Passing it On: Thirty Years of Musical Innovation
The New World Symphony's 30th Anniversary Gala


New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), hosted its coveted 30th Anniversary Gala, presented by Gala Chairs Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm. The black-tie affair raised the most funds in all of NWS history, which will go directly towards supporting its fellowship program, its work in the community and innovative programming. The evening also paid tribute to composter Leonard Bernstein in the centennial of his birth with a special performance led by Founder and Artistic Director, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT).
Titled “Passing It On: Thirty Years of Musical Innovation,” the gala took place at the iconic Frank Gehry-designed New World Center. The evening began with a light cocktail reception where guests raised their glasses to the organization’s many accomplishments. Patrons were then ushered into the concert hall, where they were treated to an impressive all-Bernstein program by the New World Symphony Fellows, MTT and three special guest vocalists: Alexandra Silber, Jessica Vosk and Tony Yazbeck. The program featured an exciting variety of works, from Yazbeck’s “Lucky to be Me” and Vosk’s “I Can Cook Too,” to select audience favorites from West Side Story. A marquee moment of the evening was Sarah Arison’s powerful speech honoring her grandparents and co-founders of NWS, Ted and Lin Arison. The Gala Chair reflected on her experience with the organization and its growth in the past three decades.
Following the performance, Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design staged a seated dinner throughout the New World Center, treating guests to a delectable three-course meal with a myriad of fantastic cuisine options. After the affair, Gala patrons danced the night away at an exclusive late-night after party with live performances by musical guests Michael Andrew and the Atomic Big Band and Picadillo.
All proceeds from the 30th Anniversary Gala benefit New World Symphony’s mission to prepare young musicians for careers in the world of classical music and provide meaningful cultural programs to the South Florida community. Platinum Sponsors for the evening included Miami Cancer Institute and Carnival Cruise Lines, and gala sponsors included Bacardi, CULTURED Magazine and Total Wine and More.
Notable guests included Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm, Gala Chairs; Michael Tilson Thomas, NWS Founder and Artistic Director; New World Symphony Fellows; Alexandra Sibler, vocalist; Jessica Vosk, vocalist; Tony Yazbeck, vocalist.
Jon & Nancy Batchelor and Ron & Rita Magill
Picadillo Performing at the After Party
Alberto Ibarguen
Ana & Neisen Kasdin
Huang and Diane & Alan Lieberman
Tracy Corwin, Thomas Wilhelm, Sarah Arison and Sue Kronick
Danet Linares and Matt Haggman
Dianne & Andrew France
Thomas Wilhelm and Sarah Arison
Constance Collins and Martin Margulies
Michael Tilson Thomas and New World Symphony Fellows
Sarah Arison, Bernardo Fort Brescia and Laurinda Spear
Rich Kohan and MM Taub
Jane Wooldridge and Sarah Arison
New World Symphony Stage
Marcia Martinez and Michael Laas
New World Center
Edward Shumsky
Mr. and Mrs. Rob Friezo
Jerry Katcher and Neisen Kasdin
Dinner at New World Symphony's 30th Anniversary Gala
Jama Haley, Brian Haynes and Calyn Haley
Donald & Judy Lefton
Jorge & Amanda Mejia with Douglas Merilatt
Judy Weiser with Andrew & Ronni Smulian
Lally Adames, Ira Birns, Leni Adames and Marcos Neukrichner
Manuel & Karla Rocha and Josh Friedman
Patricia & William Kleh
Thomas Wilhelm, Sarah Arison, Sue Kronick and Edward Shumsky
Tracy Corwin with Bill & Clare Banchs
Whitney Kimmel and Guests
Xavier Gonzalez-Sanfeliu, Florencia Jimenez Marcos and Johana & JD Henao