performing arts professionals. Its aim being to bring before audiences of Washington and the surrounding area, the best performers of the world, to broaden the education of children, thanks to its sponsors, to encourage innovation and to develop the careers of young performers. Each season, the WASP puts on some 60 evenings of jazz, gospel, contemporary dance and classical concerts with leading performers such as Cecilia Bartoli, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Valery Gergiev, Joshua Bell, Evgeny Kissin… Washington Concert Opera: Set up in 1986 by Stephen Crout and directed by conductor Antony Walker since 2002, the Washington Concert Opera has since its foundation performed 35 operas in concert version, featuring renowned performers who regularly appear on the major international stages such as Renée Fleming, Stéphanie Blythe, Ben Heppner, Deborah Voigt, Denyce Graves, Sumi Jo, Richard Leech...		Washington was officially created by the Constitution of the United States (1787). Founded in 1800 on plans by a French architect, Washington was supposed to represent the greatness of American democracy. During the War of Independence (1774-1783), Congress, the only body of government of the United States, was based most of the time in Philadelphia. Subsequently several major cities fought for the honour of housing the government of the newly established republic, with Princeton, Trenton, Annapolis assuming the role of capital in turn. Although New York seemed to have won the day in 1785, from 1783 onwards a different solution began to emerge. There were many who recommended the creation of a federal capital. The double advantage that this would hold would be: - an end to the rivalries between cities - removal of the government from the influence of one of the federate States by establishing it on neutral ground. This idea took shape in a paragraph of section 8 of Article I of the Constitution (drawn up in Philadelphia in 1787). The Article envisages the creation, by transfer of territory from one or more States, of a federal district in which the Congress would exercise sole power. In 1790, the “Residence Act” was passed. This specified the location of the new district and entrusted George Washington with the task of setting its contours and organising its provisional administration. In 1789, Pierre Charles L’Enfant offered George Washington his services as architect. The design he submitted in 1791 reflected a new political way of thinking and a grandiose vision: Washington DC – for District of Columbia - is a gigantic adaptation of Versailles. The early days of Washington were however to prove difficult. The city did not attract the population and no shops were established there. Furthermore, the prevailing climatic conditions, the unfinished infrastructure, the buildings scattered over large distances and the lack of entertainments drove the inhabitants away. In 1814 a new war set the Americans against the British. In a spirit of vengeance the British went up the Potomac (the river that traverses Washington DC) and set fire to the government buildings: the Capitol, the Senate, the House of Representatives chamber as well as the Treasury were burnt down and the Presidential residence blackened by flames (the complete cleaning of its façade led to its becoming known as the White House). At the beginning of the 19th century, the city’s growth was still slow. It was the American Civil War that finally gave legitimacy to Washington as federal capital. The exodus due to the war and to the abolition of slavery allowed the city to gain inhabitants. Furthermore, the city found a special place in the heart of the American people as a symbol of restored unity. Growth of the city then continued, assisted by the two World Wars which strengthened its national and international power. Today, Washington DC, capital of the United States, is better known for the American Dream that it symbolises than for itself. However, its political importance, its history, its cultural treasures, its situation on the East Coast (between Maryland and Virginia) make Washington an essential city to visit.		Washington is one of the few cities in the United States built according to a town planning scheme. The plans conceived by Pierre Charles L’Enfant are indeed a gigantic adaptation of Versailles. It anticipated locating the seat of legislative power on the highest hill, renamed “Capitol Hill”, in reference to the hill in Rome, the religious centre of the ancient city. A very broad public avenue, the Mall, runs from the Capitol to the river, and the other axis, starting from the president’s residence, intersects the Mall at a point where L’Enfant planned an equestrian statue of George Washington, now replaced by a giant obelisk, the Washington Monument. The Capitol, seat of the people’s power, stands on a hill, like the Château de Versailles; the Mall is reminiscent of the green lawns and their extension, the Grand Canal, while the White House evokes the Grand Trianon. The rest of the city is designed on a grid system. To embellish it, L’Enfant superimposed on this grid a network of intersecting diagonal avenues, squares and roundabouts adorned with fountains and monuments. The project did not lack grandeur, although the plans made no provision for the development of commercial or industrial activities. Today Washington DC is a city of contrasts. The suburban districts in Virginia and Maryland are inhabited by many politicians, foreign diplomats, etc. The city itself is inhabited by myriad natives and immigrants from all over the world. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the United States.

Some Highlights

Gardens & in the surrounding area

The Capitol: This is the seat of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Because of its enormous size, the Capitol perfectly symbolises the United States. Presidents are sworn in before the east façade of the Capitol, or on the west side, facing the Mall.

The White House: Built after the creation of the District of Columbia. The north façade was copied from the first and second floors of Leinster House, the ducal palace of Dublin. The south façade on the other hand was not added until 1829 and apparently took its inspiration from the Château de Rastignac in Dordogne. In the early 20th century, a further two wings were added in order to house the presidential team.

The Washington Monument: An 160-metre high obelisk, dedicated to the memory of George Washington. It has a lift and a staircase to take visitors up to the observation platform.

The Lincoln Memorial: Prolonging the perspective of the Mall and alongside the Potomac river, the Lincoln Memorial was built in 1922. Modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, the interior of the building houses a statue of Abraham Lincoln seated. On the walls are engraved his most famous speeches, as well as an inscription in his memory: “In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever”.

The Jefferson Memorial: A building of white marble with a circular dome, the Memorial is broadly inspired by a classical Greek temple. Inside is a statue of the man who drew up the Declaration of Independence and who was the third president of the United States.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: This simple but majestic memorial dedicated to the veterans of the Vietnam War was designed by a young architecture student aged 21, Maya Ying Li. The names of the 58,156 Americans killed or missing in action during that war are engraved on a wall of black marble 150 m long.

The Supreme Court: Situated opposite the Capitol, the Supreme Court is built on the model of a classical temple and made entirely of white marble. The Supreme Court is the highest court of justice of the Federal Republic and thus carries out the functions attributed to it in Article 3 of the Constitution: “The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court”.

The Library of Congress: Founded in 1800 by President John Adams at the same time as the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to Washington DC. Over the years, the library has built up its collection and is now the largest library in the world.

Ford’s Theatre: A theatre opened in 1863, it is here that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865. Performances still take place here and the presidential box occupied by Lincoln has been preserved as it was at the time of the assassination.

Arlington: The national cemetery of the United States in which are buried soldiers who served their county in an outstanding way, as well as President John F. Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline and his brother Robert. The information centre has an exhibition on the history of the cemetery and there is a magnificent panorama of the city of Washington from the Robert E. Lee memorial. The changing of the guard takes place before the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Georgetown: A very pretty town founded in 1751, the name of which is a homage to King George II. During its early years the town lived mainly on the revenue from tobacco growing. However, it developed very rapidly by taking advantage of the proximity of the Potomac river. Today Georgetown receives many visitors. Well-known for its facilities for cyclists and walkers but also for its church and the Old Stone House.

Mount Vermont: The very beautiful holiday residence of George Washington, of Georgian architecture, comprising 19 rooms, including his library and study.

The Pentagon: Sited in Arlington, the famous five-sided building is the nerve centre of both the Defence Department and the Armed Forces (some 23,000 servicemen and civil employees work here). The Pentagon was built at the beginning of the Second World War. Part of the building is open to visitors.

Richmond: Capital of Virginia and of the Confederation. Known for the preservation of its historic heritage, Richmond has many sites and attractions that illustrate its past.
The town is also home to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts which has one of the biggest and most extensive collections in the South.

Rock Creek Park: On the outskirts of Washington, this park is an ideal place to relax.

Alexandria: Port founded by Scottish merchants in the 18th century.

Food & Drink

Festivals

The cosmopolitan city of Washington is a meeting point for cuisines from all over the world. Different neighbourhoods have their own specialities. Fashions change quickly but French restaurants are still regarded the most highly.

Dishes
Sirloin Steak
Tenderloin steak
Cole slaw (cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise)
Hamburger (hamburgers and chips and with a salad leaf are on the menu of every restaurant)
Waldorf salad: apples and walnuts served on bed of lettuce

Brunch
Brunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch, is one of the great rituals of the week.

Desserts
Frozen yogurt
Carrot cake
Cheesecake
Apple, pecan and pumpkin pies
pancakes with maple syrup

Drinks
You have to be over 21 to drink alcohol in Washington DC
Bourbon: American whisky
Cocktails: Americans drink a lot of these
Wine: Wines from Florida are very popular

NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: This Festival, which is held every year, celebrates the arrival of spring and commemorates the gift of 3000 cherries to the US from the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912. The two week long festival includes many sporting and culinary events.

FILMFEST DC - WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: For 12 days in April, film buffs from all over the world come to the capital. Each year the Festival includes over a hundred feature-length films, documentaries and short films. In 2006, Filmfest DC showcased From Beijing to Bollywood, a series of films on India and China.

SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL: Established in 1967, the Smithsonian Folklife is a national, nay international, festival that takes place in June.
The festival offers a programme that puts culture to the fore (music, singing, dance, art, cuisine, illustration …).

KENNEDY CENTER PRELUDE FESTIVAL: From the majesty of the National Symphony Orchestra to the wild rhythms of the KC Jazz Club through the Texas swing of Asleep at the Wheel, the Prelude Festival opens the music season (in September).

NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING & PAGEANT OF PEACE: When the traditional Christmas tree lights are lit each evening, various music groups perform to the crowds on the Ellipse.

INDEPENDENCE DAY: A celebration of the date the United States came into being, the 4th of July sees parades, a concert by the Symphony Orchestra as well as the traditional fireworks on Washington Monument Square.

VETERANS DAY: On 11 November, the nation’s war veterans are honoured at the various memorials of Washington DC.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE: The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in March. It has celebrated the Irish residents since 1971. This parade is extremely popular today.

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: Paying tribute to those who served the USA, the World War II Veterans Committee organises an annual parade in May.

AMERICA SUPPORTS YOU FREEDOM WALK: The America Supports You Freedom Walk became established as a new “tradition” commemorating the lives lost on 11 September, reviving the commitment for peace and the values of the United States and honouring veterans past and present.

Things to Do

Hotels

Restaurants

Smithsonian Institution: This is the largest complex of museums in the world. Housing over 142 million objects and specimens representing the American people, the Smithsonian Institution is composed of 18 museums and galleries and also a zoo.
Founded in 1846 with the collections bequeathed to the United States by James Smithson, an English scientist, “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden: An international museum of modern and contemporary art.http://hirshhorn.si.edu/

National Air and Space Museum: The museum comprises 23 galleries in which hundreds of aircraft, space ships, missiles, rockets and other objects related to air and space are exhibited.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/

National Museum of African Art: A collection of traditional and contemporary African art. www.nmafa.si.edu

Smithsonian American Art Museum: The largest collection of American art in the world comprises over 300 years of paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, popular art and contemporary crafts.

National Portrait Gallery: The museum is devoted to portraits of eminent Americans. www.npg.si.edu

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum: A museum devoted to works of art from the 18th century to the present day.

Corcoran Gallery of Art: Founded with the aim of fomenting American genius, the collection of works from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries gives a idea of the work of the most important American artists. The Corcoran also has a collection of works by European artists. http://corcoran.org/

National Gallery of Art: The National Gallery of Art houses one of the finest collections in the world, illustrating major achievements in painting, sculpture, decorative art, and works on paper from the Middle Ages to the present. www.nga.gov

The Kreeger Museum: A museum housing pieces from the collection of Carmen and David Kreeger, including works by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Kandinsky and Miró. www.kreegermuseum.com

Sofitel Lafayette Square (4 stars)
806 15th Street NW
Washington DC, DC 20005

In an historic building dating from 1880, the hotel stands on the corner of Lafayette Square that runs alongside the White House. The hotel is close to the famous Smithsonian Institution, the main government institutions and the Convention Center. It has 220 rooms and 17 suites, the cuisine is French.

The Fairmont Washington DC (5 stars)
2401 M St. NW
Washington DC, DC 20037
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC, DC 20004

Located in the trendy neighbourhood of the West End, the Fairmont Washington DC is characterised by its comfort and luxury.

The Hay-Adams
16th & H Sts. NW
One Lafayette Square
Washington DC, DC 20006

Built in the 1920s, the Hay-Adams still has the atmosphere of the distinguished residences on Lafayette Square. The hotel has 145 rooms and around twenty suites some of which have a view over the White House and Lafayette Park. Combining heritage and luxury with comfort and modern technology, the Hay-Adams is the perfect hotel.

The Madison (5 stars)
1177 15th Street NW
Washington DC, DC 20005

Located right in the heart of Washington, The Madison is a paradise of comfort. The hotel offers 353 fully refurbished rooms.

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington DC, DC 20036

The biggest of Washington DC’s luxury hotels is situated in the business district of the city. Because of its proximity to the White House, the Mayflower is often referred to as the White House hotel.

Park Hyatt Washington
1201 24th St NW
Washington DC, DC 20037

Located a few minutes from Georgetown, the national monuments and the Kennedy Center, the Park Hyatt hotel, designed by Tony Chi, allies comfort with modernity.

FOR ATMOSPHERE

Acadiana
Southern Louisiana cuisine.

Banana Café
This is one of the most popular restaurants on Capitol Hill, the cuisine is Puerto Rican and Cuban.
Upstairs, the restaurant has a bar where talented local pianists and singers perform each evening.

Charlie Palmer Steak
A restaurant with trendy décor serving typically American cuisine.

Butterfield 9
An elegant restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine.

FOR LUXURY, PEACE AND QUIET
AND PLEASURE

Black Salt
A very good seafood and fish restaurant. An elegant setting with a partial view of the kitchens.

1789
Modern American cuisine.