Andrew Wilk has spent his career bringing the electrifying energy of live performance into homes across America. On Friday, February 14, the former executive producer of Live from Lincoln Center will step out from behind the camera to share his insights with the New Canaan Men’s Club. His discussion, Creating Music, Theatre, Dance and More for Broadcast, will pull back the curtain on what it takes to capture the immediacy and artistry of concerts, theater, and ballet for national audiences.
Wilk, a five-time Emmy Award-winning producer and director, has shaped the way television presents live performance. His work on PBS’s Live from Lincoln Center gave millions of viewers access to the grandeur of the New York Philharmonic, the precision of American Ballet Theatre, and the dramatic depth of Lincoln Center Theater productions. Under his leadership, the series transformed the traditional stage-to-screen adaptation, elevating the medium with a cinematic approach that balanced intimacy and spectacle.
But Wilk’s contributions extend beyond Lincoln Center. Over the course of his career, he has produced and directed more than 1,000 hours of prime-time television, working with some of the most prestigious arts institutions in the world. A few years ago, he brought Broadway’s brightest talents to a more intimate stage, producing Stars on Stage from Westport Country Playhouse. The series, which featured performances by Shoshana Bean, Gavin Creel, and other Broadway notables, was a love letter to the magic of live theater and remains available for streaming on PBS.
At Friday’s event, Wilk will be interviewed by John Brandt, former president of the YMCA’s Men of Westport and Weston. The New Canaan Men’s Club meets at 10 a.m. in Morrill Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, with Wilk’s interview scheduled to begin around 10:40 a.m., following the club’s business meeting.
Wilk’s ability to merge the grandeur of live performance with the intimacy of television is rooted in a career that spans music, film, and broadcasting. Before his work at Live from Lincoln Center, he served as chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment, where he oversaw the company’s expansion into visual content. His tenure saw a surge in high-quality filmed performances, blending the evolving digital landscape with the traditions of music television.
His influence also extended to major television networks, including HBO and Disney, where he was instrumental in developing programs that bridged the gap between entertainment and high art. His background as a writer, stage director, and symphony conductor gives him a rare understanding of the intricacies of live performance—not just how it is seen, but how it is created.
Wilk’s production style has always been about more than just cameras and lighting. He understands how to capture the essence of live performance—the tension before the first note, the energy of a standing ovation, the way a single gesture can change the tone of an entire scene. His meticulous attention to framing, movement, and audience perspective has made his productions feel immediate and immersive, rather than distant reproductions of the real thing.
One of Wilk’s lasting impacts has been making world-class performances accessible to audiences who might never set foot inside Lincoln Center. His productions invite viewers into spaces once reserved for a select few, whether it’s the velvet-draped seats of the Metropolitan Opera or the minimalist grandeur of a chamber music recital.
His philosophy, as he has often stated in interviews, is that television is not a substitute for live performance but an extension of it. When done well, a broadcast performance doesn’t diminish the experience—it enhances it, offering perspectives even those in the front row wouldn’t see.
For New Canaan residents, Friday’s event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a producer who has worked with some of the greatest artists of our time. The conversation will likely touch on Wilk’s experiences directing and producing some of the most ambitious live broadcasts in television history, as well as the challenges of translating performance into a format that works for the small screen.
The New Canaan Men’s Club, known for its engaging guest speakers, welcomes men aged 55 and older to attend its weekly meetings. The club offers opportunities for learning, discussion, and camaraderie, with events featuring experts from a range of fields.
Wilk’s talk is expected to draw significant interest from members and the wider community, given his reputation as one of the foremost producers of arts programming. His ability to tell stories through the lens of television has shaped how audiences experience live performance, making this a rare chance to hear about the craft directly from the source.
For those interested in joining the Men’s Club, membership is open to men 55 and older. Information is available by emailing ncmens@ncmens.info.
Wilk’s visit is an exploration of how the arts are preserved, adapted, and shared in an age where screens have become our windows to the world’s great performances. As he steps onto a different kind of stage this Friday, attendees can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate process of turning live artistry into lasting cinematic experiences.
