New World Symphony’s 2012 Gala
An Evening of Suspense with Music and Scenes from Films of Alfred Hitchcock


Mikhail Baryshnikov and Michael Tilson Thomas
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.

Lin and Sarah Arison
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
New World Center’s external projection wall
North by Northwest Dining Room
Decor in the Birds Dining Room
Big Band Swing
Vertigo Dining Room
Concert
Concert Hall
Cocktail Reception
The Birds dining room
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lisa Rinehart
Dinner guests in the Atrium enjoy an impromptu percussion performance by NWS Fellows
Cesar Alvarez, Christina Pereyra, Mariita and George Feldenkreis
Edward Manno Shumsky, Ana Kasdin, Marvin Ross Friedman and Adrienne Bon Haes
Elysze Held and Gingi Beltran
Carlos Betancourt and Thom Collins
Sarah Arison and Matthew Vander Werff
Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nathalie Cadet-James, Director of Friends of NWS
Mary and Howard Frank
Cathy Leff and Iran Issa Khan
Edward Manno Shumsky and Susan Kronick
Patricia and Dr. Phillip Frost
Diane and Alan Lieberman
NWS President and CEO Howard Herring with Jeannine Lehr, Florencia Jimenez-Marcos, Tracey Corwin, and Xavier Gonzalez-Sanfeliu
Louis Aguirre, Tara Solomon and Carlos Betancourt
DiAnne and Paul Stebbins
Anne Owen and Katy Stoka
Ilona and Chad Oppenheim