Sutton Foster, Bernadette Peters & More Join Forces to Raise Funds for New David Geffen Hall

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) and the New York Philharmonic announce a gala fundraiser for the new David Geffen Hall by presenting a star-studded concert on Thursday, December 3, in the hall, celebrating the music of Frank Sinatra on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Earlier this year music and media executive David Geffen gave a $100 million gift to Lincoln Center to lead a complete renovation of its largest concert hall, which now bears his name.

SINATRA: Voice for a Century will feature Music Director Alan Gilbert conducting the New York Philharmonic, and artists will include the six-time Grammy Award winning singer Christina Aguilera; top-selling instrumentalist in the U.S., Chris Botti; American Idol third season winner and Grammy awardee Fantasia; Tony-Award winners Sutton Foster and Bernadette Peters; and multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and composer Sting, all of whom will perform music associated with Sinatra during his iconic career. TV series creator, filmmaker, and actor Seth MacFarlane will host the concert as well as perform, and Broadway and Tony-nominated director Lonny Price will direct. The choreographer is Emmy Award winner Joshua Bergasse. More artists to be announced.

"We are thrilled to celebrate David Geffen's transformative gift with a night devoted to one of America's greatest musicians, Frank Sinatra," said Lincoln Center Chair Katherine Farley.

Added Philharmonic Board Chairman Oscar S. Schafer, "Frank Sinatra and the New York Philharmonic are both iconic artists emblematic of the great city of New York, and we're proud to be presenting this gala fundraiser with Lincoln Center. Frank's timeless songs will never sound better than they will as played by our great Orchestra and sung by such talented artists."

The comprehensive renovation and re-imagination of the concert hall will be undertaken in close collaboration between Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic. The project is on track to begin construction in 2019. In addition to its primary purpose as the home of the New York Philharmonic, which has performed there since it opened in 1962, it will house the new Lincoln Center Hall of Fame.