Jean Davidson. Photo courtesy of Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
In Friday’s (3/6) Associated Press, Hillel Italie writes, “The executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, a mainstay at the Kennedy Center, is leaving to head the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. It’s the latest departure from the Kennedy Center since President Donald Trump began asserting control over the storied performing arts venue in Washington. The Wallis announced Friday that Jean Davidson had been appointed executive director and CEO. Before joining the Kennedy Center in 2023, Davidson had served for eight years as executive director and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale at The Music Center…. Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell said in a statement to The Associated Press that she was among those who deserved ‘enormous credit’ for their efforts…. In a statement … Davidson said: ‘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.’ Davidson told the Los Angeles Times that she had found it ‘more and more difficult’ to remain at the Kennedy Center, ‘given the external forces that are at work that are just so far beyond my control.’ ” Davidson begins at The Wallis on May 4.
