> At a Glance
> – Washington National Opera will sever ties with the Kennedy Center after nearly 50 years
> – Center’s new policy requires shows to be fully funded before rehearsals begin
> – WNO must cut its spring season and find new stages
> – Why it matters: Opera fans face fewer local performances as one of America’s largest companies searches for new homes
America’s capital is losing its resident opera company. The Washington National Opera announced Friday it can no longer work inside the Kennedy Center after the venue imposed a pay-up-front rule that clashes with how opera budgets operate.
Funding Clash
Kennedy Center now demands every production be bankrolled before the first rehearsal. The opera says this “requirement is incompatible with opera operations,” where costs balloon as sets, costumes and rehearsals evolve.
Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi confirmed:
> “After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with the WNO due to a financially challenging relationship.”
To stay solvent, the company will:
- Shrink its spring season
- Stage shows in alternative venues around D.C.
- Seek an “amicable transition” away from the center
Political Backdrop
The breakup follows months of artistic boycotts. Since President Trump ousted the Kennedy Center’s old board and installed himself as chairman, performers including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Peter Wolf have canceled appearances. The board’s December vote to rebrand the complex the Trump-Kennedy Center triggered fresh cancellations.
WNO’s statement made no mention of Trump.
Key Takeaways
- One of the nation’s largest opera companies is now homeless
- Kennedy Center’s pre-funding rule ends a partnership dating back decades
- D.C. audiences will see fewer mainstage productions this spring
- The search for new performance spaces begins immediately
