Stephen Sondheim Selected As Keynote Speaker Of Hiett Gala 5th Anniversary

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture has named award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim as the keynote speaker for the 2009 Hiett Prize Gala Fifth Anniversary. Sondheim will present the award, which recognizes an emerging leader in the humanities, on Tuesday, April 28, at the Dallas Museum of Art. Sondheim will be joined that evening by acquaintance and business partner Roger Horchow, who is serving as Honorary Chair for the gala. Sondheim and Horchow have recently worked together on the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of "Gypsy," with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Sondheim, and book by Arthur Laurents.

"We are fortunate that Stephen Sondheim could be present to make this important presentation," said Horchow. "Carolyn and I are delighted to welcome in Dallas a man so long admired by a multitude of fans throughout the world."

The Hiett Prize is among the nation's most prestigious honors in the humanities. The $50,000 annual award was created by The Dallas Institute in 2004 in collaboration with philanthropist Kim Hiett Jordan to recognize a person in the early stages of a career "whose work promises to advance the way we think and live." The 2009 Hiett winner is Dr. James McWilliams, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History at Texas State University-San Marcos and an Associate Fellow in the Program in Agrarian Studies at Yale University.

ABOUT THE 2009 HIETT PRIZE GALA
Stephen Sondheim, award-winning composer and lyricist will deliver the keynote address at The Dallas Institute's 2009 Hiett Prize Gala on Tuesday, April 28, at the Dallas Museum of Art. WFAA-TV/Channel 8 film critic Gary Cogill is master of ceremonies for the 2009 event. Hiett Gala chair is Laurie-Jo Straty. Honorary chair is Roger Horchow. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails in the Atrium; the keynote by Stephen Sondheim and presentation of the Hiett Prize are at 7 p.m. in Horchow Auditorium; and dinner under the stars follows at 8:15 p.m. in the Sculpture Garden. Sponsorship packages are available at the following levels: $20,000 Benefactor, $15,000 Underwriter, $10,000 Patron, and $5,000 Friend. For tickets and information, please call (214) 871-2440.

PREVIOUS EVENTS:
2005 Hiett Winner: Brad Gregory, Notre Dame University
Keynote Speaker: David McCullough
2006 Hiett Winner: Hilaire Kallendorf, Texas A&M University
Keynote Speaker: James Lehrer
2007 Hiett Winner: Tiya Alicia Miles, University of Michigan
Keynote Speaker: Ken Burns
2008 Hiett Winner: David Greenberg, Rutgers University
Keynote Speaker: David Mamet

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization with a 20-member Board of Directors comprised of community leaders. Created in 1980, The Dallas Institute is a center for creative and intellectual exchange, providing enriching programs for the public that are grounded in the wisdom of the humanities, laying the foundation for Dallas to realize its full potential for cultural excellence. The Dallas Institute is located at 2719 Routh Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. For information, call (214) 871-2440, or visit www.DallasInstitute.org.