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.

Tiffany Poon

Zakir Hussain

Embassy Adoption Program students

Danilo Pérez

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 46-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.

The World in Our City 2021/22 Events

Embassy Adoption Program Diplomatic Tea • Oct 21, 2021 (private event)
Tiffany Poon, piano • Dec 12, 2021
Embassy Adoption Program Spring Teacher Training • Feb 2022 (private event)
Hazel Scott 101st Birthday Celebration: The United States Air Force Band • Feb 5, 2022
Embassy Adoption Program Diplomat Idea Exchange • Feb 24, 2022 (private event)
Martin James Bartlett, piano • Mar 6, 2022
Emanuel Ax, piano; Leonidas Kavakos, violin; Yo-Yo-Ma, cello • Mar 7, 2022
Hilary Hahn, violin; Seth Parker Woods, cello; Andreas Haefliger, piano • Mar 29, 2022
Migguel Anggelo’s English with an Accent • Apr 1, 2022
An Evening with Itzhak Perlman • Apr 2, 2022
Zakir Hussain’s Triveni • Apr 14, 2022
Eden: Joyce DiDonato & il Pomo d’Oro • Apr 24, 2022
Danilo Pérez’s Global Messengers • Apr 30, 2022
Hazel Scott 101st Birthday Celebration: Michelle Cann • May 25, 2022
Embassy Adoption Program Mini United Nations • Jun 2022 (private event)

To learn more about The World in Our City, contact Elizabeth Racheva, Chief Advancement Officer, at eracheva@washingtonperformingarts.org or (202) 533-1862.