Founded in 1957, the Washington National Opera (WNO) has performed at the Kennedy Center since the building opened in 1971, eight years after JFK’s assassination. The company recently announced that it will leave the Center after more than 50 years in residence, citing a substantial drop in ticket sales after Donald Trump's takeover as a key factor.

In mid-January 2026, the company announced that two of its upcoming productions would take place in Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University.

Now, the company has provided an update regarding the location for its upcoming production of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story. The shows will be hosted at the Lyric Baltimore on May 8, 9, and 10, and at the Music Center at Strathmore on May 14 and 15.

West Side Story will be conducted by the former Bernstein student Marin Alsop (May 8, 9, and 15) and the GRAMMY-nominated conductor James Lowe (May 10 and 14).

Then, on May 16, the company will host its 70th Anniversary Gala at The National Building Museum. The event will be co-hosted by Jamie Bernstein (Leonard Bernstein's daughter) and Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz.

The company noted that the use of these venues "reflects the company’s commitment to reaching audiences across the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region—while continuing to serve as the home opera in the nation’s capital."

"We are grateful that so many people and partners have come together so WNO can 'go on with the show,'" said Timothy O'Leary, WNO General Director. "The public has rallied around Washington National Opera as more than just an arts organization, but as a part of American civil society, one of many institutions that make our culture more compassionate, connected, and beautiful."

"As we begin this new chapter, WNO is honored to be partnering with the Lyric in Baltimore and with Strathmore, in addition to our previously announced collaboration with Lisner Auditorium at George Washington University. Through programs at home in D.C., combined with performances throughout our region, we look forward to reaching more people than ever before."