Arvind Manocha Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

President and CEO, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Photo Courtesy of Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap kicked off its summer season with a lineup spanning from Sting and the Beach Boys to Jennifer Hudson and Kacey Musgraves. In his sixth year at the helm of this foundation for the performing arts, Arvind Manocha is focused on standing to make Wolf Trap an inclusive role of the community. Growing up in Ohio, with limited admission to the arts, Manocha reveals his become-to's in the District when he slips away from the 117-acre park. >>

WASHINGTON LIFE: You'VE DESCRIBED WOLF TRAP Equally A "SUMMER TRADITION" FOR MANY. HOW Do You GET PEOPLE TO COME OUT AND KEEP COMING BACK?

ARVIND MANOCHA:The biggest drivers are the artists we are fortunate to welcome to our stage. Just what motivates people to return year after year is that we actually work hard at creating a holistic experience. Coming to Wolf Trap is a fleck like a "choose your ain adventure" book: you lot tin plan your visit only around the concert experience, or you can come early and hike the trails and enjoy the 100 acres of green space. You can pack a picnic or catch dinner at our restaurant or concession stands. I think that when people come across Wolf Trap as an experience, and not simply a destination, it creates a bond that lasts for years.

WL: Explain Kickoff-TIMER'Southward REACTIONS TO WOLF TRAP.

AM: Information technology'south e'er a care for to talk to someone on their first visit. The incredible bucolic setting, beautifully maintained by the National Park Service, is e'er surprising to newcomers. And when they see the Filene Center, with its incredibly contemporary architecture, they go an immediate sense that the place was built with an artist'due south sensibility. Information technology's not faceless or anodyne; it'south lovingly crafted to welcome artists and music lovers. The fact that you can bring in your own food and wine is also an eye-opener. Where else can you lot curate your own dining experience and also cut down on expenses?

WL: HOW Accept YOU WORKED TO ENTICE A Various AUDIENCE THROUGH MUSIC?

AM: My squad and I are constantly thinking about inclusion, diversity and actuality. Our summertime venue is quite literally owned by the customs; information technology belongs to everyone. It's important that everyone seems themselves at Wolf Trap. The beauty of being in the earth of the performing arts is that we take the arts to aid make those connections. So, information technology comes via thinking broadly well-nigh who is on stage and how we can continually expand that universe.

WL: WHAT ARTISTS/BANDS ARE You lot MOST PROUD OF BRINGING TO PERFORM?

AM: There are so many, really. Robyn and Royskopp were unforgettable. Sufjan Stevens a few years agone was breathtaking. The beauty of this kind of work is that there is no shortage of jaw-dropping musical moments.

WL: YOU HAVE BEEN AT WOLF TRAP FOR SIX YEARS. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST Achievement?

AM: Redefining and broadening the Wolf Trap community of artists and patrons was high on my list of priorities when I beginning moved here. Since then nosotros've seen growth in concert attendance and in our philanthropic base. Our educational activity programs take also expanded dramatically. Metrics like these are really important because they are indicators of our ability to fulfill our mission and as well have national touch.

WL: WHAT IS ONE THE HORIZON FOR THE ORGANIZATION?

AM: Continuing to diversify and grow and make new connections is always a priority. We're approaching our 50th anniversary season and we are working very hard behind the scenes to make sure that milestone is celebrated in the most heady ways possible.

WL: TELL United states of america ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BEHIND THE SCENES MOMENT.

AM: The most memorable are the ones you tin can never talk virtually.

MY Peak SPOTS

Restaurant 2941 is the whole parcel: incredible food, impressive surround, fantastic art and professional person service. It never disappoints.

Information technology'southward hard non to have a adept time with friends at Nellie's Sports Bar. A great vibe is the virtually important quality of any bar.

Most Sundays my husband and I are at Amma, in Vienna, for a most tasty and unpretentious South Indian brunch.

The Peacock Room in the Freer Gallery is where I destress. There are so many layers of intricate beauty in 1 space, it clears the mind taking information technology all in.

The Jefferson Memorial is my favorite site for grandeur but especially for the Southern inscriptions, which are timeless.

I like to take all visitors to the Udvar Hazy Museum. Seeing a infinite shuttle in person is an unforgettable experience.

This Wednesday, July thirty run across Herbie Hancock live at Wolf Trap. Our music editor recently defenseless upward with the jazz legend. Read the full interview hither.

fordhistion.blogspot.com

Source: https://washingtonlife.com/2019/07/19/my-washington-arvind-manocha/

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