The Washington National Opera has picked its new artistic adviser, and boy does she have a tough act to follow.
Francesca Zambello, the award-winning director of Broadway’s “The Little Mermaid,” has been selected for the job. An American who grew up in Europe, Zambello is presently directing a production of Wagner’s “Ring” cycle for the San Francisco Opera.
She will succeed Placido Domingo, as the famed tenor is stepping down after 15 years in the position.
Zambello said she wants to broaden the Washington opera’s programming to reach the broadest possible audience, including tourists in the nation’s capital.
Also, current Chief Operating Officer Michael Mael has been named executive director as the company merges with the Kennedy Center.
