EditA Brief 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.
It was a risky move, yet that was a Patrick Hayes trademark. In 1966, Irving Lowens, music critic of The Washington Star, wrote, "One of Hayes' most ingratiating characteristics is his refusal to accept the status quo. He is always willing to try something new, and Washington has profited from the 'Hayes daring' much more than it realizes."
In an interview that same year with Washingtonian magazine, Hayes said, "I want to leave behind me something more than a memory. This cannot be done by an individual—it can only be done through an institution. An impresario is a one-man show, and the performance ends when his life span ends. An institution can go on forever. WPAS will carry on, make permanent, and expand and improve the work I have done."
For 40 years, 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 the young people in our 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.
