The Washington National Opera is set to move its performances away from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, ending a collaboration that has lasted more than 50 years. Following a board of trustees vote on January 9, the opera aims to terminate its affiliation agreement with the Kennedy Center in an effort to operate as an independent nonprofit. This decision comes after a challenging year for the organization, characterized by declining ticket sales, reduced donor support, and artist withdrawals.
In its statement, the Washington National Opera expressed its intent to relocate performances from the Kennedy Center as soon as possible, while also planning to reduce the number of productions next season as a cost-saving measure. Although alternative venues in Washington, D.C. have been identified, no final leases have been secured.
A point of contention remains regarding the opera’s substantial $30 million endowment, with both the opera and the Kennedy Center claiming partial control under their existing agreement. Despite this uncertainty, opera representatives have indicated that they will proceed with relocating performances, independent of any negotiations over the affiliation and endowment.
In related developments, BroadwayWorld recently reported that singer Sonia De Los Santos will no longer perform at the Kennedy Center. The venue’s board had announced plans to rebrand it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, a move that reportedly would need congressional approval, leading to further cancellations of scheduled performances. Celebrated jazz musician Chuck Redd and the ensemble The Cookers withdrew from their holiday gigs, while renowned banjo player Béla Fleck canceled three appearances with the National Symphony Orchestra, citing a politically charged atmosphere.
Sonia De Los Santos has garnered acclaim for her work, with her album ¡Alegría! receiving a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Album. She is well-known for her efforts to celebrate immigrant experiences through music aimed at young audiences.
This shift in operations may signal a turning point for the Washington National Opera as it seeks to redefine its identity and strengthen its presence in the arts community, promoting resilience in the face of challenges.