Francesca Zambello

is an internationally recognized director of opera and theater and the Artistic Director of Washington National Opera, a post she has held since 2012. She has directed many WNO productions, including a full Ring Cycle in 2016, Of Mice and Men (debut in 2001), Fidelio, Billy Budd, Porgy and Bess, Salome, Show Boat, The Force of Destiny, the world premiere children's opera The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me, Florencia in the Amazon, The Little Prince, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Dead Man Walking, Aida, and Candide. A hallmark of Zambello’s creative leadership is collaborating with outstanding artists and designers and promoting emerging talent, while championing women and diversity among her artistic and production personnel.