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Cocktails, dinner, and intermittent
performances highlighted the breadth and
impact of the Foundation’s work, as
musical visionaries, friends, and other
distinguished guests came in support of
DGF's mission. “This foundation was
created through the hands and hearts of
so many people in this room.” said DGF
founder and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves.
“Friends like Barbara
Tober, whose
generosity has given our young artists a
place to grow, and Ann Gottlieb,
who has been in the trenches with us
from day one. Tonight’s gala is not just
a celebration of music, but of the
extraordinary people who make it
possible.”
The honorees were recognized for their
contributions to music and mentorship.
Said Zambello “Art is for everyone. And
now, more than ever, we need art and
ideas. We need difficult conversations
and courageous acts, the future of our
democracy depends on this.” Introducing
honoree Dr. Louise Toppin, award winning
composer Terence
Blanchard said
“The importance of the work Dr. Toppin
and Denyce are doing is to give vehicles
for these beautiful voices that have
been giving us amazing performances.
They are expanding that space—allowing
singers to show the full breadth of who
they are as musicians and as people.”
Said Grammy award winning Tandon, “It’s
not just about the music. It’s about the
gift of giving, teaching, and supporting
the next generation. To Denyce, who
champions this space, helping the next
generation of musicians flourish—what a
gift to the world.” Added Deepak
Chopra, “Music is our source of
healing, not only as individuals, but as
a society.”
ABC News’ Deborah Roberts served
as emcee for the evening, and honorary
chairs Barbara Tober and Suzi Cordish were
joined by Gala Chair and Board Member
Ann Gottlieb in welcoming guests, which
included Adrienne Arsht, Martina
Arroyo, Mikhail and Lisa Baryshnikov,
Henry Buhl, Deepak Chopra, Matthew
Epstein, Simon Estes, Susan Gutfreund,
Ryan Speedo Green, B Michael, Sherrill
Milnes, Laura and Cal Ripken Jr.,
Al Roker, Anthony Scaramucci,
Neil Shicoff, and George Shirley.
The gala concluded with a live auction
designed to support the Foundation’s
programs and initiatives. Among the
exclusive offerings was a private trip
to Italy with the Bocellis, which drew
enthusiastic bidding alongside other
unique experiences and packages. The
auction raised significant funds for the
Denyce Graves Foundation. The evening
also featured a display of sculptures by
award winning artist, Machine Dazzle.
About The Denyce Graves Foundation:
As a nonprofit organization anchored at
the intersection of social justice,
American history, and the arts, DGF
seeks to expand the public’s
understanding of the rich, multicultural
history of classical music by bringing
the stories of our nation's hidden
musical figures to light.
This is achieved through collaboration
and alliance with renowned chroniclers,
presenters and educators in history and
culture, including The Smithsonian
Institution, The Metropolitan Opera, the
Library of Congress, The John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln
Center, as well as with some of
America's elite Historically Black
Colleges and Universities,
Conservatories, and Schools of Music.
Founded by Emmy® and Grammy®
award-winning, world-renowned opera star
Denyce Graves, The Denyce Graves
Foundation celebrates trailblazing
musicians, music educators, and
composers of color through community
engagement programs, concerts and
presentations, creation of new works of
art, establishment of young artist
development training and more, as well
as via social and traditional media. The
Foundation sets the stage for true
representation in American vocal arts by
providing opportunities, access and
exposure that all singers need to take
ownership of their talent and shape
their own fulfilling careers.
For more information,
visit
www.thedenycegravesfoundation.org
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