Romanian opera diva Angela Gheorghiu was hailed Saturday in Washington as she made her opera debut in the U.S. capital, 20 years after launching her international career in London.

Gheorghiu, 46, was treated to several standing ovations for her recital largely of works by Jules Massenet at the Kennedy Center, with excerpts from the operas “Cherubin,” “Manon” and “Le Cid.”

Although she has sung many times at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Gheorghiu had never performed in Washington until now.

Appearing in three different dresses in pink, black and gold, the diva captivated the US capital with her warm and powerful voice and stage presence.

Gheorghiu, who last year released an album in a tribute to Maria Callas, was accompanied by American conductor Eugene Kohn, who played with the famous Greek singer in the 1970s.

The singer is expected to perform this month in “La Boheme” in Barcelona and Hamburg. (AFP)