The leader of the National Symphony Orchestra at Washington’s Kennedy Center is stepping down to take over operations at a Los Angeles performing arts venue, marking another high-profile exit from the nation’s premier cultural institution.
Jean Davidson will become the new executive director and CEO of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, officials announced Friday. Davidson had been running the National Symphony Orchestra since joining the Kennedy Center in 2023, following an eight-year tenure leading the Los Angeles Master Chorale at The Music Center.
“The arts are where a community sees itself, and where it imagines what’s possible next,” Davidson stated. “I’m honored to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts at this pivotal moment.”
Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell praised Davidson’s contributions in a statement to The Associated Press, saying she deserved recognition for her work.
“I have enjoyed working with Jean to cultivate new donors and patrons while cleaning up the financial mess at the (center),” he commented.
In her own statement to The Associated Press, Davidson reflected on her time with the orchestra: “It has been a great honor to serve the NSO and to work alongside Gianandrea Noseda, Steven Reineke, the extraordinary musicians, and the dedicated staff and board. I’m deeply proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
However, Davidson revealed to the Los Angeles Times that staying at the Kennedy Center had become increasingly challenging due to circumstances beyond her influence.
The departure comes as the Kennedy Center faces significant upheaval under Trump’s renewed focus on the institution. Unlike his first presidency when he largely overlooked the venue, Trump has now made it central to his campaign against what he calls “woke” culture. He removed the center’s former leadership and installed new trustees who voted to rebrand it as the Trump Kennedy Center, though legal experts say such a change requires congressional approval.
The turmoil has prompted several prominent artists including Renée Fleming, Philip Glass and Bela Fleck to cancel scheduled performances. The Washington National Opera also ended its long-standing partnership with the center. Trump recently announced plans to shut down the facility this summer for a two-year renovation project.
Davidson will replace Robert van Leer at the Wallis, who recently departed to become performing arts program director at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
