The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), celebrated its 32nd Anniversary Gala with the theme A World of Difference, Saturday, February 8. The event honored the more than 1,100 NWS alumni who are making a difference in orchestras, ensembles, and educational institutions in over 30 countries around the world. This glittering evening could not have been possible without the support of the event’s Host Committee and Gala Chairs Chanin and Adam Carlin.

Sponsored by Miami Cancer Institute, Bacardi, Total Wine & More and Power Collective, the evening was a huge success. Proceeds directly benefit NWS’s mission of preparing young musicians for careers in professional orchestras, while providing meaningful cultural programs to the South Florida community.

As guests arrived at the New World Center, they were greeted by a cocktail reception and an exhibition of works by Miami-based Colombian artist Federico Uribe. The experience was followed by a special onstage performance by NWS Fellows and 12 returning alumni, led by NWS Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Micheal Tilson Thomas. The festive musical program was highlighted by a performance of Camille Saint-Saëns’ colorful and joyous Carnival of the Animals, including the world premiere of an accompanying video featuring Uribe’s sculptures and poetry by O, Miami Poetry Festival founder P. Scott Cunningham. Writer and filmmaker Jamie Bernstein, author of the acclaimed Famous Father Girl; A Memior of Growing up Berstein, provided the narration. Guests were also treated to works by Rossini, Villa Lobos and more. NWS Conducting Fellow Chad Goodwin took the podium to conduct J. S. Bach’s Sonata from Heaven Laughs! Earth Exults.

Guests were seated throughout the dramatic Frank Gehry building for a decadent and delicious Gala dinner. After dinner guests were invited back into a transformed performance hall for a late-night after party with salsa band Marlow Rosado and his Orchestra.

The annual gala represents NWS’s largest fundraiser annually. The New World Center has been the site of the annual gala since its opening in 2011, allowing NWS to provide exhilarating experiences while ensuring that more of the money raised from the gala goes toward supporting the mission of the institution.