Kathleen Dean, Director of Administration and Governance at Washington National Opera, sat down with QED's Jim Cunningham to talk about the WNO's split from the Kennedy Center, their current season, financing opera and more.
Kathleen Dean, Director of Administration and Governance at Washington National Opera, sat down with QED's Jim Cunningham to talk about the WNO's split from the Kennedy Center, their current season, financing opera, and more.
The company is currently showing a hit production of The Crucible, which received high praise from the Wall Street Journal and elsewhere. It is the first show they've produced in a new venue since leaving the Kennedy Center. The WNO's spring shows celebrate America's 250th birthday, featuring American operas by American composers.
Kathleen explains the separation, citing incompatible funding models and reduced attendance. She is excited about the opera's administrative reorganization and consolidation and is happy to report an extremely successful start to their spring 2026 season. Kathleen is also optimistic about the general state of the opera world these days (contrary to actor Timothee Chalamet's disdain!). She goes on to explain the WNO's growing audience and positive interactions with the DC community.
In addition to working in Washington, D.C., Kathleen also has strong ties to the Pittsburgh arts community. Her parents were a major artistic influence for her, and her father serves of the board of the Mendelssohn Choir. She also attended Carnegie Mellon University, where she completed a Master of Arts Management.
You can find more information about the Washington National Opera's new chapter and tickets to upcoming performances on the WNO's website.