The National Symphony Orchestra’s executive director Jean Davidson has announced that she will step down from her position.

Davidson will leave to head the Los Angeles-based Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts where she has been appointed executive director and CEO.

In a statement Davidson said, “The arts are where a community sees itself, and where it imagines what’s possible next. I’m honored to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Arts at this pivotal moment.”

She also told The Associated Press, “It has been a great honor to serve the NSO and to work alongside Gianandrea Noseda, Steven Reineke, the extraordinary musicians, and the dedicated staff and board. I’m deeply proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”

Davidson also told the New York Times, “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.”

Davidson is the latest departure from the Kennedy Center since President Donald J. Trump took over and installed Executive Director Richard Grenell.  Other figures to depart include Renée Fleming, Philip Glass, Jonathan Tetelman, Bela Fleck, Hilary Hahn, and many others. The Washington National Opera also ended its association with the Center.

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