New World Symphony’s 2012 Gala

An Evening of Suspense with Music and Scenes from Films of Alfred Hitchcock

On February 24th, New World Symphony (NWS), America’s Orchestral Academy, presented its 24th Annual Gala, which celebrated the one year anniversary of NWS being in its spectacular new campus – the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center.

Leading the way for the future of classical music, the organization welcomed in a dynamic new guard for the host committee – Louis Aguirre, Sarah Arison and Matthew Vander Werff, Matthew and Jennifer Buttrick, Adam and Chanin Carlin, Chad and Ilona Oppenheim, Anne Owen, Clara Sredni and Mitchell and Elizabeth Taylor. Micky and Madeleine Arison were this year’s Honorary Gala Chairs.

NWS has been known for presenting galas with stunning and carefully orchestrated programming, and this year was no exception. The event, inspired by one of Hollywood’s most legendary directors – Alfred Hitchcock – arrived in perfect time and style to kick-off the Academy Awards weekend. The evening’s highlight included a spectacular multimedia concert in which Michael Tilson Thomas, NWS’ illustrious artistic director and 10-time Grammy Award winner, took the audience on a suspense-filled musical journey through Hitchcock’s classic films, presented with live orchestral accompaniment.

In addition to the concert, over 400 guests enjoyed the NWS signature Blue Carpet arrival and a seated dinner staged throughout various spaces within the New World Center. The building was transformed for the occasion into a cinematic playground, with each dinner space inspired by a different Hitchcock film.

In addition to delectable cuisine by Thierry’s Catering and enchanting décor by Triton Productions, the guests – dressed in Black Tie/Film Noir attire – experienced special musical interludes during dinner performed by the talented New World Symphony Fellows.

To top off the extravagant evening, following the dinner, guests were joined by another 200 late-night gala goers in the completely altered performance hall for “Big Band Swing.” This roaring dance soiree transported guests to a 1940s jazz club, featuring Michael Andrew and the Atomic Big Band, who performed swinging tunes ranging from 1930s classics to the great hits immortalized by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin. DJ Keen One entertained the crowd during the breaks.

Gala guests enjoyed cocktails courtesy of Bacardi, U.S.A., Moët & Chandon champagne and wine by LVMH during dinner. In addition to Bacardi cocktails, guests at “Big Band Swing” enjoyed wine selections by VOGA Italia. Ermenegildo Zegna dressed Michael Tilson Thomas for the occasion, while Potrona Frau Group Miami presented the Gala kick-off in their flagship store in Design District on February 7. The Gala featured a special Montblanc lounge, where guests could sample the company’s latest limited edition writing instruments, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock.

Photos by Manny Hernandez, Nathan Valentine/World Red Eye and Robin Hill