'Rienzi,' a Wagner work rarely performed, pleases at Strathmore

Richard Wagner might be delighted to know that his "Ring" cycle is still performed to audiences of passionate devotees around the world. He might be shocked, though, to know that "Rienzi," his third opera and one of his most popular throughout the 19th century, is hardly performed at all today. And he might be equally shocked to find out that the National Philharmonic, which, in partnership with the Wagner Society of Washington, offered the opera in concert at Strathmore on Saturday night, with ...