Andrea Bocelli Honored at Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala
New York, NY (October 6) — World renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli said “Denyce Graves is a great friend of mine. I could say many things, but since my English isn’t so good, I thought I would do something better and sing for you,” before performing selections from Puccini’s La Bohème. Bocelli was honored alongside Chandrika Tandon, Dr. Louise Toppin, and Francesca Zambello at the Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala on October 6, the day before Graves’ 30th anniversary of her Met Opera premiere.
Denyce Graves, Suzi Cordish, Andrea Bocelli, Christine Lyons, Adrienne Arsht, Barbara Tober Deborah Roberts, Al Roker, Cal Ripken Jr., Deepak Chopra [Photos by Getty Images]
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.”
Andrea Bocelli, Adrienne Arsht, Denyce Graves, Ann Gottlieb [Getty Images]
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.”
Al Roker [Getty Images]
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.
Andrea Bocelli, Christine Lyons [Getty Images]
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
