Almost a quarter century after it debuted to mixed reviews, John Adams’s opera about President Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China is now widely judged to be a masterwork. The composer blended Philip Glass–style minimalism with Wagnerian flourishes and touches of big-band jazz, all of which he calls forth while conducting this 2011 performance during the work’s debut run at the Metropolitan Opera. The production features baritone James Maddalena reprising the title role he created 24 years ago. Wednesday, June 1, at 9 p.m., PBS; check local listings
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