Francesca Zambello

Francesca Zambello is an acclaimed American opera and theater director, known for her innovative productions and commitment to diversifying the opera landscape. She has served as the artistic director of the Washington National Opera since 2012, where she has been a strong advocate for inclusive casting and diverse programming. Under her leadership, the company has sought to present operas that reflect America's rich cultural tapestry. Recently, she has been in the news for expressing concerns regarding the impact of Donald Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center on the opera's financial stability and audience engagement.