The Washington National Opera (WNO) is preparing to depart from the Trump Kennedy Center, a move described by one director as a consequence of President Trump’s influence over the venue.
“Today, the Washington National Opera announced its decision to seek an early amicable termination of its affiliation with the Kennedy Center and resume operations as a fully independent nonprofit organization,” the opera house said in a statement.
The organization informed that its board of directors has decided to relocate all future performances from the center’s 2,364-seat opera house. They are exploring new venues in Washington, D.C., but haven’t finalized any leases yet.
As reported by other outlets, President Trump took control of the Kennedy Center, appointing himself as chairman in February. Shortly after, the center was renamed the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Performing Arts Center.
In December, the board unanimously agreed to add Trump’s name, which sparked backlash from various artists, leading to cancellations of performances at the center in protest.
In March, Hamilton producer Jeffrey Seller shared on social media, “Our show cannot in good conscience participate in or be part of this new culture that is being imposed on the Kennedy Center.”
Notable artists like Issa Rae, Grammy winners Rhiannon Giddens and Peter Wolf, as well as the band Low Cut Connie, also withdrew their performances from the venue.
Francesca Zambello, the artistic director of WNO, had expressed concerns in November about the potential fallout from Trump’s leadership at the center.
