New World Symphony Grand Opening Gala


Gala Chairs Edward Manno Shumsky and Susan D. Kronick
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.

Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Lin Arison
Debra Scholl, Alberto and Susana Ibarguen
Fred Doner, Margarita Codina, Neil Flanzraich
Michael Tilson Thomas and Audra McDonald
Sarah Arison and Eric Masella
Mary and Howard Frank
Ilona and Chad Oppenheim
Lin and Sarah Arison
Jeffrey and Lisa Akin
Alan and Diane Lieberman
Diane Sepler
Dorothy and Aaron Podhurst
Eric Woolworth, Jocelyn Woolworth, Howard Frank, Mary Frank, Peter Frank, Michael Bailey
Luciano Mancini, Greg McCarthy, Gitte Gamble, Peter Bickford
Albert and Vanessa Molina
Jack and Lena Lowell
Toby Lerner Ansin, Louis Aguirre, Stephanie Ansin
Lizzie and Jon Tisch
Marvin Ross Friedman and Adrienne Bon Haes
Mayda Cisneros and Lin Arison
Dr. Phillip Frost, Dr. Kira Flanzraich, Neil Flanzraich
Olivia and Jody Wolfe
Rocco Landesman, Debbie Landesman
Stanley and Gala Cohen
Vicki and Christopher Kellogg