50 Years – 50 Stories
During the 2016-17 Season, our friends and supporters shared favorite memories and inspiring insights on the occasion of our 50th Anniversary.
Elisabeth Hayes, daughter of Washington Performing Arts Society founder Patrick Hayes, reflects on her father’s legacy.
The violinist reminisces about her history with Washington Performing Arts and our support of artists.
Patron and donor Helen Santoro recalls her first Washington Performing Arts performance.
The noted arts patron reflects on Washington Performing Arts’ history and role in the DC community.
Libra Mayo shares the impact of the Capital Strings Camp on her son, budding cellist Pharaoh.
The arts administrator recalls his time as a Washington Performing Arts intern.
The former mayor considers the organization’s role in the D.C. community.
Our President and CEO recounts her earliest impression of Washington Performing Arts.
The artistic director of our Gospel Choirs reflects on the choirs’ place in the local choral community.
Michael Heaney explains why he took his daughter—now an arts publicist—to our concerts as a child.
Our Board Chair remembers the performance that introduced him to Washington Performing Arts.
Samantha Rios shares favorite memories of singing with the Children of the Gospel Choir.
UMS president Ken Fischer examines Patrick Hayes’s impact on the arts community nationwide.
The sitar star discusses her history with Washington Performing Arts and her upcoming solo show.
Our 50th Anniversary Season sponsors share memories of a unique experience with one of our artists.
The piano legend shares an early memory of Patrick Hayes and a concert with the Berlin Philharmonic.
Music director Michele Fowlin recalls her experiences with the Children of the Gospel Choir.
Opera star Soloman Howard describes the impact of the Children of the Gospel choir on his musical development.
Our President Emeritus recounts his early years with Patrick Hayes and the Washington Performing Arts Society.
Long-time Women’s Committee member Therrell Smith discusses the importance of arts education.
The chair of our Junior Board talks about cultivating the next generation of arts lovers.
The long-time Washington Performing Arts teaching artist reflects on our place in the D.C. community.
The trumpet legend describes his unique relationship with Washington Performing Arts.
Women’s Committee member Njambi discusses the Embassy Adoption Program.
Former Board Chair and avid patrons reflect on what first attracted them to Washington Performing Arts.
The diplomat describes our relationship with the South African Embassy and the importance of cultural diplomacy.
The beloved cellist reflects on Washington Performing Arts’ 50th anniversary.
The teaching artist reflects on her work with students in our education programs.
Our artist-in-residence recounts the premiere of Wynton Marsalis’s Blues Symphony in 2015.
Now a development officer, André Coleman recalls his time as an intern with Washington Performing Arts.
The high school arts coordinator discusses the impact of professional musicians interacting with her students.
The U.S. Air Force Band’s conductor discusses the band’s collaborations with Washington Performing Arts.
The conservatory student shares memories of attending our performances as a child.
The deputy director of D.C.’s 11th Street Bridge Park discusses the Mars Urban Arts Initiative.
DCPS’s Director of the Arts reflects on the school system’s rich partnership with Washington Performing Arts.
The Kennedy Center President discusses the SHIFT Festival and our place in the cultural landscape.
Patron and donor Douglas Rathbun recalls the time he was called upon to assist pianist Jeremy Denk in recital.
Former Board Chair Lena Scott discusses one of our long-time performance and fundraising series.
Susan Hepner reflects on her tenure on the Board of Directors and our organization’s place in the community.
Veteran staff member Kathy Brewington recalls working with Patrick Hayes and Doug Wheeler.
The cellist and teaching artist recalls his experiences with the Feder Memorial String Competition.
The acclaimed violinist reflects on his American solo recital debut and his ongoing, multi-faceted relationship with Washington Performing Arts.
The Ambassador and Junior Board member shares her gratitude for the Embassy Adoption Program and praise for the broader work of Washington Performing Arts.
Retired school principal and Women’s Committee member discusses our invaluable contribution to public school music program offerings in the D.C. area.
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