New World Symphony Grand Opening Gala

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 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 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 Michael Tilson Thomas 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 included Michael Tilson Thomas; Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia; 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,Former FIU President Mitch Maidique, and Diane and Alan Lieberman.