Symphony Space Gala to Inaugurate First Annual Access to the Arts Awards, 4/5

On Monday, April 5 at Gotham Hall, Symphony Space's annual Gala will inaugurate the first annual Access to the Arts Awards, a tribute to the artists, corporations, philanthropists, and others who share its dedication to providing quality arts experiences to the greatest number of people. Awardees will be legendary soprano Jessye Norman, who gives generously of her time and talents to young artists and is a recent recipient of the National Medal of Arts; JPMorgan Chase Foundation, a leader in arts and education funding, and a longtime supporter of Symphony Space's Curriculum Arts Project; and The 52nd Street Project, which offers unique arts and theatre opportunities to at-risk youth.

Proceeds from the annual Gala provide crucial support for Symphony Space's performing arts and education programming. The evening is chaired by Claire and Larry Aidem, Chris and Barbara Dixon, and Carmen De Lavallade and Geoffrey Holder. Honorary Co-chairs are Alec Baldwin and Stephen and Evelyn Colbert, and the program will be co-hosted by Tony Award®-winning stage and screen star Joanna Gleason and Symphony Space founder and Artistic Director Isaiah Sheffer,

Event highlights include performances and presentations by Jane Alexander, Carnegie Hall executive and artistic director Clive Gillinson, Joanna Gleason, Arturo O'Farrill, Oliver Platt, and a top-secret musical tribute in honor of Jessye Norman. The event also includes a silent auction, featuring spa getaways, celebrity meet-and-greets, luxury goods, and more. Go to http://www.biddingforgood.com/symphonyspace for details.

This star-studded event attracts performers and patrons from across the metropolitan area. A limited number of tables ($6,000, $12,000, and $25,000) and individual tickets ($600 and $1,200) are still available. To purchase, please contact Nicole de Jesús at 212.864.1414 x229 or nicole.dejesus@symphonyspace.org. Cocktails and a silent auction begin at 6:30 pm; dinner and award presentations at 7:30 pm.

For more than 30 years, Symphony Space has produced and presented artistically and culturally diverse music, dance, literary, theatre, family, and film programs that bring artists and audiences together in an atmosphere of exploration and intimacy. Its signature events include Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story, hosted by Isaiah Sheffer and nationally broadcast on public radio; Bloomsday on Broadway; and Wall to Wall free music marathons.

Symphony Space's Artistic Director is Isaiah Sheffer and the Executive Director is Cynthia Elliott.