Kennedy Center Will Take Over National Opera

The Kennedy Center has announced it will take over most operations of the Washington National Opera due to the music company's financial troubles.

Under an affiliation agreement announced Thursday, the opera will remain a separate nonprofit with its own board of trustees, but the Kennedy Center will take over its business, fundraising and marketing functions. The arrangement, which begins July 1, will ensure the opera's survival after several years of financial shortfalls.

Artistic programs will be developed jointly by the opera staff and Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser.

Placido Domingo, who has served as the opera's general director since 2003, had announced in September that he will leave when his contract expires June 30. He said in a statement that he supports the new arrangement.

The company's next major production, Madama Butterfly, opens Feb. 26 at the Kennedy Center Opera House.


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