These leaders in the arts community keep Washington’s creativity flowing
Placido Domingo
1 PLÁCIDO DOMINGO
General Director, Washington National Opera
Domingo has continued to bring outstanding performances to WNO since taking over in 1996. A recent health scare couldn’t slow him down, as he recently added the title role in Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra” to his already-full schedule.
G. Wayne Clough
2 G. WAYNE CLOUGH
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
Since taking his position in 2008, Clough has worked to digitize over 137 million objects housed in its collections to better enhance the institution’s educational opportunities.
3 CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH
Music Director Designate, National Symphony Orchestra and The Kennedy Center
Eschenbach will officially take the helm of all things musical this fall as director of both the NSO and the Kennedy Center. He is already well situated, having stepped in to conduct a number of superb concerts since his position was announced almost two years ago.
Rachel Goslins
4 RACHEL GOSLINS
Executive Director, Presidential Committee on the Arts and Humanities
This documentary filmmaker, best know for 2008’s “Bama Girl,” works with the White House on arts and humanities initiatives, education, and funding.
5 MICHAEL KAISER
President, the Kennedy Center
In addition to running the Kennedy Center and serving as cultural ambassador for the U.S. State Department, Kaiser hit the road last June for his cross-country “Arts in Crisis” tour, in order to help struggling arts programs.
6 PETER MARKS
Theater Critic, The Washington Post
Marks, who moved to the Post from The New York Times, can make or break a performance with a single review. His domain ranges from covering major pre-Broadway shows to small independent theater productions.
7 JOHN NELSON
Master Artist
A pioneer of “Superrealism,” Nelson’s work exhibited at the White House Executive Office Building was critically acclaimed and he has gained fame and recognition resulting in national advertising contracts.
8 EARL A.“RUSTY” POWELL III
Director, National Gallery of Art
Powell has been instrumental in key acquisitions and overall expansion. He is embracing new technologies and introducing concepts such as the “Micro Gallery” to widen the Gallery’s impact and audience.
9 MOLLY SMITH
Artistic Director, Arena Stage
Molly Smith
Aside from producing musicals like “Sophisticated Ladies,” Smith has been prepping the company for its move into a new $108 million home in Southwest Washington this fall.
Septime Webre
10 SEPTIME WEBRE
Artistic Director, The Washington Ballet
His name and face have become synonymous with Washington dance, thanks to his tireless work directing a constantly changing company of young dancers. After wrapping “The Great Gatsby” in early 2010, he made his own return to the stage after 17 years in April in an autobiographical ballet for children.
