Frequently Asked Questions

As WNO enters its 70th anniversary year, our Board and staff made the difficult decision to seek an end to our 15-year Affiliation Agreement with the Kennedy Center. The Center has adopted a new business model that is not compatible with how nonprofit opera companies operate long-term. After extensive deliberation, we concluded that continuing under the current structure would limit WNO’s artistic planning, financial sustainability, and operational viability.

Yes. Washington National Opera Inc. already exists as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with its own bank and brokerage accounts. Our EIN is 53-0237707. We are accepting donations directly and are moving forward as a fully independent producing organization. 

Prior to our departure, WNO relied on the Kennedy Center for many administrative services and will now be responsible for setting up these operations independent of the Center. When we were part of the Kennedy Center, the Center’s finance department managed all fiscal matters for WNO, including the processing of donations. Donations directed to WNO through the Kennedy Center were isolated by their financial department for use only for WNO’s purposes. Now, since we are fully independent from that oversight, WNO is entirely managing its own finances through its WNO Inc. accounts. 

Thank you for your support! 

You can make a gift directly to WNO through our giving page. 

Additionally, if you have questions or would like to discuss having your gift assigned to a specific purpose (such as for the Cafritz Young Artists, a specific production or project), or for information on setting up an estate gift, please contact us at giving@washnatopera.org and we will get back to you by email or to set a mutual time for a conversation. Very soon, the WNO Development office will be reachable by phone and staff will have direct emails; in the meantime, please contact us through this link and we will get back to you in short order.  

Patrons who have already purchased tickets for WNO events previously held at the Kennedy Center are receiving refunds. You can contact the Kennedy Center Box Office for more information.

We are moving our performances to new venues. Please visit our Events page for more information and to purchase tickets.

You can access tickets for Washington National Opera productions from our Events page. Tickets for Treemonisha and The Crucible will be sold via Ticketmaster.

Yes. We will offer exclusive pre-sale opportunities for our loyal subscribers to have early access to their pick of seats. Subscribers may send an email to the WNO Team to request their access code or promo code.

WNO performances are for everyone, and there’s no required dress code. You’ll see everything from jeans to black tie in. Wear what feels right to you and enjoy the experience. 

Some operas are performed in English; others are sung in their original language. All WNO performances include projected English titles so you can easily follow the story. 

No. This was a heart-wrenching decision reached after significant reflection and discussion. The Kennedy Center had been WNO’s home since 1971, and our formal affiliation since 2011 has brought prestige and many successes. We are deeply grateful for that history, especially as we celebrate our 70th anniversary this year. Precisely because of its importance, we took this decision very seriously and only moved forward once it was clear the current arrangement could not support WNO’s future. 

The Center’s leadership implemented a new business model requiring each production or event to be fully underwritten through projected ticket sales and secured contributed revenue before seasons could be approved. For most nonprofit opera companies, this is impractical, since seasons must be conceived and developed well in advance of funding opportunities and the timing of when it is optimal to project revenue from ticket sales. While every effort is made to secure this advance funding for future projects, the majority of our individual supporters, grantors, and corporations are not prepared to commit this far ahead. 

Even with sold-out performances, ticket sales typically cover only 30–60% of an opera company’s operating costs. The remainder comes from philanthropy and grants, much of which cannot be secured years in advance. Opera is also one of the most complex art forms—productions involve nearly 200 artists and technicians and require two or more years of preparation. The financial and artistic timelines simply don’t align with the new requirements of the Center.  

One of WNO’s guiding principles during the transition is to support the people of WNO. All artist contracts will be honored. 

Yes. Even without securing all funding years in advance, WNO has successfully operated with balanced budgets since 2018. Our model works because we design seasons holistically, balancing popular operas with newer or lesser-known works. Success from major titles helps support innovative and mission-driven productions.