10 minutes with... David Whitehill
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.
NICK BURCHARD
Music & Storytelling
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
M anchester 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.
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
56 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine. com