Orchestra Of St. Luke's Annual Gift Of Music Gala Honors Sarah And Howard Solomon And Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Orchestra of St. Luke's (OSL) held its annual Gift of Music Gala on March 19 at The Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, raising over $925,000 to support OSL's versatile and collaborative performances, local community and education initiatives, and the services provided to New York City's musical community through The DiMenna Center for Classical Music.

The celebratory evening began with guests enjoying drinks and hors d'oeuvres in The Plaza's Terrace Foyer before moving to the Grand Ballroom where they were welcomed by the evening's host: OSL Board Member and Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor David Hyde Pierce. After appetizers were served, OSL President and Executive Director James Roe delivered remarks, recognizing the many musicians and arts leaders in attendance from Carnegie Hall, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, Baryshnikov Arts Center, Manhattan School of Music, and the New York Philharmonic, among others, and commenting that "Orchestra of St. Luke's distinct role in the city's musical life is uniquely defined by the strength and diversity of our artistic partnerships, many of which are represented here tonight."

As guests enjoyed dessert, Board Chairman Norman Benzaquen presented the Gift of Music Award to Sarah and Howard Solomon, noting that the couple have "improved the life and cultural vitality of our city" with a "life-long commitment to the arts community and so many organizations, like OSL, that enrich our lives." Then, long-time OSL Board Member and internationally renowned fashion designer Josie Natori introduced award winner, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, noting the master pianist's "warmth, love, and gracious friendship with your colleagues, your audiences and your students."

The night concluded with OSL's Principal Conductor Designate, Bernard Labadie leading the Orchestra in an all-Handel program, featuring selections from Water Music and arias from Tolormeo, re d'Egitto and Partenope, performed by countertenor Jakub Józef Orli?ski (replacing the originally scheduled Iestyn Davis). The evening closed with waltzing, a celebrated Gift of Music Gala tradition.