Mahani Teave

The World In Our City celebrates the diversity of our international city, an expression of cultural diplomacy that has been integral to Washington Performing Arts’s mission since our founding in 1965. In response to the international community around us, we aim to provide a window on what it means to be a citizen of the world through a unique, arts-based lens.

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

Anna Geniushene

Paul Huang

Anoushka Shankar

Now well into the 21st century, this aim is culturally and strategically crucial. Some of our most important programs focus on accentuating international cultural understanding and exchange, as well as building an educated workforce of cultural citizens. We bring this to life through performances in both formal and informal venues around Washington by spotlighting visiting and local artists and ensembles whose creative work, advocacy, and identity are grounded in connections to their homes of origin, as well as through vibrant cross-cultural collaborations.

• Through our Presenting Season performances, audiences experience a wide array of both well-known and emerging artists traveling to the U.S.
  
  
• Through our local programming in person and online, including Mars Arts D.C., we often provide a platform for local artists with international heritage who have chosen the Capital region as their home.
  
  
• Through our nearly 50-year partnership with the D.C. Public Schools, the Embassy Adoption Program connects more than 55 embassies/global entities and classrooms in a year of study and cultural exchange.

To learn more about The World In Our City, contact Elizabeth Hankins, Major Gifts Officer, at ehankins@washingtonperformingarts.org or (202) 533-1878.

The World In Our City 2023/24 Events*

Amal Walks Across America • September 17, 2023
Anoushka Shankar, sitar • October 6, 2023
Embassy Adoption Program Diplomatic Tea • October 18, 2023
Paul Huang, violin; Helen Huang, piano; The Percussion Collective • October 19, 2023
Avi Avital, mandolin; Hanzhi Wang, accordion • October 21, 2023
Mahani Teave, piano • October 28, 2023
Sir András Schiff, piano • November 8, 2023
End of Year Celebration • December 8, 2023
Beatrice Rana, piano • February 26, 2024
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra; Lahav Shani, director; Daniil Trifonov, piano • March 11, 2024
Zakir Hussain, tabla; Debopriya Chatterjee, bansuri; Sabir Khan, sarangi • March 20, 2024
Yo-Yo Ma, cello; Kathryn Stott, piano • April 14, 2024
Anna Geniushene, piano • April 27, 2024
Bavarian Radio Symphony; Sir Simon Rattle, music director; Lester Lynch, bass-baritone • April 30, 2024
Evgeny Kissin, piano • May 11, 2024
Embassy Adoption Program Mini United Nations Simulation • May 31, 2024

*Additional events will be added throughout the season.