Longwood Gardens Names Thomas Warner to Lead Performing Arts Program

Longwood Gardens, one of the world's great gardens and performing arts venues, today announced the selection of Thomas Warner to lead its performing arts program. The appointment is effective January 1, 2011.

Prior to his appointment with Longwood, Warner worked at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts for 10 years, most recently in the capacity of Vice President of Programming. In this position he was responsible for the "Kimmel Center Presents" series that featured various types of performance genres, including classical, dance, jazz, and popular entertainment. During his tenure at the Kimmel Center, he was instrumental in instituting a series of highly successful and innovative program initiatives. Warner has also worked as the Operations Manager for The Philadelphia Orchestra, and The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Warner has been working as a consultant for Longwood's Performing Arts program since June 2010.
Warner holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech / Communications from the College of Wooster and a Master's in Arts Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Paul Redman, Director of Longwood Gardens, said Warner was selected based on his impressive record of introducing new and innovative arts programming and building successful performing arts series in a number of genres. "Longwood Gardens is excited to have Tom leading our performing arts program," said Longwood Gardens Director Paul Redman. "Tom's diverse experience and track record of success make him the perfect choice to further elevate and expand the performing arts at Longwood," said Redman.

"I am honored to be chosen to lead the performing arts programming of a world-class organization such as Longwood," said Warner. "Longwood's unique venues, its historic Ballroom and Open Air Theatre, along with its popular fountains, already showcase performers from around the world. I am grateful for the opportunity to not only continue the legacy of presenting the arts in the gardens, but also to bring additional creative initiatives into the mix as the arts continue to grow here in the future."

 

About Longwood Gardens

In 1906, industrialist Pierre S. du Pont (1870-1954) purchased a small farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save a collection of historic trees from being sold for lumber. Throughout his life, Mr. du Pont indulged his passion for gardening, turning his farm into a magnificent horticultural showplace. Today, Longwood Gardens is one of the world's great horticultural displays, encompassing 1,077 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains and a 4.5 acre conservatory. It is also home to an impressive collection of resident instruments including a 10,010-pipe Aeolian organ, a 1923 Steinway Grand Piano and 62-bell carillon.
The garden settings of Longwood have long-served as the backdrop for showcasing top performing artists. Since Pierre du Pont first welcomed his good friend John Philip Sousa to the Conservatory Gardens in 1922, Longwood has hosted some of the finest artists from various performing genres, including Martha Graham, Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, as well as Van Cliburn Medalists, Symphony Orchestras, Grammy-winners and more.
From Longwood's origins, environmental stewardship also has been a priority at the Gardens. Every plant used in the seasonal displays is composted in Longwood's robust composting program, producing soil for future plantings. The Gardens limit the use of pesticides through a leading Integrated Pest Management Program that uses natural means whenever possible. To conserve energy, Longwood's innovative root-zone heating system in the conservatory planting beds enables heat to be concentrated on the roots of the plants without having to heat the ambient air.
Additionally, for more than half a century, Longwood Gardens has been educating tomorrow's horticulture leaders. From curriculum-based programs for ages K-12, to high-school and college internships, to a Master of Science Degree program, Longwood's educational programming is internationally recognized for its academic breadth, depth, and experiential learning. Graduates from these programs go on to assume leadership positions at public and private gardens around the world. For information, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.

 

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