Audio

Today we proffer the first act of the English Language Opera "Nixon in China" written by John Adams (libretto by Alice Goodman). This opera tells the story of Richard Nixon's trip to China in 1972 which helped reverse decades of hostility between our two nations. Later in the show we present "The Red Detachment of Women." This was the Chinese ballet/symphony/opera presented to Richard and Patricia Nixon during their visit. It tells the story of Wu, an oppressed female peasant who is beaten by her landlord and left for dead. Wu revives, escapes to the mountains and joins the "Red Detachment of Women" who return to overthrow the landlord and liberate her village. As the situation on the Korean peninsula deteriorates, these works are presented in the hope that listeners will reflect upon the hardship caused by national antagonisms and promote relationships of mutual trust and benefit, particularly with those with whom we disagree.