Recognizing first responders at The Wallis Delivers 2025 benefit evening on April 30, 2025, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.(Photo courtesy of The Wallis.)
The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is more than a place to see world-class theater and dance. It’s a home—a cultural anchor in the heart of Beverly Hills that reflects the diversity, creativity and resilience of Los Angeles.
This year, its annual benefit, The Wallis, took on deeper meaning. In the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, The Wallis Delivers: An Evening to Benefit Wildfire Recovery, brought together artists, donors and community members to raise urgently needed funds for recovery. The evening also introduced the Icon Award, honoring East West Bank Chairman and CEO Dominic Ng for his leadership in the arts and philanthropy.
To reflect on the moment—and on the role the arts can play in strengthening communities—Agnes Lew, Head of Private Banking at East West Bank, spoke with Daphna Nazarian, Chair of The Wallis’ Board of Directors.
Daphna Nazarian attending The Wallis Delivers 2025 benefit evening. (Photo courtesy of The Wallis.)
Agnes Lew: For those who may be less familiar with all that The Wallis does, how would you describe its place in the community?
Daphna Nazarian: We believe the arts are for everyone, and we’re committed to creating meaningful, inclusive experiences that celebrate and connect people. The Wallis is more than a performing arts center—it’s a home. A cultural gathering place in the heart of Beverly Hills, where you feel supported. A vibrant space where local, national and international artists can share their work. A place where you're heard and seen, and where you can express yourself.
We’re deeply rooted in the Los Angeles community. I’m proud to be the first female board chair, of Persian American heritage, and I believe that reflects the diversity of this beautiful city. We all bring our own cultures and stories and become part of something bigger.
Agnes Lew: Traditionally, The Wallis Delivers benefits arts education. What led to the shift to focus on wildfire recovery this year?
Daphna Nazarian: The Wallis is a cultural anchor with deep ties to the community. Back in February, we had to delay a board meeting because so many members of The Wallis family— from audience members to board members, artists and vendors—were directly affected. The impact wasn’t isolated. It reached across communities, and it created a shared sense of urgency. When parts of our community suffer, the ripple effects are felt widely, and it was important to step up and show our support—not just in words but in action.
The benefit became a way to say: we’re here for one another, pulling resources together to rebuild and restore our dynamic city after such devastation. Many lost their homes, studios or work they’d been creating for years. It felt urgent to support them in a way that was immediate.
We committed the proceeds to the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation. The fund benefits artists and arts workers across all disciplines in Los Angeles County who were impacted by the unprecedented wildfire crisis.
Agnes Lew: The event also honored Dominic Ng with the first Icon Award. What was the impetus for that?
Daphna Nazarian: Wallis Annenberg, Chairman, President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation, and Dominic Ng are both people who lead by example. They don’t seek the spotlight—they step in when it counts and bring others with them. That’s the kind of leadership that strengthens and uplifts a community. In the wake of the fires, Mr. Dominic Ng immediately became involved—especially in Pasadena, where so many of our artists and collaborators live. Honoring him was about recognizing a visionary leader in corporate philanthropy and a respected voice in our community. It was only fitting to celebrate that kind of leadership and purposeful action—someone who embodies our shared values.
Dominic Ng accepting the inaugural Wallis Icon Award at The Wallis Delivers 2025.
(Photo courtesy of The Wallis.)
Agnes Lew: Both The Wallis and East West Bank see the arts as a bridge across cultures and experiences. How does that idea shape your work at The Wallis?
Daphna Nazarian: As someone who emigrated to Los Angeles as a child, I grew up learning how to blend different cultures. My father used to say that holding on to your identity doesn’t mean rejecting where you are from—it means finding a way to bring both together. I think that’s what the arts allow us to access. I’ve always believed the arts live in the heart. You tap into it at different moments in life—sometimes it lifts you in joy, and sometimes it gives you strength in sadness. But it always adds meaning to one’s life.
At The Wallis, we create opportunities for that kind of connection. We recently hosted a gallery event where a visual artist created paintings inspired by Beethoven sonatas, and a pianist performed those pieces live. It became a shared, multi-sensory experience. That’s what we’re aiming for—experiences that connect people across backgrounds and perspectives, through the shared language of art.
Agnes Lew: Supporting arts education is also a priority for both our organizations. How is The Wallis supporting students and youth?
Daphna Nazarian: As a multi-genre performing arts center and through our GRoW @The Wallis education and outreach programs, we support lifelong learning with under-resourced schools throughout Los Angeles. We bring students from K-12 and build bridges between the arts for students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities by welcoming them to The Wallis for student matinees. Many are seeing a live performance for the first time. You can see how much it opens them up with excitement to new opportunities and enriching experiences.
We also offer master classes with artists who perform on our stages. It’s a chance for students to learn, to ask questions, to imagine what’s possible. Whether or not they go into the arts, they carry that experience with them.
We also bring arts beyond our stages with programs like In-School assemblies, Creative Aging Programs, the Miracle Mile Project, and invite families to gather at our free Sunday Family Fests on our beautiful Promenade Terrace, which has evolved into the heart of our campus.
Agnes Lew: What are you most excited about in the upcoming season?
Daphna Nazarian: We have an incredible lineup. As our Executive Director & CEO, Robert Van Leer has articulated, “This season is breaking down barriers across language, genre and expectation. At the Wallis, the stage becomes a space to dream without limits.”
One show I’m especially excited about is “English.” It’s a Pulitzer Prize finalist and five-time Tony nominee. It’s funny and moving and looks at identity through the lens of language—which feels so relevant to life in LA, fostering greater understanding and tolerance for other cultures.
We’re also presenting “Dancing with Bob” by the Trisha Brown Dance Company, which brings together dance, music and visual art. We’ll premiere “Hildegard,” a new opera, and host everything from jazz and film to concerts with the LA Chamber Orchestra.
It’s a season filled with depth and variety—programming that I hope makes people feel connected, inspired and seen.
Photographer: © Charles Atlas “Travelogue” (1977) Choreography: Merce Cunningham Performer: Merce Cunningham Dance Company
Merce Cunningham Dance Company in Travelogue (1977). Photograph by Charles Atlas, 1977. Courtesy of the Merce Cunningham Trust and the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, The New York Public Library.