10 minutes with...David Whitehill

Music & Storytelling

Manchester Music Festival’s New Executive Director on Manchester, music, and more! 

STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER

Manchester Music Festival (MMF) welcomes its 51st season with the vibrant theme of “Music & Storytelling,” running July 10 through August 7, 2025. Set amidst the scenic beauty of Southern Vermont and anchored at the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s majestic Arkell Pavilion, this season promises a thrilling fusion of literature, poetry, song and classical music. 

At the helm of this new chapter in MMF’s history is David Whitehill, MMF’s newly appointed executive director. His impressive career spans over two decades, leading prestigious orchestras and festivals from coast to coast, including the Asheville (NC) Symphony Orchestra, the Bangor (ME) Symphony Orchestra, the Reading (PA) Symphony Orchestra and the Laguna Beach (CA) Music Festival. Joining forces with Artistic Director Philip Setzer, a renowned violinist from the GRAMMY®-Winning Emerson String Quartet, Whitehill brings a dynamic vision rooted in community engagement and artistic excellence.

Manchester Music Festival, with its storied legacy of nurturing young talent through its acclaimed Young Artists Program, continues to solidify its role as a beacon for chamber music, music education and world-class performances. The synergy between Whitehill’s innovative leadership and Setzer’s artistic direction positions MMF for an unforgettable season ahead.

Here, David Whitehill shares his insights, aspirations, and enthusiasm as he steps into his role as executive director.

What drew you to Southern Vermont and MMF? First and foremost, it’s the people. The community here is incredibly welcoming and passionate about the arts, which makes it such a special place to be. Beyond that, the opportunity to lead such a renowned festival was a huge draw. The chance to work closely with the legendary Phil Setzer to further elevate the festival was an incredibly exciting prospect. It’s a thrilling challenge, especially given the festival’s openness to taking bold steps to expand its influence, all while staying true to its mission of nurturing the next generation of artists.

How have your past experiences around the country shaped your approach here? Wherever I go, I try to lean into what makes a community unique. The goal is to craft an organization’s artistic identity that is rooted in its surroundings, something that can’t be replicated elsewhere. That’s the exciting journey we’re embarking on together, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects the spirit of this community. What I think makes this place so special is the strong sense of community and the peaceful escape it offers from the everyday hustle. It’s a place where real connections can be made. We’re fortunate to perform at the Southern Vermont Arts Center’s Arkell Pavilion. It allows us to create an atmosphere where the music and the shared experience foster meaningful, personal connections between the performers and the audience.

How did your passion for music begin? My passion for music began the moment I first picked up the cello. As soon as I drew the bow across the strings, I could feel the vibrations resonate, creating an immediate connection. I was also lucky to grow up in a community that valued the arts and offered plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. That early exposure and support were crucial in shaping my love for music.

Who inspired your musical journey early on? I was lucky to get into a special arts magnet program in middle school, where I worked with an orchestra director who had played under Arturo Toscanini and Dimitri Mitropoulos, legends of the NBC Symphony and the New York Philharmonic, respectively. Learning from someone with that kind of experience at such a young age set me on a musical journey that continues to this day.

What does music and storytelling mean to you personally? Music and storytelling are about using sound to convey emotions and narratives that words alone can’t fully express. It’s a way to tap into the universal human experience, allowing the audience to connect with something beyond the surface. Like a great story in any form, music can evoke feelings, paint vivid images and transport us to different times or places. It’s an experience that invites reflection and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

How do you and Philip Setzer collaborate creatively? I feel incredibly fortunate to have such a remarkable partnership with Phil. Being here year-round, my role is to keep Phil in the loop with the local scene, updating him on any developments while he’s teaching and performing around the world. In turn, he brings back fresh ideas and inspirations from his experiences, which we weave into the festival. This continuous exchange of ideas allows us to evolve and create something unique and meaningful for festival audiences.

What excites you most about this season’s programmatic highlights? I’m excited about the incredible variety of performances and the talented artists we’re bringing in. We’re thrilled to have Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, and Christine Goerke from the Metropolitan Opera. On top of that, we’re welcoming Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Powers and Emmy® Award-Winning actor David Strathairn, which adds such a unique and exciting dynamic to the season. And of course, the chance to experience iconic works like Mendelssohn’s Octet, Schubert’s Trout Quintet and Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale makes this season one you won’t want to miss.

How would you describe the magic of Manchester? Manchester has a calm, welcoming energy that makes you feel right at home, and the mountains create a sense of being tucked away, yet you never feel cut off. The downtown area has a laid-back vibe, but more energy than you would expect from a town of this size, with people enjoying the restaurants, shops, and surroundings. Whether it’s the stunning views, outdoor activities, starry skies, or tranquil streams, it’s a place that offers a serene and simple way of living.