“To all who admire the guts and glory of opera, Denyce Graves and her students are here to amaze and amuse you at this Opera Party,” said Barbara Tober at the tea she hosted, kicking off the upcoming Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala on September 28, which honors Ann Ziff, Misty Copeland, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. “This gala will be a very special evening,” continued Tober, who will co-chair the event.
“Yes, our Harvest Moon Gala will be extraordinary,” answered Denyce, “but more importantly, it will be an evening with a purpose to celebrate the artists and stories that have too often been neglected and to ensure that those voices are heard, studied, performed, and carried forward.”
The reception featured performances by DGF artists, culminating in mezzo-soprano Mary Beth Nelson performing the world premiere of “There Is Another Sky,” composed and accompanied by John Conahan. The work was dedicated to Ziff in recognition of her support of artists and the arts. “We have known each other for probably 20 years. One of my fondest memories of Ann is when I came to visit her home. She took me on a tour of her magnificent garden. And it blew me away that she knew every plant, every tree. You could see the passion and what they meant to her. And so it’s not a surprise that it’s that same passion that she applies to the Met,” said DGF Board Member, and gala co-chair, Ann Gottlieb. Continued Ziff, “This is really a bit overwhelming, being recognized by one of the pillars of the operatic community who probably does more for young singers than anyone else. What Denyce understands so beautifully is that talent needs someone to believe in it. She has made that belief the heart of this Foundation, and I am so happy to support her and these extraordinary young artists.”
Board Member Clyde Jones attended, as well as Matthew Aucoin, Carrie Rebora Barratt, Janna Bullock, Angela Chen, Cornelius H. Escaravage and Ryan Nash, Joanna Fisher, Carol Guest, Susan Gutfreund, Alberto Mariaca, Aimée Sehnaoui Maroney, Maria Eugenia Maury and William A. Haseltine, Raphael Mostel, Graham Parker, Alexandra Penney, Judith F. Pisar, Marc Rosen, Cory Toevs, Ann and William Van Ness, Andrew Martin Weber, and HRH Prince Dimitry de Yougoslavie.
Founded by the much-loved soprano Denyce Graves, the Denyce Graves Foundation provides young artists, through its Shared Voices program, with training, mentorship, and opportunities to perform. Through its Generational Voices program, they support emerging artists as they develop their careers. Through their Hidden Voices program, the Foundation brings the stories of overlooked musicians into the historical record. Working at the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts, the Foundation has partnered with HBCUs, conservatories, schools of music, and cultural institutions across the country, reaching students and audiences through performances, educational programs, research, and community events. For more information, visit thedenycegravesfoundation.org.
For more information or to reserve Harvest Moon Gala tickets, visit here.
