Ken
Feinberg
OCCUPATION: Managing partner at the
Feinberg Group and president , Washington
National Opera.
WASHINGTON LIFE: What is your greatest
achievement?
KEN FEINBERG: My design, implementation
and administration of the September 11 Victim
Compensation Fund. My greatest personal
achievement is my 31-year marriage to Diane
Feinberg and our three children, Michael, Leslie
and Andrew, all pursuing successful careers.
WL: If you could play any role in an opera, which
role would you play?
KF: I’ve always dreamed of playing Wotan in Wagner’s
Ring cycle. I’d also like to try the role of Iago in
Verdi’s Othello.
WL: What is your greatest extravagance?
KF: Sitting in the center seat, eighth row orchestra, at
all performances of the Washington National Opera;
it’s the best seat in the house!
WL: What is your signature characteristic?
KF: An inherent optimism that any challenge can
be conquered with competence, determination and
cooperation with others.
WL: Do you sing in the shower?
KF: No, but I sing in my automobile traveling to and
from work.
WL: What is your favorite opera house?
KF: The Metropolitan has always set the standard of
quality which all other opera companies throughout
the world try to emulate. My favorite opera
house is the Kennedy Center – it is the right size
with the right acoustics and always draws a warm
and welcoming crowd.
WL: What is the one CD you would bring to a
deserted island?
KF: Wagner’s complete Ring cycle, in its legendary
performance with the Vienna Philharmonic conducted
by Georg Solti.
WL: What are you most looking forward to in the
upcoming opera season?
KF: There will be a fabulous group of seven diverse
operas performed here in Washington, everything from
Madama Butterfly to Jen fa by Janá ek.
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