Washington National Opera Remembers Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1933 - 2020
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be missed by all of us at the Kennedy Center. The Justice was a champion of the arts at large—but nothing came close to her passion for opera. She was a frequent attendee of Washington National Opera events and formed a special friendship with Artistic Director Francesca Zambello.
"She was our greatest advocate and our greatest spokesperson. She carried this art form."
— Francesca Zambello, Sept. 19, 2020
Quote from . (New York Times Interview).
If the Justice loved opera, then opera loved her back. As tributes to the Justice pour in from the opera community, we add our own below. We remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg: a steadfast patron, a cherished critic, a supernumerary worthy of standing ovations, and our greatest advocate.
RBG's Love of Opera
RBG's Love of Opera
WNO and the Kennedy Center Remember RBG
WNO and the Kennedy Center Remember RBG
Remembrances of RBG
Stories and impressions from the WNO and Kennedy Center family
Jamie Barton
mezzo-soprano
I was invited to sing a recital with soprano Angela Meade and pianist Bradley Moore at the Supreme Court in 2015 by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. That invitation was (and still is) one of the greatest honors I've ever experienced. This recital afforded me the opportunity to thank Justice Ginsburg for having been a champion for women and for queer people, among many others. As a queer woman, it especially meant so much to me that she had fought for rights that so many of us previously didn’t have. When I thanked her, she smiled a bit, and then in her soft voice, she told me all about how it had been won. I'll never forget that moment... I had tears in my eyes and my voice was quaking just in thanking her for something that meant so much to so many... and her quiet brilliance and love for her work shone through the moment. I'll miss her for many reasons, but I will always be grateful to have been able to be among the artists who brought the joy of music to her life. It's the least we could do for someone as heroic as she was.
J’Nai Bridges
mezzo-soprano
I had the honor and pleasure of singing for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on two occasions. The first was for her 85th Birthday Celebration combined with her 25th Year on the Supreme Court. After my performance I was able to speak with her, and I garnered up the courage to ask for any words of wisdom she might have for me. She immediately chuckled and said "no no no, you have it already. Continue to inspire people and change the world by using your gifts." My eyes welled up with tears with gratitude and she gave me a hug that I can feel to this day and will forever cherish. The second occasion of performing for her was at my Washington National Opera and role debut of Delilah in Samson and Delilah. After the performance I was able to share how special it was for me to perform an opera for her. She was incredibly generous in her compliments and feedback and once again my eyes welled up. But this is who she was. An engaged, thoughtful, compassionate, and generous human who gave us so much. She showed us what it means to be present and do the work for a better tomorrow. I honor her for showing us how to fight. How to change the world by using our gifts, and I am thankful that she had the courage and support to fully embrace her purpose. I miss her tremendously and am grateful to carry her spirit and strength in my heart.
Jeffrey P. Cunard, Esq.
President, WNO Board
Justice Ginsburg was a titan. Her commitment to the rule of law, to fairness and equity, are justly celebrated. In the years before her ascending to the Court, she was a brilliant, fierce champion of the rights of all, and one of the most remarkable lawyers this country has ever seen. Having herself experienced unfairness as a woman lawyer, she worked tirelessly to shape the law over decades to achieve a better and more just world. That intensity and erudition were equaled if not surpassed in her life-long passion for the performing arts, especially opera.
At WNO, notwithstanding her demanding schedule, RBG routinely attended dress rehearsals (we were honored when we could share a box with her). Sometimes, she brought work along, and sat in the Russian Lounge during intermissions reading briefs intently. And, she enthusiastically attended opening nights, often bringing another Justice, judge, law clerk, family member or friend, followed by the cast parties that she so enjoyed. Wherever she went to see performances, RBG just adored meeting singers and other artists. At those opening night parties, we invariably saw how much pleasure she took in talking with them and then joining the entire cast for the group picture, where she was always front and center. RBG was, perhaps, even more enthused about the WNO young artists and routinely attended their performances, then following their career after they “graduated.”
Without question, RBG was knowledgeable – and had strong opinions – about opera. The singing and the productions most often earned her well-deserved praise. But, in her own keen, but understated, way she was not shy (albeit in private and sotto voce) about elements that were, she thought, less than completely successful.
Undoubtedly, RBG was our country’s foremost champion of opera—maybe she was the greatest ever. At WNO and opera venues that she routinely attended – including Glimmerglass Festival, Washington Concert Opera and Santa Fe Opera – rousing standing ovations often would greet her just-in-time-for-the-curtain entrances (especially, in recent years, when the performances came just days after she had issued a pointed dissent). For so many of us, it was a thrill to be in those audiences. After the performances, artists would try to meet her, not wanting to miss the opportunity to share with RBG how both her life and career and her unflagging support for opera had been deeply meaningful to them. RBG (with her Court detail ever-mindful and close-at-hand) took the time to stop, listen and, then, offer words of encouragement in her own ever-so-quiet way.
We will really, really miss her.
Christine Goerke
Soprano
Thank you, Ruth. For giving of yourself time and time again. For us. For our nation. I will never forget.
I would say may your memory be a blessing, but everything about you has always been...and always will be.
Rest well, you Valkyrie. I hope Marty is making you your favorite soufflé right now. Xo
Denyce Graves
mezzo-soprano
One who embodies the creator’s primal conception of the human being is called A Tzaddik, A person of great righteousness.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a monumental and historic figure who championed women’s rights. She was also an enthusiastic Opera lover and even from time to time was a super in the productions! She was loved by many on and offstage.
On Friday, September 18 at Sundown, the first of the two days of Erev Rosh Hashanah, the second woman to serve on the US Supreme Court, JUSTICE Ruth Bader Ginsburg, transitioned. I’m told that it is a holy event to die on the High Holidays and thus, it was a sacred ending to an astounding and unforgettable human existence.
Justice Ginsburg was a trailblazing feminist and icon; she was a national treasure who spent a great deal of her career as an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. She was tiny, demure, and soft spoken but she was a colossal powerhouse of a woman: “a tempest in a teapot”. SHE MOVED THE COUNTRY CLOSER TO FAIRNESS, EQUALITY AND MORALITY. She was a great leader who fought with her last breath for so many and changed the way America is for women, minorities, and LGBTQ communities.
We will miss her courage, strength, and warrior spirit. We will miss her gentleness, brilliance, her devotion to the rule of law, her great humanity, and her enthusiasm for life!
We love you RBG—thank you for all that you gave to the world!
Jake Heggie
composer
Justice Ginsburg and I met at the Santa Fe Opera in 2013 – and immediately recognized a kindred spirit. From the start, we talked like old friends. Soft spoken, with a wry, knowing and slightly shy smile, she had many questions for me about singers and my own operas. Much to my surprise, she said she was a big champion of Dead Man Walking. Unlike many of her generation, she had great curiosity for all operas – from classics to the newly created. She recognized and delighted in the power of opera to comment on humanity through the ages, to give us perspective and empathy. She loved the totality of it, and especially the beautiful soaring voices. She also loved that opera is a massive community event filled with possibility, meaning, emotion … and fun! From that first meeting, we developed a lovely communication and correspondence. She went out of her way to attend my operas, and always offered an honest appraisal – we all know she was an expert listener! Justice Ginsburg had a way of making everyone around her feel special, appreciated ... and heard.
Alan Held
bass-baritone
I am deeply saddened and sorry to hear of the passing of Justice Ginsburg. I can't remember the first time I met her but I cherished every moment we spent together. It was always an absolute joy to have her standing outside my dressing room door at èßäAVfollowing one or our performances or to chat with her at an opening-night party. There were many of those. As she was soft of voice (and so extremely tiny), I enjoyed kneeling to be on her eye level and to cherish each word of our conversations. I always smile when I remember a dressing room encounter in 2016 (following a 5.5 hour "Siegfried" performance) when she was at my door with her two hunky and hulky security guards. I teased those guys and said, "You mean she made you sit through this thing"? One sort of sheepishly smiled and said, "Well, he sat with her in the box...I just sort of waited outside". The last time I saw her was at a dinner at Wolf Trap when I took my kneeling position and just enjoyed her holding onto my hand as we discussed opera...her love for the art form was so great. There was much to learn from her. But, I think the greatest thing I took from her, especially during these times, is this....Even though she and Justice Scalia were totally opposite on the political and judicial platform, they were great friends. Seeing them together so often at the opera was just so heartwarming. The last time I saw them together was after a "Carmelites" performance. This was not long before Justice Scalia died. They were having a wonderful time together, as always. She, and he, showed that people of all persuasions can differ mightily...but, they can come together and enjoy each other's company in wonderful ways. They were steadfast friends. This is a lesson for all, remember how the two justices were able to get along....how they cherished each other's company... and shared the stage together in so many ways. Don't let Friend be torn from Friend, Husband from Wife, Daughter from Mother, and Son from Father. Remember to cherish what you love together...be thankful for good people...remember that the arts are healing...and that we don't all have to agree to be far more civil to each other. Thank you, RBG!!!
Peter Kazaras
Director
A reminiscence of RBG
I still remember vividly the first time I met Justice Ginsburg. It was after a performance of Volpone that she attended at Wolf Trap in 2007. We were leaving the auditorium, and somehow even though I realize now that there must have been Secret Service guards nearby, there she was, right in front of me. Someone introduced us and she stopped in her tracks to tell me that she had so enjoyed the production, that she had loved it when she first saw it at its world premiere in 2004 and that she had loved it in this new production as well. She was charming, gracious, and so lucid! It was like listening to beams of light.
Seven years later, I was directing a new production of La bohème for WNO. Sometime during the evening, I was introduced again to the Justice, and I said “Justice, it is a pleasure, I was the director for this show” and without missing a beat she said “I know that, Mr. Kazaras, and I remember vividly your wonderful production of Volpone at Wolf Trap in the summer of 2007”….. I mean…how could she put all of that together? Did she have nothing else on her mind to worry about? But that was RBG – she truly adored opera and lived for it. And what a mind, what a memory!
Seeing her and Francesca Zambello together will always hold a very special place in my heart. The last time I saw her, it was at the opening night party of The Barber of Seville at WNO in 2018. The cast, conductor, and production folks were going up to a platform to have our picture taken with the Justice, and Francesca whispered in my ear “Peter, please make sure that Justice Ginsburg is ok on the staircase.” Vintage ‘Cesca – discreet, caring, and always watchful. Going up those few steps that evening holding onto this tiny elbow, I really felt as if I were responsible for the most precious cargo in the world. And a few minutes later when one of our Italian colleagues came to greet her, she bounded forward to say hello to him and it is clear from a picture taken at that moment that I am rather concerned that she is about to topple. But I need not have feared. She knew what she was doing.
Eric Larsen
Chairman, WNO Board
RBG was a titan, and absolutely beloved by WNO. I’ll never forget the last time I saw her…in fact one of the final two pre-pandemic performances of WNO – opening night of Samson et Delilah in late February. The 2300-seat opera house was filling up in the moments before the performance on a sold-old, electric opening night. RBG quietly, unobtrusively entered from a side door of the opera house, as she always did. Of course she was noticed instantly, and in small, ever-widening concentric circles, everyone started to applaud. Quietly, respectfully at first, but within a few moments all 2300 patrons were on their feet, thunderously applauding…an ovation that went on for several minutes until RBG was seated. It was a beautiful, unforgettable moment. Only RBG could inspire that kind of spontaneous love and adoration, especially in staid, buttoned-down Washington.
Isabel Leonard
mezzo-soprano
Madame Justice, I will never forget my fortune to have had the opportunities to converse with you, and to share in the same passion for justice and for opera. In this world that is seemingly so divided, a world where often times individuals from different professional backgrounds seldom have the chance to meet, I am humbled to have had the honor of your precious time. In that time, I was deeply affected by your perseverance and the immense value that you placed in all you believed was right and just. Thank you for your fearless leadership.
Your absence is felt very strongly, and I cannot begin to imagine how those closest to you mourn. We should be comforted perhaps, in the knowledge that your tireless work has laid indestructible groundwork for so many to follow in the path you built. In my opinion, there is nothing more incredible than forging your own path and in leaving it open for others to follow. You have instilled in me a true and meaningful courage, and I cannot thank you enough.
Kate Lindsey
mezzo-soprano
The opportunity to know and share music with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been one of the most profound honors of my life. I first had the pleasure of meeting her during one of her annual visits to Santa Fe Opera in 2010, and we subsequently reunited during my projects with Washington National Opera and Washington Concert Opera over the next eight years. Dining next to her after a performance in 2016, I was struck by her absolute and enduring passion for opera. I surmised she was just as much a distinguished scholar of opera as much as the law, and when we sat down together, she loved talking about music and discussing the recent productions she’d seen. I sensed in these conversations that her ability to enter this other world of music allowed her a certain reprieve from the pressures of her daily life. I was awed by her astounding mind and the depth of her sensitivity towards the artform, being able to permeate the depths of an opera’s story and juxtapose that against a production’s own interpretation.
In that 2016 encounter, however, I specifically remember sharing with her some of my thoughts and worries about creating a work and family balance as I was beginning to consider starting a family – a particular challenge that weighs very heavily on singing moms. She shared how fortunate she had been to have such a supportive partner in Marty, who, rather than holding her back, was her biggest cheerleader and empowered to follow her goals and dreams. She fondly recalled their morning routine when she would come to the table and he’d have the morning newspapers laid out for them to peruse together over breakfast. I could feel how much she missed him, even in those years after his death. The only solace I found in the days after Justice Ginsburg’s passing was being able to hope and imagine that she was finding peace with Marty by her side again. And through that conversation with her that 2016 evening, I allowed myself the room to believe my own goals were achievable if I could navigate life with a strong sense of purpose, just as she had. Ten months later, when I saw her at WNO in 2017 while singing Dead Man Walking, I was quietly carrying the new joy of my very early pregnancy.
There never was and never will be anyone quite like RBG. I heard the news of her passing with the deepest sorrow, for the world has lost a most beautiful soul. I’m only too lucky to have benefitted from the rays of her light in those few moments of connection, which will remain cherished in my memory forever.
RBG, I think about you every day. You’ve left a blessed imprint on my heart, and I’ll be forever grateful to you and your ever-enduring legacy.
Lisette Oropesa
soprano
Justice Ginsburg was a pioneer of women's rights who inspired me greatly. Her love of opera and constant support of the arts not just in Washington, DC, but all over the USA was deeply appreciated. She was a beacon to all musical artists, and a warm and supportive presence to those of us lucky enough to sing for her. Though she is no longer with us, we carry her in our hearts, and are honored to say we lived in the same lifetime.
Patricia Racette
Soprano
How does one even begin to articulate sentiments about one of the most articulate, brilliant people I have ever had the privilege of knowing? Beth and I are forever honored to have been in her presence, whether after performances or to share a meal alongside her and her family. Justice Ginsburg arguably loved opera more than any of us! Selfishly, one of my most cherished memories is the night RBG attended my TOSCA performance at WNO. I will NEVER forget her literally running towards me, calling my name across the crowded room with open arms! Her enthusiasm for the art form was but one facet of her passions: for beauty, for fairness, for persistence, for equality, and JUSTICE for all.
Alizon Reggioli
WNO chorus
On Thursday night [the evening of the final dress rehearsal in November, 2016], the backstage was buzzing because we all knew that RBG was going to be there. The scene opened with two chairs facing upstage, hiding the seated characters from the audience. After some chatter, the seats turned downstage revealing Mezzo soprano Deb Nansteel in one chair and the petite justice in the other. Most of the singers on stage were facing the audience and could hear and see the reaction as everyone realized who the little woman in the chair was.
I can only explain it as a collective sigh that turned into a clamor. You could audibly hear individuals start to breathe heavily, as if incredulous. Then the applause. The audience applauded and "Brava"d and whistled and yelled. It was as if a deposed Queen stood before her subjects. The wave came across the footlights, hitting us like a wind and before we knew it, almost everyone on stage was crying. Or perhaps, laughing with tears in our eyes. That tiny little woman still stood tall for our beliefs. And when I say our, I mean every American's.
Once the audience finally settled down, she started on her lines, and we all went back into our little world of the opera. But that moment has stayed with me for years.
Two days later we had our opening night. The audience had the same reaction as they did at the final dress, perhaps even bigger. More cheering, more tears. Absolutely cathartic.
We all knew what a fan of opera RBG was, and I think she knew how much we loved her back. Love her back.
I will never forget that show, or those nights.
How I will miss our Queen.
Douglas Rosenthal
Assistant Principal Trombone
Within moments of Justice Ginsburg's passing, throngs of people gathered in front of the Supreme Court to honor and mourn the loss of an American hero. Many brought flowers, candles, and signs. My partner and I brought a white rose taped to the final two pages of the score from Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle, the series of four operas that culminates in the world being saved by a woman. "Only a woman could do it; only a woman could change the course of history," Justice Ginsburg said of the Ring Cycle. And now, that is what we say of her.
Adria Sternstein Foster
Principal Flute
One of the perks of sitting in the WNO Orchestra flute section is the great view from the Kennedy Center Opera House pit into the audience, with perfect sight-lines of the box seats! It was always exciting to spot Justice Ginsburg up there—and often she was in the company of other Supreme Court Justices including, of course, Justice Antonin Scalia. In recent years when she entered the opera house, the audience would begin to clap and cheer. All of the warming up of the musicians would cease as the orchestra and the entire 2,000 seat hall would honor her with a grand standing ovation. The notorious RBG was definitely in the house!
Life in the Kennedy Center Opera House will certainly be a lot duller without her presence. Her love of opera inspired us all. I am grateful that my colleagues and I had the honor of performing for her.
Russell Thomas
tenor
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the ultimate Shero. I recall fondly meeting her for the first time and the kind words she bestowed upon me following my DC debut as Carlo in Verdi’s I Masnadieri. Thank you for being a supporter of the arts and a staunch advocate for underrepresented minorities. I’m happy to have played a small part in your life by helping you clear your mind while being transported by the music.
Tazewell Thompson
Director & Librettist
“I love it so. My heart beats with joyous anticipation when I know the opera is about to start. Everything else goes away and I am in the world in front of me.” Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said this to me as we, flanked by two security men, walked the long Hall of Nations from the elevator to her car after the opening night reception of my production of Philip Glass’ opera APPOMATTOX. Earlier at the table, along with Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, speaker/congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and I leaned in to hear RBG point out the finer points of the opera and the importance of direction in “bringing grandness to beautiful, meaningful and moving accessibility.” My head bobbing and lit up like a lantern from her compliment. We reached her car. A chauffeur jumped out to open the door. Justice Ginsburg offered to drop me off where I was staying. Anyone else would’ve hurled themselves into her car. Not me. I bent at the waist and kissed her hand. I stupidly said I can walk or that a car was picking me up or some dumb something or other. I’ve kicked myself over and over ever since.
Lightning struck twice when I first met RBG in July 2002 at my Glimmerglass directing debut opening of my favorite opera, DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES. As the opera approached the inevitable lead up to the guillotine scene, a tremendous, terrifying lightning storm began to batter the metal roof of the Alice Busch Opera House. It had been a particularly humid, sultry night. The open walls, letting in cross ventilation, began to roll close. As the Salve Regina halted, signaling the entrance of Blanche de la Force, the storm was over. After calls and kisses of congratulations behind “the curtain in”, I returned to my seat to collect my belongings. I was introduced to Denise Duval, the original 1957 Blanche and RBG. Our fingers touched. We both received an electric shock. “Residue lightning”, RBG laughingly said. “It’s good luck. I’m sure I will see more of your work.” And so she did. A particular memory was my production of Kurt Weill’s LOST IN THE STARS with Eric Owens. RBG was wracked with audible sobs. “I can hardly bear it. What a magnificent work. You changed the ending.” I had. I reprised Cry, The Beloved Country in place of Thousands Of Miles, a requested note from Kim Kowalke of The Kurt Weill Foundation. “It’s so much a better ending. It destroyed me.”
Flower bedecked steps of the capitol has been swept. Candles snuffed out. Half-mast flags hoisted. The invisible tent of stillness draped in the other room is folded and gone. Wide and empty is the road of alone without the irreplaceable. Not sad anymore. Weather cross ventilation returns reminding us through wind chimes that we had you for a while and you are now playing in the constellations with your friends: Tosca, Otello, Dido, Butterfly, Giovanni, Boris, Carmen, Violetta, Tamino, Musetta, Carlos, Lucia, Figaro, Aida, Rigoletto, Tristan, Kumalo, Blanche, Juliette, Isolde, Eugene, Salome, Elektra, Xerxes, Giulio, Canio... Dear RBG: We hear you!
