National Symphony Orchestra Director Quits, Heads to L.A. to Lead The Wallis

Jean Davidson leaves the Kennedy Center amid political turmoil to take on new role in Beverly Hills

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Jean Davidson, the director of the National Symphony Orchestra, has resigned from her position to become the new executive director and CEO of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California. Davidson cited the "toxic situation" and lack of communication at the Kennedy Center, which is undergoing a $200 million renovation and rebranding under the Trump administration, as reasons for her departure.

Why it matters

Davidson's exit is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the Kennedy Center, which has faced significant political and financial challenges under the Trump administration's oversight. Her move to The Wallis in Los Angeles represents a shift in arts leadership away from the nation's capital during a turbulent time for the renowned performing arts institution.

The details

Davidson had only been in her role as NSO director for three years, and had hoped to stay through the orchestra's 100th anniversary in 2031. However, she said she found it increasingly difficult to achieve the NSO's goals "given the external forces that are at work that are just so far beyond my control." This includes the Kennedy Center's recent announcement that it will close for a two-year, $200 million renovation, forcing the NSO to find alternative performance venues on short notice.

  • Davidson was appointed executive director of the NSO just three years ago, in 2023.
  • Davidson will begin her new role as executive director and CEO of The Wallis on May 4, 2026.

The players

Jean Davidson

The former executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, who is leaving her position to become the new head of the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

A 70,000-square-foot performing arts center in Beverly Hills, California that opened in 2013 and hosts nearly 500 performances per year in theater, dance, music, and other arts.

National Symphony Orchestra

The resident orchestra of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., which has a 55-year association with the performing arts venue.

Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., which is undergoing a $200 million renovation and rebranding under the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose administration has overseen significant changes at the Kennedy Center, including the upcoming renovation and renaming of the Kennedy Center Honors program.

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What they’re saying

“It's no secret that this has been a really hard year. So I started looking for a new opportunity several months ago... I had hoped to stay through the 100th anniversary of the N.S.O. in 2031.”

— Jean Davidson, Former Executive Director, National Symphony Orchestra (New York Times)

“I found it more and more difficult to achieve the goals that we had set out to achieve given the external forces that are at work that are just so far beyond my control.”

— Jean Davidson, Former Executive Director, National Symphony Orchestra (Los Angeles Times)

“There's been a lot of change going on, and there's not a lot of communication, We are finding out things through the press — at the same time as everyone else. Like the center closing on July 4. ... I didn't see how I could be effective as a leader in the current climate.”

— Jean Davidson, Former Executive Director, National Symphony Orchestra (New York Times)

What’s next

The National Symphony Orchestra is reported to be looking for new venues to host its schedule of about 180 performances per year while the Kennedy Center undergoes its two-year renovation.

The takeaway

Davidson's departure from the National Symphony Orchestra represents the latest high-profile exit from the Kennedy Center, which has faced significant political and financial challenges under the Trump administration's oversight. Her move to lead The Wallis in Los Angeles signals a shift in arts leadership away from the nation's capital during this turbulent period for the renowned performing arts institution.