George T. Wein, of New York City, was the internationally acclaimed creator of the jazz festival concept. He started the first all-jazz festival in Newport in 1954, and his company, Festival Productions, produced more than 1000 annual events throughout the world. As a result of his contributions to jazz and world culture, he has been honored by heads of state, leading educational institutions, and prestigious publications. He is the founder of the New York Repertory Company, and also founded the Newport Opera Festival.