Washington National Opera Announces First Post-Kennedy Center Season
In January 2026, the Washington National Opera announced its first season after parting ways with the Kennedy Center, a move influenced by President Trump's attempts to alter the organization. The upcoming season will feature five complete operas, one of which is a world premiere inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's life, alongside three smaller productions across five venues in the Washington area. This season signifies a fresh independent path for the opera, which had been affiliated with the Kennedy Center for many years.
Key facts
- Washington National Opera severed relations with the Kennedy Center in January 2026
- The split occurred as President Trump sought to put his imprint on the Kennedy Center
- The new season includes five full-length operas
- One opera is a world premiere based on the life of Georgia O'Keeffe
- Three smaller-scale works are also planned
- Performances will take place on five stages across the Washington region
- The season is the first since the opera's departure from the Kennedy Center
- The announcement was made in May 2026
Entities
Artists
- Georgia O'Keeffe
Institutions
- Washington National Opera
- Kennedy Center
- The New York Times
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States