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Washington National Opera Faces Crisis Amid Ticket Sales Plunge

11/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Washington National Opera is considering leaving the Kennedy Center after a 40% drop in ticket sales and donor confidence following U.S. President Donald Trump's takeover.
Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, reports performances run about 60% capacity, down from 80–90% before February 2025.
Audience backlash includes boycotts and negative messages toward the organization and its new leadership, while Zambello remains hopeful and urges unity.

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Story summary

The Washington National Opera is considering leaving the Kennedy Center after a 40% drop in ticket sales and donor confidence following U.S. President Donald Trump's takeover.
Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, reports performances run about 60% capacity, down from 80–90% before February 2025.
Audience backlash includes boycotts and negative messages toward the organization and its new leadership, while Zambello remains hopeful and urges unity.