User:Largoplazo/WPAS

The Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS) is a nonprofit cultural organization that brings arts education and live performances to venues across the metropolitan Washington, D.C., area.

Organization

Established in 1965 by impresario Patrick Hayes, the organization flourished under Douglas Wheeler from 1982 to 2002. WPAS continues to operate under President Neale Perl.

After more than four decades, the organization remains committed to Mr. Hayes’ vision of showcasing the complete spectrum of the arts in performances of the highest quality, including classical music, jazz, gospel, contemporary dance, international music and art forms, and works that bend genres in provocative ways. Embracing both the traditions of the past and the vibrant artistry of the future, WPAS is committed to commissioning world premieres on local stages to support artists’ creativity.

Performances

Each year, WPAS presents more than 60 performances on 10 subscription series: Great Orchestras, Stars, Hayes Piano, Kreeger String, Celebrity, Jazz, Dance All Over, On the Edge, World Music and Movement, and American Roots. To make these performances accessible to the widest possible audience, WPAS presents artists in venues throughout the Washington, D.C. region, including The Kennedy Center, The Music Center at Strathmore, The Warner Theatre, Dance Place, DAR Constitution Hall, the George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, the GALA Theatre-Tivoli, and many others.

WPAS conducts education programs in schools and beyond. These programs include Concerts In Schools, Embassy Adoption, the Feder Memorial String Competition, and the Children of the Gospel Mass Choir, WPAS reaches more than 100,000 young people each year – more than 3 million students since WPAS’ inception.

History

Patrick Hayes (1909-1998), who managed the National Symphony Orchestra in the early 1940s, founded the Hayes Concert Bureau in 1947 as a profit-making venture. Mr. Hayes presented performers such as Arturo Toscanini, Marian Anderson, Vladimir Horowitz, and the Metropolitan Opera, in such venues as DAR Constitution Hall, The George Washington University Lisner Auditorium, Loews Capital Theater, the National Theater, and the Washington Coliseum.

"Hayes Concert Bureau," said Hayes, "was founded on the philosophy of presenting the best in the performing arts, of introducing up-and-coming artists, and a general inclusion policy of everybody in, nobody out."

In 1965, Hayes established Washington Performing Arts Society as one of the nation's first non-profit, independent, professional arts organizations. Its three-part mission is to bring the world's greatest performers to venues throughout the city, sponsor enriching educational projects for schoolchildren, and foster and develop innovative art forms and emerging artists.

Education and outreach

The presentation of a wide array of performances has developed new audiences for lesser-known artists, artists of diverse ethnicities, and contemporary art forms. WPAS began its Gospel Concert Series during the 1998-99 season as a programming initiative aimed at reaching new audiences while elevating the visibility and awareness of gospel music. Artists who enjoy international prominence that were first presented in Washington by WPAS early in their careers include Leontyne Price, Luciano Pavarotti, the Kronos Quartet, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Ballet Folklorico of Mexico.

In addition to mainstage performances, WPAS sponsors arts-oriented educational outreach programs focused primarily on schoolchildren and families. As budget cuts force school systems to eliminate cultural and enrichment activities, WPAS continues to provide vital educational arts experiences to young people in the D.C.-area community.

WPAS artistic and educational programs and commitments are funded by foundations, corporations, and individual donors representing a membership of more than 6,000. Contributed income accounts for approximately 40% of the annual budget.

WPAS has a full-time, year-round professional administrative staff of 30 and an annual budget of $8 million. It is governed by a Board of Directors which represents the diversity of the Washington area community. Support committees include the Women's Committee of more than 100 volunteers.