Washington National Opera Names Francesca Zambello Artistic Director

Washington National Opera (WNO) last week named Francesca Zambello to replace Placido Domingo as its Artistic Director, effective January 1, 2013.  She has served as the company’s Artistic Advisor since June 2011.

Zambello, who has established herself as a bold name in opera, has been both an opera director and an arts administrator — and has an extensive history of success with WNO.  She will have responsibility for the company’s artistic vision and direction, including repertoire and casting and will work in close collaboration with Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser, WNO Executive Director Michael L. Mael, and WNO Music Director Philippe Auguin.

“I look forward to raising the profile of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, continuing the great work already underway with the American Opera Initiative, and highlighting special and unique repertoire and artists that only the intimacy of the Kennedy Center affords us,” shared Zambello in a statement to the Press.  “This is a challenge I embrace unequivocally, and I look forward to sharing more of my plans in the coming months.”