Springing into the new season, charities and societies have been holding gala evenings all over town. Besides raising funds to support artistic institutions, the multi-functional parties offer opportunities to enjoy live performances, to see friends before going off to summer destinations, to dress up and show off new fashions amid glorious decor. Here are some glimpses of the season’s festive concerts, great gowns, sublime settings.
Carnegie Hall Fiftieth Anniversary of the “Concert of the Century”
It was a night of stars at the 135th anniversary of Carnegie Hall saluting the legendary “Concert of the Century” held fifty years ago. Emanuel Ax, Michael Feinstein, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald were among renowned performers stipulated by gala lead chair Elizabeth Segerstrom to represent a range of creative disciplines. After a concert on the historic stage, the party proceeded to dinner at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria where notables Katie Holmes, Liev Schrieber, Alessandro Nivola, Candace Bushnell, Kehinde Wiley, Damian Woetzel mingled with guests.
The 50th Anniversary Concert at Carnegie Hall
Curtain call at the Carnegie concert
Lead Chair Elizabeth Sigerstrom in a mirrored gown, with Taylor and Liev Schreiber
Dinner was served in the newly furnished Waldorf Astoria Ballroom
Table settings illuminated musical instruments and Carnegie Hall
Candace Bushnell
Barbara Tober and Colleen Rein
Anya Gillinson saluted her husband Carnegie Hall Executive and Artistic Director Clive Gillinson
Lang Lang played a tribute to inaugurate 50 instruments of the Carnegie Hall Limited Edition by Steinway & Sons pianos.
Guests received commemorative keychains
American Ballet Theater Spring Gala
Imagine a full-fledged ballet performed in a restaurant! That was the delight offered to guests assembled at Cipriani Midtown to salute ABT. A preview of Don Quixote featured star dancers from the company pirouette proud in full costume. Caroline Kennedy was Honorary Chair and Katie Holmes was Honoree of the evening. After the performance and a dinner of Chilean sea bass and mini dessert bites the floor was crowded with dancers again—this time the dinner guests all in finery moving to the music.
Honoree Katie Holms welcomed guests to the ABT Gala
ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe and Executive Director Barry Hughson
ABT dancers performed a version of Don Quixote
Corps de ballet dancers Skylar Brandt and Herman Cornejo
Peony profusion table settings
Guests rounded out the party on the dance floor
Philharmonic Spring Gala
Welcoming its new conductor Gustavo Dudamel, 600 guests gathered at the New York Philharmonic for an event chaired by philanthropist Elizabeth Segerstrom. Honorees of the evening were the memory of longtime music lover Donald Tober, and Barbara Tober who greeted guests with the reminder that “New York is the Philharmonic and the Philharmonic is New York.” Following a concert featuring renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin, dinner was served on the Grand Promenade.
Gustavo Dudamel led the Philharmonic Orchestra
Soloist Evgeny Kissin takes a bow
Philharmonic Honoree Barbara Tober greets guests
A blossom background for board Co-Chairman Oscar Tang
