The Washington National Opera is ending its long-standing partnership with the Kennedy Center due to declining ticket sales and supporter donations following President Trump's takeover of the venue, seeking to become an independent nonprofit and find new performance spaces in D.C.
Yuval Sharon, known for his innovative and unconventional opera productions, will leave his role as artistic director of the Detroit Opera after this season, ending a period of transformative and bold artistic initiatives in the city.
Judith Jamison, renowned dancer and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has passed away at 81. Celebrated for her iconic performance in "Cry," Jamison's influence extended beyond her dancing, as she led the company to new heights, including the establishment of the Joan Weill Center for Dance. Her legacy is honored by tributes from admirers, including Michelle Obama, who praised her enduring impact on dance and culture.
Judith Jamison, the legendary dancer and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, has passed away at 81. Known for her grace and expressiveness, Jamison was a prominent figure in the dance world, breaking racial and gender barriers. She was celebrated for her performances in Ailey's "Revelations" and "Cry," and later led the company to great success as its director for two decades. Her contributions to dance were recognized with numerous awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of Arts.
Virginie Viard, who succeeded Karl Lagerfeld as Chanel's artistic director, is stepping down after five years. Despite her collections receiving mixed reviews, Chanel's sales surged to nearly $20 billion in 2023. Chanel has not yet announced her replacement.
Terence Blanchard, a renowned trumpeter and composer, has been appointed as the executive artistic director of SFJazz in San Francisco. Blanchard, who recently received a 2024 Jazz Masters fellowship, is known for his innovative approach to jazz and his commitment to reflecting its growth. He plans to bring new technologies to SFJazz and address issues of unequal access by promoting outreach programs and traveling shows to neglected neighborhoods. Blanchard's extensive experience in jazz, film scoring, and education makes him well-suited for the role, and he aims to continue SFJazz's tradition of eclecticism and openness.
David Hallberg, former principal dancer with American Ballet Theater, has successfully transitioned into his role as the artistic director of the Australian Ballet. Despite the challenges of starting the job during the pandemic, Hallberg has managed to lead the company through performances and bring a diverse range of dance styles to the repertoire. He aims to showcase major choreographic voices from around the world while also developing Australian talent. Hallberg has embraced his new life in Australia and is focused on his role as a decision maker and leader in the dance community.
Nataki Garrett, the first Black female artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, has resigned amid criticism over her choice of plays and casting, as well as racist harassment. The festival is currently in the midst of a fundraising campaign to save the season. Board member Octavio Solis will step in to support and oversee the artistic leadership team during the transition and lead efforts to find an interim artistic director. Garrett's tenure has been controversial at times, with critics disagreeing with her choice of productions and a greater focus on diverse casting.