Whenever we end a season at DPAC, there’s a palpable sense of exhaustion in our halls. I work with an incredibly talented and committed group of people who want to ensure an unparalleled quality of experience for everyone who visits us. While I often remark that this group can make anything possible, the drive and energy they possess is, of course, finite. When we finish a season, we always try to take some time to regroup, recalibrate and re-energize for another year. We are now at the moment at which the breath we exhaled at the end of last season comes back to feed us with anticipation for the next one.
And, what a great season it will be! Not one, but two Tony-winning Broadway stars, the majestic sounds of an internationally-acclaimed symphony orchestra accompanied by a world-class opera diva, a Grammy-winning jazz vocalist leading an ensemble of some of the best musicians in their field, a legendary composer inspiring a emerging new music ensemble—this year’s program promises an enriching and exciting selection of performances.
When we build our season of visiting artists at the center, we take many factors into consideration. We are very fortunate to be part of a rich and vibrant arts community at Notre Dame. So, when presented with opportunities to present artists who are also working with our faculty and students, we are invigorated by the opportunity to assert that the university is a world leader in the arts, leadership which is best realized by the collaborative projects we pursue.
We also think about our role as an advocate for the arts in our regional community. Our choices have a significant local impact as many of our community members may not have the means to travel to bigger cities to see live theater, dance or music. We are reminded of our physical position on campus at the entrance to our greater community and strive to make everyone who visits us feel welcome and encouraged to return.
Finally, we think about how we value art itself. We are privileged to house state-of-the-art venues uniquely and professionally designed for live performance. It is our duty to utilize these spaces as they were intended. We hope that our selections reflect our desire to present premier arts experiences, working with a mix of established and emerging performers who showcase the best of music, dance, and theater.
So, let’s take a deep breath and get ready for another outstanding year at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center! We are recharged and ready to make this the best one yet.
Ted Barron is executive director of the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center and Judd and Mary Lou Leighton Director of the Performing Arts. Barron previously served as senior associate director overseeing the center’s cinema program during which time he led visits to Notre Dame by renowned filmmakers such as Claire Denis, Kleber Mendonça Filho, Larry Karaszewski, Margarethe von Trotta, Benny Safdie, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Barron also teaches courses on global cinema history, documentary film and German film in Notre Dame’s Department of Film, Television, and Theatre. Read more.
