Photo Flash: BeBe Winans Joins Young People's Chorus of New York City's 2016 Gala

On Monday evening, March 7, at 7 p.m. with every seat in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater occupied, 400 chorus members of the Young People's Chorus of New York City filled the stage and the balcony boxes above, while YPC Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez gave the downbeat to The New York Pops, to set the stage for one of the most exciting and successful galas in YPC's 28-year history. Scroll down for photos from the event!

BeBe Winans, a six-time Grammy Award-winner and one of today's most inspirational American gospel singers, was joined by his friends, the iconic gospel artists Dorinda Clark-Cole and Hezekiah Walker, who with the YPC singers, raised the Rose Theater roof with the glorious sounds of celebration.

YPC, the award-winning multicultural chorus, known worldwide for virtuosity and brilliant showmanship also spanned the musical genres from classical, Broadway, as well as medleys from The Sound of Music to Motown classics, complete with show-stopping choreography by Jacquelyn Bird.

With guests that included Liam Neeson, Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows, actress Jennifer Westfeldt, and Ron and Iva Rifkin, the evening continued with a reception in the beautiful ballroom of the Mandarin Oriental, where Steve Kuhn, the evening's corporate honoree from Pine River Capital Management was feted for his support and passion for the Young People's Chorus of New York City.

The award-winning Young People's Chorus of New York City is internationally renowned not only for its artistic excellence, but as a model for an inclusive society that is being replicated globally. Founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Francisco J. Núñez, a MacArthur "Genius Grant" Fellow, YPC harnesses the power of music to fulfill the potential of children of all cultures and economic backgrounds and has heightened an awareness of the ability of young people to rise to unforeseen levels of artistry.

Photo Credit: Stephanie Berger

YPC sets the Jazz at Lincoln Center stage for its 2016 gala.

YPC choristers perform a medley from THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

YPC performs a high-energy MOTOWN medley.

A gospel celebration featuring all 400 YPC choristers and led by gospel icon Dorinda Clark-Cole, YPC Associate Conductor Elizabeth Nunez, and inspirational gospel singer and gala host BeBe Winans

Well-wishers greet YPC Artistic Director/Founder Francisco J. Nunez (center) backstage: Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows, YPC parent and owner of LaPalestra Deborah Manocchia, YPC Board Chairman Adam Chinn with YPC chorister Melania, actor Liam Neeson, and YPC Executive Producer Nancy Bloom.

YPC Gala honoree Steve Kuhn with YPC board member Robert Neis

Dinner guests actress Jennifer Westfeldt (standing) with actor Ron Rifkin and his wife Iva

Francisco Nunez with gospel singer Dorinda Clark-Cole

Dinner guests congratulate Elizabeth Nunez (center): Beryl Snyder, Jeff Schwartz, Elizabeth, Tracy Schwartz, and Steven Trost

YPC Associate Conductor Elizabeth Nunez with YPC board member Phil Lovett

YPC Vice Chair Phil Lovett is flanked by his wife Beatrice Liu and YPC Artistic Director Francisco J. Nunez

Francisco J. Nunez with BeBe Winans