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<i> Arts and entertainment reports from The Times, national and international news services and the nation's press</i>

Kennedy Center Chief Named: Investment banker and arts patron James Wolfensohn, chairman of New York’s Carnegie Hall, has been named the new chairman of the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts. He was unanimously selected by the center’s board, ending several months of speculation. Wolfensohn said that his acceptance of the post was based on a commitment from the federal government that $45 million in funds would be provided for the center’s renovation and to relieve its $15-million debt. Wolfensohn will continue as chairman of Carnegie Hall, though he said he would go to work at the Kennedy Center “immediately after this session.” He succeeds Ralph Davidson, who served as chairman and president of the center. Davidson, criticized by board members for not being an effective fund-raiser and for being difficult to work with, asked five months ago that his contract not be renewed when it expires in February, 1991.

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