Executive Director of the National Symphony Orchestra Steps Down
By • March 11, 2026 0 362
The director of the National Symphony Orchestra, Jean Davidson, unexpectedly resigned from her position earlier on March 6, resulting in another blow to the Kennedy Center.
Davidson has taken a new position at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Davidson, who has been named executive director and chief executive of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, begins her new position on May 4.
In interviews, Davidson mentioned that she was excited for her new role in Los Angeles, and eager to get away from the politicization of the Kennedy Center as of late.
Davidson told The New York Times that it’s been “no secret” that it’s been a hard year and she started to look for new opportunities months ago. She originally had hoped to stay with the NSO through their 100th anniversary, which will be in 2031.
Davidson also mentioned how she was unhappy with the lack of information from the Kennedy Center board, which was appointed by the Trump administration. She called the upcoming July 4 closure as a reason she couldn’t be an effective leader in the current political climate.
“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,” Davidson said in a statement. “I’m deeply proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”
Before her time with the Kennedy Center, Davidson was executive director and CEO of the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The NSO is reported to be on the hunt for new venues for upcoming seasons, which are often set years ahead of time. Also, in a single season, they often perform close to 200 concerts. The NSO has been with the Kennedy Center for over 50 years.
