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Francesca Zambello Abruptly Ends Opera's Kennedy Center Partnership

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Francesca Zambello, the artistic director of Washington National Opera, ended the company's 44-year relationship with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts without prior notice.
Zambello did not inform the Washington National Opera's board of trustees or the general director Timothy O’Leary about the move, anticipating their objections.
The decision represents a significant shift in the opera's direction.
The move raises questions about the future of the organization.

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Story summary

Francesca Zambello, the artistic director of Washington National Opera, ended the company's 44-year relationship with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts without prior notice.
Zambello did not inform the Washington National Opera's board of trustees or the general director Timothy O’Leary about the move, anticipating their objections.
The decision represents a significant shift in the opera's direction.
The move raises questions about the future of the organization.