Opera, a musical, dramatic, and visual arts experience, has the power to communicate to a wide audience through a combination of forces and imagery -- singers, orchestras, choruses, and dancers; colorful costumes; and innovative or elaborate set designs. Opera has evolved through time and, in the United States, has been influenced by our national traditions; however, universal themes are at its core. Whether opera is produced on a grand scale or for an intimate chamber setting, the creators and interpreters bring to life, through music, stories that provide context for our human experiences.

The National Endowment for the Arts Opera Honors honors those visionary creators, extraordinary performers, and other interpreters who have made a lasting impact on our national cultural landscape.

John Adams Composer		Frank Corsaro Stage director, Librettist		Marilyn Horne Mezzo-soprano
Lotfi Mansouri General Director		Julius Rudel Conductor

Photo credits:
John Adams - c. 2008 Margaretta K. Mitchell
Frank Corsaro - Ellen Appel
Marilyn Horne - Marty Umans
Lotfi Mansouri - Terrence McCarthy
Julius Rudel - Greg Hark

National Endowment for the Arts · an independent federal agency
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20506

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