Nixon in China (1987), John Adams's first opera, dramatizes President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in February 1972, a diplomatic breakthrough that helped transform relations between the two countries.
Created in collaboration with director Peter Sellars and librettist Alice Goodman, the opera turns a modern political event into a grand theatrical spectacle, combining Minimalist rhythms with lyrical melodies, colorful orchestration, and moments of unexpected humor.
The opera opens with the arrival of Air Force One in Beijing. Watch as an event familiar from television news footage becomes something altogether extraordinary on the operatic stage!