Francesca Zambello
Francesca Zambello Inducted Into the OPERA America Hall of Fame
Francesca Zambello is among the nine exemplary artists, administrators, and advocates named to OPERA America’s Opera Hall of Fame as the class of 2025.
Established on the occasion of OPERA America’s 50th anniversary in 2020 to help celebrate the progress of the industry, the Opera Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of outstanding Americans and Canadians who have strengthened the art form and the field. The 2025 inductees join a distinguished roster of honorees who are recognized prominently in OPERA America’s National Opera Center.
OPERA America will induct members of the 2025 class into the Opera Hall of Fame at the OPERA America Salutes awards dinner on Friday, March 20, 2026, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Proceeds from the event underwrite OPERA America’s professional development programs, including the Leadership Intensive, New General Director Roundtables, and Mentorship Programs. Nominations for the Opera Hall of Fame are open to the public each year and are reviewed by a selection committee composed of established professionals and supporters from the field with a deep understanding of the entire opera industry. The 2025 Opera Hall of Fame inductees were selected from a pool of over 200 worthy nominees.
Francesca Zambello is an internationally recognized director of opera and theater, as well as the Artistic Director of Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center since 2013. She is also the Artistic & General Director of the Glimmerglass Festival, emerita. Both organizations have thrived artistically and financially while increasing their national and international profiles because of her vision and leadership. She also served as the Artistic Advisor to the San Francisco Opera from 2005-2011 and as the Artistic Director of the Skylight Theater from 1987-1992.
The 2025 Opera Hall of Fame inductees are:
Donnie Ray Albert, baritone and teacher
Mark Campbell, librettist and teacher
Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano and teacher
Christopher Hahn, arts leader and administrator
Susan F. and William C. Morris, philanthropists and advocates
Bernard and Barbro Osher, philanthropists and advocates
Francesca Zambello, arts administrator and director