Mar 2: Cathedral Choral Society’s Angel of the Arts Award Gala Honors WPAS President Emeritus Douglas H. Wheeler

The oldest symphonic choral ensemble in Washington, D.C., the Cathedral Choral Society (CCS), is holding its Angel of the Arts Award Gala on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Embassy of Italy at 6 p.m. 

Named for arts philanthropist, Laura E. Phillips, the Angel of the Arts Award honors a deserving man or woman who has dedicated their career and brought their passion for the arts to the Washington community.  This year's recipient is Douglas H. Wheeler, president emeritus of the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS).  This is the first time the Angel of the Arts award has been given in four years. The Master of Ceremonies is Bob Ryan, Lead Meteorologist at WJLA-TV.

The 2013 Angel of the Arts Award honoree is the distinguished Douglas H. Wheeler, president emeritus of the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS). WPAS and CCS have a long history dating back to the 1980s.

 Mr. Wheeler's historic career spans nearly five decades of incubating local talent and bringing national and international artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Midori, Yo-Yo Ma and Luciano Pavarotti to Washington audiences. In addition to more than 60 performances each year, WPAS, an independent, nonprofit professional arts organization, forges community partnerships through educational projects with schoolchildren and develops innovative art forms with emerging artists. 

Today, as president emeritus of WPAS, Mr. Wheeler is developing WPAS's Legacy Society, works on special projects with nonprofit organizations, and serves on several national boards.

CCS is the resident symphonic chorus of Washington National Cathedral. Founded in 1941 by Paul Callaway who served as music director until 1984, the 130-voice chorus is the oldest symphonic choral ensemble in Washington. Since 1985, J. Reilly Lewis has conducted the Society in musical masterpieces from plainsong to the classics to contemporary works.  CCS has presented numerous world premieres; many of them commissioned by the Society, and has maintained a tradition of showcasing both promising young soloists and internationally known artists.

Gala attendees will include community, business, philanthropic and arts leaders and patrons from the D.C. region.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Margot Young, myoung@cathedral.org; 202-537-5538.