Overview
- The opera said it has resumed operations as an independent nonprofit and is ending its affiliation agreement with the Kennedy Center.
- March productions of Treemonisha and The Crucible will run at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium, with the May West Side Story venue to be announced.
- Additional spring events will shift to regional sites including Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, and local churches.
- The company reported donations from more than 500 supporters within 72 hours of announcing the departure, and its annual gala will relocate with Stephen Schwartz and Jamie Bernstein set to co-host.
- Washington National Opera tied the move to governance changes under President Trump and resource constraints, while the Kennedy Center said it encouraged the split and cited the opera’s financial drain; some patrons reported refund confusion, and artists such as Ryan McKinny voiced support.