Washington National Opera Sues Kennedy Center for $17 Million After 55-Year Partnership Ends
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Washington National Opera Sues Kennedy Center for $17 Million After 55-Year Partnership Ends
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Summary
$17 million is at the center of a lawsuit the Washington National Opera filed Thursday, saying the Kennedy Center has withheld endowment money, donations and other income collected for the company’s benefit.
Court papers say the funds became inaccessible after the opera split from the center this year, and the company argues the money is critical to protecting its future, donors and artists.
January marked the end of the opera’s residency at the Kennedy Center, where it had performed since 1971; center officials had cited a financially challenging relationship when the two sides parted ways.
The case lands as the Kennedy Center faces wider turmoil after President Trump’s takeover triggered audience, artist and donor departures, and as the center and Trump appeal a separate ruling blocking a two-year closure plan.