Washington National Opera leaves Kennedy Center as politics reshape the arts
Yahoo••entertainment
Key Points:
- The Washington National Opera announced it will end its over 50-year affiliation with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as it enters its 70th season, citing an unsustainable partnership under the center's new business model requiring full advance funding of productions.
- The Kennedy Center's recent rebranding to include Donald Trump's name and leadership changes have sparked controversy, opposition from the Kennedy family and arts leaders, and cancellations from major artists and companies.
- Opera artistic director Francesca Zambello expressed regret about the split but emphasized the company's commitment to its mission as an independent nonprofit, planning to relocate performances and adjust its spring season to maintain financial stability.
- The separation underscores broader tensions between culture and politics, illustrating how leadership and
