You are Invited to the Exclusive Inaugural U.S. Opera for Peace Academy:

from November 10-16, 2025

Nov 10: Masterclass with Renée Fleming at the Embassy of France, 2-5 pm
Nov 14: Masterclass with Denyce Graves at the Embassy of France, 11 am-2 pm
Nov 14: Final Gala Concert & Cocktail Reception at the Embassy of France - Reception: 6-7:30 pm; Concert 7:30-9 pm
Nov 16: Closing Ceremony, D.C. venue TBD
Additional Masterclasses and workshops throughout the week

Building on the success of previous Academies in Rome and Paris since 2022, this landmark multi-day event will bring together exceptional young talents, stellar opera stars, esteemed mentors, and visionary cultural leaders for an immersive experience in artistic and personal development.

The luscious, deep voice of American mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves has graced nearly all the major world opera house stages and concert halls during her three-decades long career.
Her top-label recordings are numerous, and she has been a featured artist on national public television in everything from Great Performances to Sesame Street.
A champion of new works, Ms. Graves has premiered operas and song cycles, won competitions and countless awards. Signature opera roles include Carmen and Dalila, as well as the more contemporary Margaret Garner.
Recognized worldwide as one of today’s most exciting vocal stars, Denyce Graves continues to receive unparalleled popular and critical acclaim in performances on four continents.

We are honored to announce that Renée Fleming, one of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time, will lead a masterclass hosted at the French Embassy. 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence.
At a White House ceremony in 2013, President Obama awarded her the National Medal of Arts, America’s highest honor for an individual artist.
She brought her voice to a vast new audience in 2014, as the first classical artist ever to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl. Winner of the 2023 Grammy Award (her fifth) for Best Classical Vocal Solo, she sings in the greatest opera houses, concert halls, and theaters around the world. reneefleming.com

The Academy will culminate in a final concert at the French Embassy celebrating music and collaboration —a unique occasion to share your values with colleagues, clients, and distinguished guests alongside Denyce Graves, one of the most celebrated figures in opera and cultural diplomacy.
Alongside Ms. Graves, our Ambassador & Advisor Mentors, include some of the most celebrated figures in opera: Thomas Hampson, Larry Brownlee, Ailyn Pérez, Soloman Howard, Brian Jagde, Sumi Jo, and Sondra Radvanovsky.

All activities for the week (11/10-16)): Just $350/person
Attend the Gala (as described below) + Renée Fleming and Denyce Graves Master Classes: Just 250/person
Enjoy the Gala only: VIP Cocktail, concert with premium seating, and "meet the artists"Enter at 7pm: $150/person
- Note: added tax-deductible contributions to the Denyce Graves Foundation, a 501c3, are also welcome

For security reasons, we will need the names and emails of all persons attending the event. If you are reserving a table for 2 or 4, we will ask you the additional names the week of the event.
For security reasons, there will be no parking inside the Embassy. Public parking is available on Reservoir Rd. or at the nearby Georgetown Hospita garage. However, we strongly advise you to cosider using a car-sharing service.
This is an adult-only event. No one under 21 allowed.
Photo credits:
No refunds. (But you may substitute other guest(s) if you give us at least 4 days advance notice prior to the party)

2:00PM Mon 10 Nov 2025 - 9:30PM Fri 14 Nov 2025, Eastern timezone

Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road Northwest
Washington, DC 20007 USA