Having been Washington National Opera’s artistic advisor since 2011, it has been announced that Francesca Zambello will start as artistic director in January 2013.
 
‘It will be an enormous pleasure and honor to expand my role with WNO as its artistic director, maintaining the high standards set by my predecessors and leading WNO into the future,’ said Zambello. ‘I will respect what appeals to our long-time patrons and supporters while at the same time work hard to attract new audiences to opera. This is a challenge I embrace unequivocally, and I look forward to sharing more of my plans in the coming months.’
 
Zambello, who is known for her dark, psychological insights into the operatic repertoire has an impressive CV. Since her American debut with Houston Grand Opera and Fidelio in 1984 she has reached international acclaim. Highlights of the last 10 years include Don Giovanni with Sir Colin Davis / Sir Charles Mackerras at Covent Garden, Lady MacBeth of Mtsensk with Opera Australia and Richard Hickox and a much-admired interpretation of the Ring cycle with San Franscico Opera and Donald Runnicles, which she will stage with the WNO in 2016. Definitely one to watch out for.

Maria Le Brun