Story perspectives

Washington National Opera Returns with Spring Season at Lisner

1/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Washington National Opera (WNO) will stage its spring season at Lisner Auditorium, returning after leaving the Kennedy Center.
The move followed a surge in donations, with over 500 contributions received after the announcement.
The spring lineup includes Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha starting March 7.
The spring lineup includes Robert Ward’s The Crucible starting March 21.
The Kennedy Center's changes under U.S. President Donald Trump have strained relations with WNO.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts significantly increased federal funding for the arts, benefiting organizations like the Washington National Opera (WNO). The WNO, designated as the national opera company in 2000, faced challenges under various political administrations, including tensions with the Kennedy Center during President Trump's tenure. Its recent return to Lisner Auditorium underscores the ongoing evolution of the arts community in Washington, D.C.

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Story summary

Washington National Opera (WNO) will stage its spring season at Lisner Auditorium, returning after leaving the Kennedy Center.
The move followed a surge in donations, with over 500 contributions received after the announcement.
The spring lineup includes Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha starting March 7.
The spring lineup includes Robert Ward’s The Crucible starting March 21.
The Kennedy Center's changes under U.S. President Donald Trump have strained relations with WNO.

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