A Legacy of Chamber Excellence

Oct 24, 2024

Chamber music has played a treasured role at The Barns for more than 40 years. Over the last five seasons, the chamber series thrived at Wolf Trap thanks largely to the vision of highly accomplished pianist, Co-Artistic Director of Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center, and Chamber Music at The Barns Artistic Advisor Wu Han.

During her tenure, Wu Han helped increase attendance at The Barns’ chamber concerts by 81% and became the first artistic advisor to serve for consecutive seasons. Each year, she led audiences through exceptional classical journeys and continually enhanced programs with world-renowned musicians.

Before the 2024-2025 season, Wolf Trap sat down with Wu Han to reflect on her indelible legacy as she takes her final bow as artistic advisor for Chamber Music at The Barns.

Wolf Trap (WT): How have your programming processes and interests evolved over the last few seasons?

Wu Han (WH): My programming principle is always to bring the best musical offerings to Wolf Trap. With my positions at Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Music at Menlo, The Society of the Four Arts, and La Musica, I have the privilege of directing several different projects with a great range of music, programs, and artists. I design Wolf Trap’s series specifically with The Barns, the audience, and the repertoire history in mind, creating a balance of instrumentations, composers, and artists. 

Consistently presenting top quality concerts is the key to building audience trust so they will keep coming back, always expecting the best. This practice helped us build amazing programs and grow the audience over the last five seasons. With the enthusiasm that we all feel after each performance, I know we have built a community here that really appreciates great chamber music. 

WT: What have been your favorite moments as artistic advisor here? 

WH: My favorite moments have always been at the post-show receptions when I meet the audience, converse with them, and hear their reactions and thoughts. There has been such warmth and support that is very special at Wolf Trap. I will never forget all the smiles and encouragement they gave me. 

WT: What is the key to building a complete season that excites audiences?

WH: For me, a successful series should have many elements: great music, from timeless masterpieces to plenty of discoveries, and excellent artists from different generations, including experienced musicians and up-and-coming young stars. This allows audiences to get a healthy diet of chamber music and develop the knowledge and appreciation to continue enjoying this amazing genre.

A good program is like a good meal—one should feel satisfied and inspired afterwards. I know from years as an artistic advisor and an active performer, audiences will get excited if they experience concerts that are at the highest level of design and execution.

WT: What have you found is unique to The Barns?

WH: The Barns at Wolf Trap is a special place because it has an intimacy that is rare to find with concert stages. The wood of The Barns provides a warm sensation and a reminder we are close to nature. Hearing music in that space can easily transport all of us to a better world.

WT: What are you excited about with this year’s Chamber season?

WH: My relationship with Wolf Trap’s audience is precious and I am very excited to make music happen for them. I want to thank Wolf Trap for giving me the opportunity to design programs for this community, and I also want to thank the audience for giving this series its support. Seeing a full house and standing ovations after each concert really is the best testament to the power of music. It transports us to a higher place and makes a difference in society. I look forward to seeing everyone this season. 

Explore the complete 2024-2025 Chamber Music at The Barns season at wolftrap.org/chamber

Deborah F. and David A. Winston, 2024-2025 Artistic Advisor Sponsors