Kennedy Center exodus continues as National Symphony director Jean Davidson heads to the Wallis

Jean Davidson, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, is departing to lead the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, marking another high-profile exit from the Washington cultural institution since former President Donald Trump began asserting greater control over the venue.

The Wallis announced Davidson’s appointment as executive director and CEO on Friday. This move marks a return to California for Davidson, who previously served for eight years as executive director and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale at The Music Center before joining the Kennedy Center in 2023.

“The arts are where a community sees itself, and where it imagines what’s possible next,” Davidson said in a statement. “I’m honored to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts at this pivotal moment.”

Kennedy Center President Richard Grenell, who was appointed under the Trump administration, acknowledged Davidson’s contributions in a statement to The Associated Press, saying she deserved “enormous credit” for her efforts during her tenure.

“I have enjoyed working with Jean to cultivate new donors and patrons while cleaning up the financial mess at the center,” Grenell stated.

In her own statement to the AP, Davidson expressed gratitude for her time at the NSO: “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, in comments to the Los Angeles Times, Davidson revealed more about her decision to leave, stating 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’s departure comes amid significant upheaval at the Kennedy Center. After largely ignoring the institution during his first term, Trump has recently made the center a focal point in what critics describe as his campaign against “woke” culture. The former president ousted the previous leadership and installed a board of trustees who voted to rename the facility the Trump Kennedy Center—a change that many scholars and lawmakers argue requires congressional approval.

The political controversy has had ripple effects throughout the arts community. Renowned artists including opera star Renée Fleming, composer Philip Glass, and musician Béla Fleck have canceled scheduled performances. In a particularly significant blow, the Washington National Opera ended its decades-long residency at the center.

Further complicating matters, Trump announced last month that he intends to close the center this summer for construction that he expects to last approximately two years. This announcement has created additional uncertainty for the institution’s programming and staff.

At the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Davidson will succeed Robert van Leer, who recently departed to join the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation as performing arts program director. The Wallis, located in Beverly Hills, has established itself as an important cultural venue in Southern California since opening in 2013.

Davidson’s transition comes at a time when many arts institutions across the country are navigating challenging political and financial landscapes. Her experience in both Washington and Los Angeles positions her to bring valuable perspective to the Wallis as it continues to develop its artistic programming and community engagement initiatives.

The Kennedy Center, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future as it grapples with leadership changes, potential rebranding, and the proposed closure for construction, all while attempting to maintain its status as one of America’s preeminent performing arts venues.