Artistic Initiatives

Commissioned Works

Commissioning new works in the performing arts is key to Wolf Trap's mission. Our philosophy is to find the finest artists available, to pay them fairly, to provide them with artistic freedom, and to present their work under the best conditions to the broadest audience possible.

"As America's only National Park for the Performing Arts, it is incumbent upon us to be at the forefront with new initiatives in the arts."
Terrence D. Jones, President and CEO,
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
More Information

The Face of America Series

In its role as America's National Park for the Performing Arts, Wolf Trap developed an original series, Face of America, which had its world premiere at the Filene Center in September 2000. The series uses the rich language of the performing arts to celebrate the diverse people, histories, and landscapes that exist in fellow National Parks across the country. It also supports a deep commitment to the preservation of natural and cultural resources that is a basic tenet of the National Park community.
More Information

Kay Shouse Great Performance

The Kay Shouse Great Performance Series honors Wolf Trap's founder and her vision for artistic excellence. Each year around Mrs. Shouse's birthday, Wolf Trap presents a performance that reflects the adventurous artistic spirit of our founder.
More Information

Volpone: A New Comic Opera

In 2001, Wolf Trap commissioned Pulitzer Prize nominee and award-winning composer John Musto to write an original full-length opera. The resulting work, Volpone, had its world premiere performances in March 2004 at The Barns at Wolf Trap.
More Information