WNO names new principal conductor, extends Zambello contract
Washington National Opera has extended the contract of artistic director, Francesca Zambello, for another three years through the 2020-2021 season. The news, announced today in a company press release, is accompanied by the naming of a new principal conductor, Evan Rogister, who will also serve in that position through the 2020-2021 season.
The twin developments are the first shift in the company’s leadership since the installation of Timothy O’Leary as general director of WNO on July 1. According to this new arrangement, O’Leary and Zambello “form an allied partnership, leading the company jointly,” but the press release specifies that Rogister, who will hold “the same responsibilities as a music director,” will report to O’Leary directly.
This reorganization comes on the heels of the surprise departure of music director Philippe Auguin in June 2017.