Naxos of America announces release of new recording of Nixon in China

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3-disc set was recorded live in performance with Opera Colorado at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

DENVER, CO—John Adams’s 20th century classic Nixon in China, performed at Opera Colorado in June of 2008, will be released on a new live three-CD recording by Naxos of America, part of the label’s acclaimed American Classics series.

Conducted by Marin Alsop, Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony and Conductor Laureate of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the recording features the talents of Robert Orth (Richard Nixon), Maria Kanyova (Pat Nixon), Marc Heller (Mao Tse-tung), Tracy Dahl (Madame Mao), Chen-Ye Yuan (Chou En-lai), Melissa Malde, Julie Simson and Jennifer DeDominici (the three Secretaries) as well as the Opera Colorado Chorus and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

“Few operas written in the last quarter of the twentieth century have withstood the test of time to remain as musically and dramatically vibrant today as they were at their premieres. Nixon in China is one of a handful of American operas to achieve celebrity status. Opera Colorado is proud to have been part of this exciting recording project, the first such recording in Opera Colorado’s history.” - Greg Carpenter, Opera Colorado General Director

The new recording was inspired by Marin Alsop’s dedication to performing and promoting contemporary classical music and was produced in cooperation with Opera Colorado and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Association. Composer John Adams attended performances of the work as it was recorded live in Denver.

Naxos’ highly-acclaimed American Classics series boasts a unique catalog of both well-known and rarely recorded masterpieces. The landmark series features the greatest American composers from Charles Ives and John Cage to Adams, Philip Glass, John Corigliano and William Bolcom among many others.

The recording will be available for purchase nationally as well as through the Naxos website.

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