David Geffen Hall became the ultimate sanctuary of glamour and artistry as the New York Philharmonic hosted its annual Opening Gala & Concert on Sept. 24.
This year, the spotlight focused dazzlingly on the philanthropic power couple, Klara Silverstein and her husband, the distinguished developer and New York Philharmonic Board Member Larry A. Silverstein.
As guests glided into the venue, the red carpet beckoned them like a siren song in the Karen and Richard LeFrak Lobby. The air crackled with excitement and anticipation, an exquisite cocktail of elegance and thrill that promised a night to remember.
The maestro of the evening, Manfred Honeck, took the stage with an energy that sent shivers down the spine, ready to unleash the orchestra’s magic upon the audience. The philharmonic launched into the exuberant Light Cavalry Overture by Suppé, a piece that felt like a jubilant gallop into a world of orchestral splendor. The strings sang, the brass trumpeted triumphantly, and the percussion thundered like a heartbeat, wrapping everyone in a vibrant embrace. The energy in the hall was palpable — a living thing resonating within the very walls.
Next came Honeck’s carefully crafted suite from Puccini’s Turandot. It was an artful tapestry of sound that transported us to far-off lands, where emotion and drama intertwined in breathtaking harmony. Each note painted a vivid picture, allowing the audience to feel the weight of love, longing, and fierce determination as the orchestra wove its musical narrative.
And then, as if the universe conspired to deliver us an unforgettable gift, Josh Groban graced the stage.
His voice soared through the hall like a majestic bird in flight, each note a sweet caress that lingered in the air. Groban seamlessly transitioned from Broadway hits to beloved classics, inviting us to join him on a musical journey. The audience swayed, laughter mingling with awe, as the energy soared to new heights. When the encore of Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 1 struck up, the joy was infectious, and the entire hall transformed into a sea of smiles and rhythmic foot-tapping.
After the musical rapture, guests ascended to the Leon and Norma Hess Grand Promenade for a cocktail reception that felt like stepping into a dream. Sipping on crafted cocktails and indulging in exquisite hors d’oeuvres, the mingling crowd sparkled just as brightly as the chandeliers above. The tables, adorned with Wedgewood blue tablecloths and lavish floral arrangements of hydrangeas and orchids, were a feast for the eyes, designed by the talented Andrew Pascoe Flowers, Ltd.
As dinner commenced, NY Philharmonic Special Advisor Deborah Borda and Board Co-Chairmen Oscar L. Tang and Peter W. May took to the stage, sharing heartfelt words that blended humor with gratitude. The evening’s honorees, Klara and Larry A. Silverstein, captivated the audience with their charm, speaking passionately about the vital role of philanthropy in the arts and leaving us all feeling uplifted and inspired.
And let’s not forget the astounding achievement of the evening: over $3.8 million raised for the Philharmonic. With about 600 luminaries in attendance, the gala was a vivid mosaic of cultural titans, all united to celebrate art’s transformative power.
Who was there, you ask? The guest list read like the A-list of the art world. From the indomitable Deborah Borda to the captivating Klara and Larry Silverstein, with surprises like k.d. lang and the fabulous Mariko Silver, President and CEO of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the night sparkled with personality and pizzazz.
As the clock ticked toward the end of the evening, it became clear that the New York Philharmonic’s Opening Gala was more than just an event; it was a celebration of life, passion, and the incredible vibrations that only an orchestra can produce.
In a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and disconnected, this night was a vibrant reminder of the magic that unfolds when philanthropy, culture, and unrestrained joy intertwine. Here’s to the next grand affair—may it resonate with as much heart and vibrancy!
