Plšcido Domingo, the company's general director, said, "As the general director of Washington National Opera for the last ten years, I join the opera's trustees in giving the city the gift of this marvelous free simulcast performance on the National Mall. You will know all the music and you will hear some of the greatest African American singers in the world. I am very happy that thousands of people will be able to enjoy this opera for free. I hope this is the beginning of a new tradition for Washington National Opera!"

WNO's production of Porgy and Bess will also be heard in a live radio broadcast on November 12. That broadcast will be heard on National Public Radio stations across the United States and in 23 European countries.