With “Nixon in China,” a legendary twentieth-century classic makes its long-awaited debut on the stage of the Piermarini. Celebrating its fortieth anniversary, John Adams’s groundbreaking first opera explores an essential chapter of modern music history. This powerful work chronicles the historic 1972 visit of Richard and Pat Nixon to China, balancing large-scale political maneuvers with deeply intimate domestic glimpses.
Valentina Carrasco’s elegant, witty production—originally created for the Opéra de Paris—vividly portrays the complex personalities behind “ping-pong diplomacy.” Under the baton of returning maestro Kent Nagano, the stellar cast features opera royalty Thomas Hampson and Renée Fleming in the leading roles.
Plot of Nixon in China
In February 1972, Air Force One lands in Beijing, carrying US President Richard Nixon and First Wife Pat for a historic diplomatic summit. They are greeted by Premier Chou En-lai and later meet the elusive Chairman Mao Tse-tung, leading to a complex philosophical debate on ideology. While Pat Nixon tours the city, discovering the warmth of the Chinese people, the cultural divide widens at a state banquet. The guests attend a revolutionary ballet performance orchestrated by Mao’s fierce wife, Chiang Ch’ing. The brutal political piece causes real-world friction, and Chiang Ch’ing fiercely asserts her vision of the cultural revolution. On their final night, the exhausted world leaders are left alone with their private thoughts, questioning whether their historic political actions truly changed the world or simply created a spectacle.
Cast and Creative Team of Nixon in China
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Alice Goodman
Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala New Production
Opéra de Paris Production
Conductor • Kent Nagano
Staging • Valentina Carrasco
Sets • Carles Berga, Peter van Praet
Costumes • Silvia Aymonio
Lights • Peter van Praet
Sound creation • Mark Grey
Richard Nixon • Thomas Hampson
Pat • Renée Fleming
Mao Tse-tung • Alfred Kim
Chiang Ch’ing • Kathleen Kim
Henry Kissinger • Seth Carico
Chou En-lai • Xiaomeng Zhang
Nancy T’sang • Aebh Kelly
Second secretary to Mao • Ning Liang
Third secretary to Mao • Lora Grigorieva
Booking Process
Music trip to Milan for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Nixon in China”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro alla Scala on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
Essential Package: Includes premium tickets, 4-star hotel accommodation in the city center, and breakfast.
Superior Package: Includes premium tickets, 4- or 5-star hotel accommodation, private city walking tour, aperitif with light dinner before the show, and a festive gourmet dinner.
Extend your journey into an unforgettable Italian experience: Beyond Milan and the enchanting Lombardy region with its sophisticated Northern Italian Lakes, we invite you to expand your travel package according to your desires.
We can seamlessly combine your visit to La Scala with additional performances at Italy’s most prestigious opera houses—such as the historic Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, the innovative Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence, the elegant Teatro Regio in Turin, or the grand Teatro Massimo in Palermo. Enhance your trip further with a bespoke gourmet package featuring exclusive tastings and culinary discoveries across the country. Everything—including premium hotels, curated opera tickets, and private transfers—will be meticulously organized by us, completely tailored to your personal wishes.
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John Adams's modern masterpiece "Nixon in China" arrives at La Scala. Conducted by Kent Nagano, this brilliant, elegant production stars Thomas Hampson and Renée Fleming in a vivid exploration of history and power.
John Adams's modern masterpiece "Nixon in China" arrives at La Scala. Conducted by Kent Nagano, this brilliant, elegant production stars Thomas Hampson and Renée Fleming in a vivid exploration of history and power.
John Adams's modern masterpiece "Nixon in China" arrives at La Scala. Conducted by Kent Nagano, this brilliant, elegant production stars Thomas Hampson and Renée Fleming in a vivid exploration of history and power.
John Adams's modern masterpiece "Nixon in China" arrives at La Scala. Conducted by Kent Nagano, this brilliant, elegant production stars Thomas Hampson and Renée Fleming in a vivid exploration of history and power.
John Adams's modern masterpiece "Nixon in China" arrives at La Scala. Conducted by Kent Nagano, this brilliant, elegant production stars Thomas Hampson and Renée Fleming in a vivid exploration of history and power.
In Milan at Teatro alla Scala
