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BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

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BBC Proms

Music: Classical

The world's greatest classical music festival - stunning performances and collaborations.

The world's greatest classical music festival. Stunning performances, unique collaborations and the sheer joy of live music. Relive 2023's highlights before the new season begins.

2012

BBC Proms: 2012 Season: Prom 72

BBC Proms: 2012: Prom 72: Part 2: Nixon in China - Act 2

Performances & Events

Music: Classical: Opera

Nixon in China - Act 2

Part 2 Part 2: Nixon in China - Act 2

BBC Radio 3 - BBC Proms, 2012, Prom 72, Nixon in China - Act 2

John Adams conducts Act 2 of his own opera Nixon in China.

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London, John Adams conducts Act 2 of his own opera Nixon in China, with soloists including Robrt Orth, and the BBC Singers and Symphony Orchestra.

Live from the Royal Albert Hall, London

Presented by Andrew McGregor

John Adams conducts his stunning opera Nixon in China, with a star-studded cast, the BBC Singers & BBC SO. Alice Goodman's poetic, intensely original libretto is based on Richard and Pat Nixon's historic three-day visit to China in 1972. Protagonists viewed initially as transcendent iconic figures are not so much satirised as seen for what they are.

The score pounds away eclectically with nods to Broadway and rock, Minimalism and Igor Stravinsky, but there's no mistaking the identity of the composer, who conducts tonight, nor the colour and brilliance of one of the iconic works of our time.

The Anglo-American cast includes Robert Orth as Nixon, Jessica Rivera as Mrs. Nixon, Gerald Finley as Chou En-Lai and Kathleen Kim as Madame Mao. 

Adams: Nixon in China - Act II

Madame Mao ..... Kathleen Kim (soprano)
Chairman Mao ..... Alan Oke (tenor)
Chou En-lai ..... Gerald Finley (bass-baritone)
President Nixon ..... Robert Orth (baritone)
Pat Nixon ..... Jessica Rivera (soprano)
Kissinger ..... James Rutherford (bass)
First Secretary to Mao ..... Stephanie Marshall (mezzo-soprano)
Second Secretary to Mao ..... Louise Poole (mezzo-soprano)
Third Secretary to Mao ..... Susan Platts (mezzo-soprano)
Mark Grey (sound director)
Paul Curran (stage director)

BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Singers
John Adams (conductor).

BBC Proms: 2012

BBC Proms: 2012: Prom 72

Prom 72

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

All broadcasts from the 118th season of the BBC Proms.

Andrew McGregor presents a performance of John Adams's opera Nixon in China

Andrew McGregor presents a performance of John Adams's opera Nixon in China, with a cast of leading soloists, the BBC Singers and BBC Symphony Orchestra

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Prom 72

Part 2: Nixon in China - Act 2

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