Placido Domingo's Tenure at Washington National Opera to Conclude in June 2011

Washington National Opera (WNO) today announced that Plácido Domingo's tenure as General Director of the company will conclude on June 30, 2011. Mr. Domingo, who has led WNO since 1996, informed the company leadership of his decision in today's scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.

WNO President Kenneth R. Feinberg stated, "We appreciate all that Plácido Domingo has done for our great company. He will be missed, but all good things must come to an end. Plácido's association with WNO was essential to the company's artistic development and helped it to gain recognition nationally and internationally. We are looking forward to him being with us in Washington this spring to sing in Iphigénie en Tauride, and to conduct performances of Madama Butterfly and Don Pasquale. While today's news may mark the end of the formal marriage, we are looking forward to artistic collaborations in the future."

Mr. Domingo told the Board of Trustees, "For the last 14 seasons, I have had the great pleasure of leading the Washington National Opera. It has been a long and fruitful collaboration, and although I will continue to help the company artistically in any way possible, the current season - my fifteenth season with Washington National Opera - will be my last as General Director."

Mr. Domingo's long association with WNO began in 1986, when the legendary tenor starred in the world premiere of Menotti's Goya. He became the company's Artistic Director in 1996, and General Director in 2003. Under his leadership, the company experienced unprecedented growth. Among his many successes, Mr. Domingo is credited for bringing world-class artists and productions to Washington, opening WNO's Center for Education and Training, leading the company's 2002 tour to Japan, beginning the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, and undertaking broadcasts which have introduced WNO to audiences in Washington and beyond.