The Washington National Opera (WNO) has initiated legal action against the John F.

Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, seeking over $17 million.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States Court of Federal Claims, alleges that the Kennedy Center has withheld funds belonging to the opera company following their separation earlier this year.

This development is significant as it highlights a major financial dispute between two prominent cultural institutions, potentially impacting the future operations of the Washington National Opera.

According to the WNO, the disputed funds encompass endowment assets, donor contributions, and other monies collected on the opera's behalf during the period of their affiliation.

Attorneys for the opera company stated that the lawsuit was filed "to preserve its future and to protect its donors and artists," emphasizing that these accumulated donations are "critical" for the organization's continued operations.

The legal dispute follows the Washington National Opera's departure from the Kennedy Center in January.

This split occurred amidst broader changes at the institution, including new leadership following President Donald Trump's involvement with the center.

Court filings detail growing friction between the organizations even before their formal separation.

Among the allegations, the WNO claims that Kennedy Center Chief Financial Officer Donna Arduin informed opera officials that money from a fund intended for the opera had been pledged as collateral for a line of credit.

In response, the Kennedy Center has strongly rejected the claims, asserting that the funds in question rightfully belong to the center.

Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi told The New York Times that the relationship with the opera company had been a financial drain for years.

Citing calculations from an outside accounting firm, Daravi stated that the opera had "accumulated a $72 million deficit to the center" during its time as an affiliate.

She added, "The center has acted transparently and in the best interests of the public throughout this process.

This lawsuit is meritless, and we plan to pursue a countersuit to defend the institution."

The Washington National Opera, which is now staging productions at other venues in Washington, maintains that Kennedy Center officials never committed to transferring the disputed funds, despite engaging an outside accounting firm to assess potential obligations.