Orpheus Orchestra and Haran at Annual Gala, April 26

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will present an evening of classical and popular music for their Annual Gala at The Metropolitan Club, April 26. The festivities begin at 6:30PM with cocktails in the Grand Foyer. A private concert at 7:30PM follows, and will feature special guest soloist, singer Mary Cleere Haran, and preeminent dance band leader Peter Duchin, with members of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. The program, titled New York, New York: From Tin Pan Alley to Carnegie Hall includes works by Copland, Gershwin, Ellington, Scott, Bernstein, and Sondheim.

This exclusive, black tie event includes a seated dinner at 8:30PM.  The gala Honoree is John C. Whitehead.  Gala Co-Chairs are Heidi Neuhoff and Lizabeth and Frank Newman; Honorary Gala Chairs are Edmund C. Duffy, Trustee of the Peter J. Sharp Foundation, and Tan Dun, award-winning composer and conductor.  Limited single tickets, for $1,000 and sponsorship opportunities from $2,500 to $75,000 are now available.

"Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's Annual Gala brings to life and demonstrates, in an intimate setting, the authentic passion that has made Orpheus and John C. Whitehead synonymous with innovation and excellence in New York and around the globe," states press notes, "The Annual Gala is a major fundraising event for Orpheus' 2006-2007 season, and all proceeds support their extensive touring schedule, as well as artistic and education programs, helping integrate classical music into the lives of the next generation."

John C. Whitehead was asked by President Reagan to become Deputy Secretary of State.  He was sworn into office in July 1985, and served until January 1989.  He is the former Chairman of such diverse organizations as The Federal Reserve Bank of New York, The Harvard Board of Overseers, the International Rescue Committee, the United Nations Association, Haverford College, The Asia Society, the Hungarian-American Enterprise Fund, and the Boy Scouts of America/GNY.  In late 2001, he was appointed as Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corp, the organization responsible for the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan.

Mary Cleere Haran, one of the most renowned singers of "The Great American Songbook," has garnered rave reviews from audiences and critics alike for her witty, sophisticated performances.  The San Francisco native has performed at Lincoln Center, Rainbow & Stars, The Russian Tea Room, The Cinegrill in Los Angeles, The Plush Room in San Francisco and the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia.  She made her Broadway debut in The 1940s Radio Hour and appeared Off Broadway in Manhattan Music, Swingtime Canteen and Heebie Jeebies. On TV, she had a recurring role on Sidney Lumet's drama "100 Centre Street" on A&E.  Her CDs have been praised by Entertainment Weekly, People Magazine and The New York Times.  Her most recent release is Crazy Rhythm: Manhattan in the '20s.

Peter Duchin has been America's preeminent dance-band leader. He and his orchestra have provided the music for many of the nation's most notable public and private events.  Duchin plays at more than a hundred events annually, as well as lending his name to the various bands that are booked by his organization, Peter Duchin Entertainment, for more than six-hundred engagements a year.

The Grammy Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is internationally renowned for its fine artistry and distinctive approach to music-making, with a performing and recording legacy spanning 34 years. Performing with many of today's most dynamic and esteemed soloists, Orpheus presents an annual concert series at Carnegie Hall that illuminates both classic orchestral repertoire and new works by contemporary composers.

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra 34th Annual Gala Thursday, April 26 at The Metropolitan Club (One East 60th Street).  The Cocktail Reception begins at 6:30PM followed by a 7:30PM performance and dinner at 8:30PM. Black Tie event.

For more information contact: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Development Office, 212-896-1714.