The New World Symphony Grand Opening Gala was a highlight of the weeklong celebrations to commemorate bringing classical music into the future at the new Frank Gehry-designed building.
All 450 gala guests, from Jonathan Tisch and Prince Dimitri Karageorgevich of Yugoslavia to owner of The Miami Heat Micky Arison, sipped cocktails surrounded by Gehry’s soaring shapes. Renowned conductor, and Co-founder and Artistic Director of the NWS, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) presented a multimedia concert featuring Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and the world premiere of stunning commissioned video art by the USC School of Cinematic Arts, accompanying the movements of the piece.
After dinner under a ceiling of custom-designed, suspended light boxes on the Mary and Howard Frank Plaza, guests reentered the atrium hall, which was transformed into a “music lounge” for a celebrity performance by Broadway star Audra McDonald. Libations from Bacardi, USA and shots of Nespresso kept the revelers dancing in the hall to sounds from a live band perched above the dance floor.
Red-carpet fashions made debuts, including MTT outfitted in a custom-made Ermenegildo Zegna tuxedo. Female looks were stunning with fashion-maven guests, such as Gala co-chair Susan D. Kronick, former Vice-Chair of Macy’s, Inc.; the granddaughter of the founder of NWS, Sarah Arison, former stylist with W Magazine, Oscar De La Renta and Dolce & Gabbana; as well as fashion designer Mayda Cisneros.
The evening ended with commemorative gifts, including 450 custom-made exclusive crystal “Flags” by Baccarat etched with an original image created by NWS for guests of the Gala. Lin Arison’s latest book and Nespresso chocolates were inside each car when valet arrived with guest’s cars.
With all tables sold out, NWS raised $2.17 million, with all proceeds going towards the underwriting of NWS fellowships and community engagement programs.
Notable Attendees: MTT; the Prince of Yugoslavia, Dimitri Karadordeviç; Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Will Swenson; Lin, Micky and Madeleine and Sarah Arison; co-chairs Susan D. Kronick and Edward Manno Shumsky; NWS Chairman and former Miami Beach Mayor Neisen Kasdin; New York Philanthropist Adam R. Rose and partner Peter R. McQuillan, Armando Codina, Alberto Ibargüen (Knight Foundation), Phillip and Patricia Frost, Fanny and Charles Dascal, Paul and Trudy Cejas, George and Mariita Feldenkreis (Perry Ellis), W Hotel Owner David Edelstein, Norman and Irma Braman, GAP, Inc. Director Bill Fisher with wife Sako, renowned art collectors Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz, National Endowment for the Arts President Rocco Landesman with wife Debby, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation President Don Randel with wife Carol, Fairholme Capital Founder Bruce Berkowitz with wife Tracey, Loews Hotels owner and renowned philanthropist Jonathan Tisch, along with wife Lizzie, Joe and Lourdes Arriola, New York Philanthropists Edward and Arlyn Gardner, television producer Douglas Cramer, developer Jorge & Darlene Perez, architect Chad & Ilona Oppenheim, Former FIU President Mitch Maidique, and Diane and Alan Lieberman.
Background on
the New World Symphony:
The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, is dedicated to the artistic, professional and personal development of outstanding young musicians. As a result of its unique educational environment, the New World Symphony has achieved an international reputation for creating new models of orchestral training and performance. New World Symphony has built a global community of the world’s finest performers, educators and composers who impart their knowledge and insight to the Fellows both in Miami Beach and via Internet2. In addition to its regular performances in Miami Beach and Miami, the New World Symphony has performed in prestigious venues throughout the world, including New York’s Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, London’s The Barbican, Paris’ Bastille Opera, Cité de la Musique and Opéra Comique, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna’s Konzerthaus and Rome’s National Academy of Santa Cecilia. The New World Symphony’s eight recordings to date encompass a range of repertoire, from jazz-inspired works to Latin American classics to music by contemporary American composers.
MEDIA CONTACT
For New World Symphony Grand Opening Gala:
Zakarin Public Relations
305.372.2502
Marcia Martinez Marcia@zakarinpr.com
Daniella Valencia daniella@zakarinpr.com
