Washington National Opera Celebrates the Domingo Era

As Plácido Domingo's official tenure leading Washington National Opera (WNO) comes to a close today, the WNO community paid tribute to the superstar tenor, conductor and arts administrator. Maestro Domingo has served the company for 15 years, first as its Artistic Director and then in his current position as General Director.

Jane Lipton Cafritz, Chairman of WNO's Board of Trustees, stated, "Washington National Opera extends its deepest gratitude to Plácido. Thanks to his tireless commitment, WNO has grown from a respected regional company to one recognized nationally and internationally for its artistic quality, its commitment to its local community, and its dedication to identifying and cultivating emerging talent. Though his formal role as General Director ends this week, his great legacy will endure. Plácido has put an indelible stamp on WNO, and in our hearts, he will always be our maestro."

Domingo's long association with WNO began in 1986, when he made his company debut in the world premiere of Giancarlo Menotti's Goya. The tenor took his first steps into arts administration in 1996 with his appointment as WNO's Artistic Director, a position in which he oversaw the artistic direction of the company. In 2003, he became General Director, taking on a business management role in addition to his artistic responsibilities.