Washington National Opera Leaves Kennedy Center Amid Trump Administration
The Washington National Opera (WNO) has announced its decision to sever ties with the John F. Kennedy Center, citing a "takeover" by President Donald Trump as the main reason for its departure. The move is seen as one of the most significant departures from the institution since Trump's administration began.
The WNO had been affiliated with the Kennedy Center since 1971 and has performed numerous critically acclaimed productions there over the years. However, in recent months, several high-profile artists have cancelled their performances at the center due to concerns about Trump's influence on the institution.
In a statement to The New York Times, WNO artistic director Francesca Zambello cited "shattered" donor confidence and a significant decline in box office revenue as the reasons for its departure. Ticket sales were down by 40% compared to pre-Trump times, and many loyal audience members have expressed their disapproval of Trump's involvement with the center.
"We receive messages of protest from formerly loyal members of the audience, saying they refuse to return until 'the orange menace' is gone," Zambello said. "Some people even sent us back our season brochure shredded in an envelope, refusing to support the center as long as Trump is at the helm."
The WNO has announced plans to resume operations as a fully independent nonprofit entity and has identified alternative venues within Washington D.C. However, no leases have yet been finalized.
This move comes as several other high-profile artists and organizations have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center in response to Trump's administration. The opera's decision is likely to be seen as a significant blow to the institution's reputation and its ability to attract top talent.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what this move will mean for the WNO and the future of the Kennedy Center under Trump's leadership.
The Washington National Opera (WNO) has announced its decision to sever ties with the John F. Kennedy Center, citing a "takeover" by President Donald Trump as the main reason for its departure. The move is seen as one of the most significant departures from the institution since Trump's administration began.
The WNO had been affiliated with the Kennedy Center since 1971 and has performed numerous critically acclaimed productions there over the years. However, in recent months, several high-profile artists have cancelled their performances at the center due to concerns about Trump's influence on the institution.
In a statement to The New York Times, WNO artistic director Francesca Zambello cited "shattered" donor confidence and a significant decline in box office revenue as the reasons for its departure. Ticket sales were down by 40% compared to pre-Trump times, and many loyal audience members have expressed their disapproval of Trump's involvement with the center.
"We receive messages of protest from formerly loyal members of the audience, saying they refuse to return until 'the orange menace' is gone," Zambello said. "Some people even sent us back our season brochure shredded in an envelope, refusing to support the center as long as Trump is at the helm."
The WNO has announced plans to resume operations as a fully independent nonprofit entity and has identified alternative venues within Washington D.C. However, no leases have yet been finalized.
This move comes as several other high-profile artists and organizations have distanced themselves from the Kennedy Center in response to Trump's administration. The opera's decision is likely to be seen as a significant blow to the institution's reputation and its ability to attract top talent.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what this move will mean for the WNO and the future of the Kennedy Center under Trump's leadership.
the politics around there is getting outta control anyway they was having like 40% less ticket sales since trump took office wno artistic director Francesca Zambello said "we receive messages of protest from formerly loyal members of the audience" it's like what even is happening over there?
But at the same time, can you blame them? 40% decline in ticket sales? That's like, a major hit or something! 
And don't even get me started on the whole 'orange menace' thing... yeah, that's just awkward. I hope they find new venues and keep making amazing music. It's like when my old fave show gets cancelled after 5 seasons... you're all like 'what happened?!' 
Anyway, this is like, a big deal for arts in D.C., so fingers crossed everything works out for the WNO 
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I'm not sure what's going to happen next, but I hope the WNO can find a way to continue doing what they love without all this hassle 
But I guess that's just not how it works sometimes 
. Anyway, I'm keeping an eye on this situation and hoping for a positive outcome 
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The WNO's decision to leave the Kennedy Center is a major blow, and it'll be interesting to see how this plays out in the future 
. Maybe they're just looking for a fresh start? 
. Either way, it's a shame because that place was always so classy and sophisticated. Now it feels like a hot mess 
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idk maybe im just a naive optimist but i think trumps involvement couldve been handled better 
i mean, i'm not saying trump is all bad or anything but come on, art should be about the art not politics 
what's next tho? will other artists follow suit? 
. And those loyal audience members who are refusing to come back? That's a huge loss for the center. I get that people have different opinions, but can't we all just try to support art and culture without getting all divided and stuff? The WNO is basically saying they need to distance themselves from this whole mess to keep doing what they do best: bringing amazing performances to the city 
anyway its not just them tho other artists & orgs are distancing themselves from kennedy center too so hopefully wno can find new homes and still do their thing 
