Spotlight on Jonathan Kosarin

Jonathan’s journey with Wolf Trap began in the early 1980s, when he and his wife Gayle moved to the DC area during his military service. They quickly became regular attendees, drawn by Wolf Trap’s diverse performances.

Jonathan’s love of classical music and Gayle’s passion for rock ’n’ roll made the venue a perfect fit for both. Their memories of Wolf Trap’s early days, including the excitement of the Filene Center’s reopening following the fire, reflect their deep connection to the organization.

Jonathan’s appreciation for Wolf Trap grew as he witnessed its efforts to keep the arts alive and accessible. Inspired by the organization’s community impact, Jonathan and his family became members, embracing the chance to support Wolf Trap’s arts and education programs. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to give back to Wolf Trap the same way Wolf Trap gives so much to you,” Jonathan shares.

As a member, Jonathan values the chance to go behind the scenes, gaining insight into the operations and understanding the “how” and “why” that make Wolf Trap Foundation run so smoothly. He has watched programming strengthen year after year, with a special fondness for Broadway and National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) shows. His affinity for music—having played French horn in high school and college—has made performances by Wolf Trap Opera, Johnny Mathis, and Tony Bennett especially memorable.

Jonathan’s commitment as a member naturally led to deeper involvement. In 2005, friends encouraged Jonathan and Gayle to volunteer, and since then, they have supported Wolf Trap’s hospitality team and administrative efforts. In 2008, Jonathan was even honored as Volunteer of the Year!

Volunteering has also fostered many lasting friendships for him and Gayle, further enriching their experience as members. “There’s a couple that we met volunteering and have been seeing for almost 20 years,” he remarks. “They have become family to us, and we even get together to celebrate our birthdays.”

For Jonathan, being a member and volunteer means more than attending shows; it’s about being part of a community where friendships blossom and members are truly appreciated. He believes Wolf Trap is unique for its role in education and community engagement, and he feels grateful to be part of an organization that gives so much to its patrons all year long.

In that spirit, Jonathan’s favorite Wolf Trap tradition is attending the Holiday Sing-A-Long, an event he’s participated in nearly every year.

With two decades of volunteer service, countless shows, and a deep appreciation for the Wolf Trap community, Jonathan exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated supporter. His generosity and leadership help ensure that the magic of Wolf Trap continues season after season.

Thank you, Jonathan, for your many years of membership and for helping make Wolf Trap such a special place!