AFIPO Will Honor Daniel Libeskind At New York Benefit Gala

The American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) today announced that Daniel Libeskind, the internationally renowned figure in architecture and urban design, will be honored at its annual New York Benefit Gala on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 at The Grand Ballroom at The Pierre Hotel (2 East 61st Street).

The event, which will celebrate the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and benefit its educational programs, will also feature a performance by The IPO Brass, an ensemble specially selected by Maestro Zubin Mehta. The Gala is being co-chaired by Tricia and Jason Pantzer, and Stacey Bronfman.

"Celebrating the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra together with our east coast supporters is a highlight of every year," said AFIPO CEO Naomi Grabel. "The IPO Brass are a fantastic ensemble and will give a terrific performance at our gala, and of course honoring Daniel Libeskind is quite exciting for us as he has a deep passion for music that informs his architecture. It will be a great night."

"I am humbled by this great honor. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the greatest gifts of culture. The organization demonstrates the true values of Israel: harmony, creativity and the spirit of humanity," said Daniel Libeskind.

Libeskind is an international figure in architecture and urban design. He is renowned for his ability to evoke cultural memory in buildings. Informed by a deep commitment to music, philanthropy, literature and poetry, Libeskind aims to create architecture that is resonant, unique and sustainable.

Born in Lodz, Poland, in 1946, Libeskind immigrated to the United States as a teenager, and, with his family, settled in the Bronx. He received the American-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship and performed as a musical virtuoso, before eventually leaving music to study architecture. He received his professional degree in architecture from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1970 and a postgraduate degree in the history and theory of architecture from the School of Comparative Studies at Essex University in England in 1972.

As Principal Design Architect for Studio Libeskind, he speaks widely on the art of architecture in universities and professional summits. His architecture and ideas have been the subject of many articles and exhibitions, influencing the field of architecture and the development of cities and culture.

The Gala begins at 7 pm on October 23 and includes a cocktail reception, concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and a gourmet dinner. Gala tables are available from $15,000 and individual tickets begin at $1,500.

For Gala tickets or additional information, please call 212-697-2949 or email events@afipo.org.