Kennedy Center
Washington National Opera parts ways with Kennedy Center
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The Washington National Opera announced it is ending its 55-year affiliation with the Kennedy Center, citing a new business model incompatible with opera operations. This departure follows the venue's rebranding as the Trump Kennedy Center amid President Donald Trump's takeover. The move allows the opera to operate independently during its 70th anniversary year.
The Kennedy Center's president, Richard Grenell, asserted that his organization first proposed ending its long-standing partnership with the Washington National Opera, countering the opera's announcement of an amicable departure. The move comes amid financial strains and political controversies surrounding the center's leadership under the Trump administration. Both sides acknowledge the relationship's recent unprofitability, though reasons for declining attendance differ.
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Composer Stephen Schwartz has reiterated his refusal to appear at the Kennedy Center, following his earlier withdrawal from a planned gala amid the venue's controversial leadership changes under Donald Trump. The move is part of a growing artist backlash against the center's perceived shift from political neutrality.