CLASSICAL ACTION: PERFORMING ARTS AGAINST AIDS
20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
APRIL 11, 2013
HUDSON THEATRE
NEW YORK CITY
CLASSICAL ACTION’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA HONORING
CHARLES HAMLEN CLASSICAL ACTION’S FOUNDING DIRECTOR
EVENT CHAIR
ADRIENNE ARSHT produced by and benefiting
Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
HOSTED BY
RENÉE FLEMING PERFORMANCES BY
KAREN AKERS RENÉE FLEMING LUKE FRAZIER FRED HERSCH ANNE-MARIE MCDERMOTT BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL ERIC OWENS NATASHA PAREMSKI NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG PRODUCTION MANAGER
NATHAN P. HURLIN PRODUCERS
CHRIS KENNEY • ROBERT PULLEN
STEINWAY & SONS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT CLASSICAL ACTION: PERFORMING ARTS AGAINST AIDS
Steinway & Sons is honored to support Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS, and congratulates this great organization on 20 years of making a positive difference.
steinway hall • 109 west 57th street • new york, ny • 10019 (800)-steinway • www.steinwayshowrooms.com
PROGRAM Padam, Padam....................................................................................Norbert Glanzberg & Henri Contet
KAREN AKERS & LUKE FRAZIER
Midnight Bells......................................................................................Fritz Kreisler It Ain’t Necessarily So.........................................................................George & Ira Gershwin, arr. Jascha Heifetz
NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG & ANNE-MARIE MCDERMOTT
FRED HERSCH
To be announced from the stage
Mentre di lascio, in E-flat Major, K. 513.............................................Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
ERIC OWENS & NATASHA PAREMSKI
Widmung.............................................................................................Robert Schumann, trans. Franz Liszt
ANNE-MARIE MCDERMOTT
This Nearly Was Mine.........................................................................Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II
BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL & FRED HERSCH
Barcarolle in F-sharp Major, Op. 60..................................................Frédéric Chopin
NATASHA PAREMSKI
In My Life.............................................................................................John Lennon & Paul McCartney
RENÉE FLEMING & FRED HERSCH
HOSTED BY
RENÉE FLEMING One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming won her fourth Grammy Award earlier this year for Best Classical Vocal Solo. She has sung for such august occasions as the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the Beijing Olympic Games, President Barack Obama’s first inauguration and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee concert. She has been honored with the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Medal in 2011, Sweden’s Polar Prize in 2008 and the French government’s Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2005. In addition to a full performing career with signature operatic roles including the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro, Desdemona in Otello, Violetta in La traviata, the Marschallin in Der Rosenkavalier and the title roles of Rusalka, Manon, Thaïs and Arabella, Fleming has hosted a variety of television and radio broadcasts, including the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series and Live From Lincoln Center on PBS.
WITH PERFORMANCES BY
KAREN AKERS Karen Akers, one of America’s most arresting and successful concert and cabaret stars, made her Broadway debut in the 1982 production of Nine and was one of the original stars of the Tony Award-winning production of Grand Hotel. She has been featured in four PBS television specials, including Presenting Karen Akers.
LUKE FRAZIER Luke Frazier is a music director, conductor, pianist and vocal coach in Washington, DC and New York City. He’s recently worked with Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno and Norm Lewis for events at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and with the Washington National Opera. Frazier also is music director of the National Asian Artists Project’s Broadway Community Chorus.
FRED HERSCH Fred Hersch, winner of the 2012 Grand Prix du Disque and the most prolific and celebrated solo jazz pianist of his generation, has been hailed by The New York Times as “a master who plays it his way.” In addition to more than three dozen recordings, he’s received a 2003 Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship for composition, a Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition and two Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance.
ANNE-MARIE MCDERMOTT Anne-Marie McDermott is a consummate pianist who balances a versatile career as a soloist and collaborator. She performs more than 100 concerts a year in a combination of solo recitals, concerti and chamber music. McDermott also serves as artistic director of the famed Vail Valley Music Festival in Colorado, which hosts the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony in addition to presenting more than 40 chamber music concerts throughout the summer.
BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL Brian Stokes Mitchell is one of Broadway’s pre-eminent leading men. He was honored as Best Actor in Musical for Kiss Me, Kate, and has been nominated three additional times for his roles in Ragtime, King Hedley II and Man of La Mancha. He’s recently performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic and National Symphony Orchestra. His television credits include seven seasons as Dr. “Jackpot” Jackson on Trapper John, M.D., Frasier and Glee.
ERIC OWENS Acclaimed for his commanding stage presence and inventive artistry, Grammy Award-winning bass-baritone Eric Owens has carved a unique place in the contemporary opera world as both an esteemed interpreter of classic works and a champion of new music. He has created roles in the world premieres of two John Adams operas and was one of the standout stars of the Metropolitan Opera’s recent production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle as Alberich.
NATASHA PAREMSKI With her consistently striking and dynamic performances, Russian-born pianist Natasha Paremski reveals astounding virtuosity and voracious interpretive abilities. She recently recorded concertos of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Her honors include Classical Recording Foundation’s Young Artist of the Year in 2010, the Gilmore Young Artist Award in 2006 and top prize in the Young Artists in Carnegie Hall International Piano Festival in 2000.
NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG Electrifying performances, fearless interpretations and musical depth have established Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg as one of the leading violinists of our time. She serves as music director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra while maintaining a busy solo career. She was the subject of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Speaking in Strings.
CLASSICAL ACTION’S FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS SUSIE FARR
ALAN KORNBERG JOSHUA SHERMAN LIZ THOMPSON
NOT PICTURED: JOHN CORIGLIANO, KENNETH FISCHER, JONATHAN SHEFFER
CHARLES HAMLEN
RUTH FELT
EVANS MIRAGEAS
CLASSICAL ACTION EXPRESSES ITS GRATITUDE TO THE PERFORMING ARTISTS Karen Akers RenĂŠe Fleming Luke Frazier Anne-Marie McDermott Brian Stokes Mitchell Eric Owens Natasha Paremski Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT Philip Birsh, Blake Ross and Playbill Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Staff Vivian Chiu and Steinway & Sons Get Services Alexandra Howitt Joseph Macchia Ashley Nelson Guedez, Kim Kruger and the Millennium Broadway Hotel James Salser and Design 158 Steve J. Sherman Photography Alec Treuhaft, Andrew Elsesser and IMG Artists
WHAT WE DO TOGETHER MAKES A DIFFERENCE $50 pays for gas to drive to a health clinic $125 helps provide home care for someone struggling in their fight with AIDS $250 covers anti-viral medications for a man who’s lost his job and his health insurance $500 pays overdue rent and keeps a single mom with AIDS and her family in their home $1,000 provides a hot meal for 350 men, women and children To learn more about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ National Grants Program and the more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide we help fund, please visit broadwaycares.org/national_grants_program. classicalaction.org
broadwaycares.org
CLASSICAL ACTION Classical Action started in 1993 as a concept in response to a question: “Why isn’t the classical music performing arts community more engaged in the fight against AIDS?” The resulting concept still resonates today. Classical Action offers performing artists a variety of opportunities to share their time and talent in support of people nationwide living with HIV/AIDS. In the 20 years since Classical Action opened its fundraising doors, the response certainly bears out the concept, as witnessed by the inspiring generosity of so many lovers of the arts, performing artists, managers, recording companies, administrators and other professionals who care deeply about helping those impacted by the AIDS epidemic. A concept is only as good as those who endorse it and bring it to fruition. We are blessed that so many friends and colleagues have chosen to do so with such unwavering support over the years.
BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre and performing arts communities, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $225 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic. Through these organizations and programs, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS helps to ensure that those most in need have access to medicines, counseling, a healthy meal, supportive housing and emergency financial assistance.
EVENT CHAIR
VIP
Adrienne Arsht
Peter Amershadian Josh Aronson and Maria Bachmann Helen Davis Chaitman Kenneth C. Fischer Flavia Gale Robert D. Gonzales Roy Hamilton Jeffrey P. Haydon, Chief Executive Officer, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts Brian M. Klemp Theodore Lenox, MD Joseph V. Melillo Jonathan Mintzer Cherrie Nanninga and Reno Cappello Jane Olian Rosita Sarnoff and Beth Sapery Liz Thompson Richard Tomlinson Craig Urquhart and Mark A. Taylor Carol Wincenc
PRESENTING SPONSOR Michael Palm Foundation
PATRONS Helen Bodian and Roger Alcaly The Hargrove Pierce Foundation Simon Yates and Kevin Roon Ann Ziff
SPONSORS Lewis Alexander and Susan Tanaka John and Sophie Bilezikian Elizabeth and Stephen Eisenmann Judy and Steven Gluckstern Adam Mizel and Taunya van der Steen-Mizel Linda and Stuart Nelson Lock Whitney and Sandro Cagnin
PREMIUM VIP
As of April 3, 2013
Ed and Chris Carye Andrew and Martin Farach-Colton Andrew Faulk and Frank Jernigan Dr. Jean Merrill and Dr. Douglas F. Munch Samuel P. Peabody Sam and Happy Shipley Mr. and Mrs. Howard Solomon Raymond and Marie-Monique Steckel
Tag Classical Action in your Facebook posts and @classicalaction in your tweets tonight facebook.com/classicalaction
twitter.com/classicalaction
HONORING
CHARLES HAMLEN Distinguished honoree Charles Hamlen founded Classical Action in 1993 after a successful career in artist management. He served as co-director of IMG Artists from 1984 to 1992. There he oversaw the careers of artists including violinists Joshua Bell and Leila Josefowicz, flutist James Galway, pianists Stephen Hough, Evgeny Kissin and Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the Emerson String Quartet. In 1993 Charlie left IMG Artists to found Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS. After 16 years at the helm of Classical Action, he returned to IMG Artists where he served as chairman until 2012. He is currently vice president for artists and programs at the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. Charlie’s numerous honors include the 1998 Jerry Willis Award from the Western Arts Alliance, the 2000 Eos Orchestra’s Michael Palm Award, the International Society for the Performing Arts’ 2004 “Angel Award” and the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He was named a “Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” by the French government in 2004.
June 5, 1994
André Watts Home of Leon Levy & Shelby White
1993
October 8, 1995
October 21, 1996
May 12, 1997
Tokyo String Quartet Home of Jennifer Bartlett
Dmitri Hvorostovsky & Jean-Yves Thibaudet Home of Michael Palm
Thomas Hampson, Jerry Hadley & Michael Palm Home of Michael Palm
Jonathan Sheffer & the Eos Orchestra Alice Tully Hall
1994
1995
1996
1997
TRIBUTES
“Charlie, 20 years ago, we worked out of an office where we were drowned out by pigeons on the fire escape and wondered if we could get Classical Action off the ground. But all we needed was your rolodex and your dream! Thank you for including me in that dream. With love,” Deborah Edison
“Charlie is the best and truest friend that anyone could have. Multitudes agree. For proof, look around the room.” John and Sophie Bilezikian “Charlie we fondly remember you With backhand and looping follow-through. You can serve quite well o’er the netter, But music you serve even better.
“Charlie Hamlen is one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in music in New York – and sets an example for us all, having devoted much of his career and life to helping others. From Classical Action to IMG, I have admired all he does for the community and know first-hand the exceptional support we artists feel from him: a big man with an even bigger heart!” Renée Fleming
And best you have served the AIDS stricken By joining us together to listen. Who else is able to serve this way But our dear Charlie, our Chevalier.” Helen Bodian and Roger Alcaly “E. B. White once said: “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.” With the founding of Classical Action, these have not been mutually exclusive endeavors. Thanks to Charlie, Deborah Edison, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and countless musicians and performing arts industry professionals, I was given the gift of spending 8½ years at an organization that combined my passion with my professional life. And for the past 20 years, Classical Action has afforded patrons and artists alike a similar opportunity – the opportunity to both save and savor the world. Bravo, Classical Action. Every day is better because you exist.” Mary-Shannon Collins
January 10, 1998
Classical Action’s Fifth Anniversary Brooklyn Academy of Music
1998
“The beauty of the house concert is the close connection between the artist and the audience; the intimacy of the space – a home – creates something magical. Charlie understood the importance of that connection; his own connections to both artists and the rest of us who wanted to contribute in some way in the face of this plague created the path for us all, artist and audience, to feel we could actually do something. For 10 years we were privileged to host many of these extraordinary concerts and carry on the legacy of our dear friend, Michael Palm, whose home held some of the earliest house concerts. Charlie’s vision for Classical Action gave us all the gift of being part of the ongoing fight and a sense of hope for a world in which we will speak of AIDS in the past tense.” Judy and Steven Gluckstern June 4, 2001
September 24, 2002
Susan Graham Leading Ladies of the Opera Series Home of Lock Whitney
December 16, 1999
September 28, 2000
Evgeny Kissin Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
Emerson String Quartet Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
Up Our Alley 3 Bowlmor Lanes Union Square
1999
2000
2001
2002
“Most musicians I know can’t afford to write big checks! But as the four benefit jazz CDs I produced for Classical Action prove, they will happily donate their time and talent to help those in need. All I had to do was ask. Classical Action has provided many great musicians a chance to contribute in this way to raise a significant amount of funds by doing what they do best. It makes all of us musical artists feel so much better by doing our part to fight this ongoing epidemic.” Fred Hersch “If one’s fortune is measured by the good that he does in the world, then Charlie Hamlen is a wealthy, wealthy man! Charlie, thank you for turning your vision into the reality that has so profoundly impacted so many. It is with gratitude that the Michael Palm Foundation supports the extraordinary work of Classical Action.” Melissa Jamula “Charlie, my life changed for the better when you and Mary-Shannon Collins welcomed me to the Classical Action team on January 31, 2001. It has been a privilege to do my part in helping people impacted by HIV and AIDS through the life-saving power of music. I have been equally privileged to be introduced to wonderful supporters of Classical Action’s work, many of whom are here to honor you this evening. You are a great leader, mentor, friend and I can’t think of another person I would
May 26, 2004
rather sit and talk to all day about Venus, Serena and Tiger. And, finally, thanks for never going too far away from home. Congratulations and lots of love!” Chris Kenney “I am so grateful for the vision that Charlie had in creating Classical Action. It was my joy to be involved in doing my little part in the battle against AIDS with concert piano preparation in the many events that took place over that past 20 years. Bravo, Charlie Hamlen!” Tali Mahanor “Time after time, score upon score, our hearts have been divined and transformed by treasured artists who deliver beyond measure the great promise of the arts by uniting our spirits and uplifting our humanity. Twenty years ago a mission and journey began of aligning the stars of classical music with passionate devotees to deliver crucial relief and support to the many fighting HIV/AIDS. Our hearts continue to be filled by the music and magic stirred by Charlie Hamlen’s vision, Chris Kenney’s continuing leadership and the long-lasting legacy of Michael Palm’s inimitable wisdom and compassion.” Adam Mizel and Taunya van der Steen-Mizel “There is a saying amongst Charlie’s vast group of friends that ‘all roads lead to Charlie,’ meaning that we are all connected to him and have him to thank for knowing each other. He is a one-man Facebook. He has counseled us, laughed with us, always
May 11, 2005
June 12, 2003
Renée Fleming & Fred Hersch The inaugural concert of the Michael Palm Series Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
2003
Joshua Bell Michael Palm Series Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
2004
Natasha Paremski 18th Birthday Concert Home of Andrew Solomon
2005
March 30, 2006
May 7, 2007
Jubilant Sykes Michael Palm Series Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
Jeremy Denk Michael Palm Series Home of Craig & Kirsten Nevill-Manning
2006
2007
been there for us, shared his knowledge with us and given freely of his friendship. For that reason so many of us are here tonight to honor him on the occasion of Classical Action’s 20th Anniversary. How selfless of this one towering (in every respect) man to wrest from the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic a way to do something important and to do it through the restorative power of music, enlisting along the way the contributions of so many people who love and respect him and gave unstintingly of their talents.” Linda and Stuart Nelson
“If music is the food of love, Classical Action is love’s kitchen and Charlie Hamlen is its Julia Child.” David Hyde Pierce and Brian Hargrove “Charlie Hamlen is one of those rare human beings who just always happens to do the right thing. And he does it with class, dignity and a great deal of success. It’s a privilege to be a part of his world.” Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg “If we as a species are to successfully confront, control and maybe even conquer HIV/AIDS and other diseases, it will require that every able person rise up and do something, anything, however small or local, each according to their personal ability and vision.
“I have had the enormous blessing of attending Classical Action concerts, and playing at a few, since 2004. As a teenager, having just moved to the City, one of my earliest memories is that of meeting Charlie, Chris Kenney and MaryShannon Collins. I wish I could put into words the overwhelming feeling of community, family and love that has filled my heart, and those of so many, through the coming together through music to help people struggling with AIDS. How can I explain the magic of hearing Jean-Yves or Leif Ove or Renée Fleming or Fred Hersch in a living room, telling stories through music for dear friends? And to know that not only are you witnessing something rare and extraordinary, you are indeed a part of something bigger than you, than all of us: the healing power of music. I wish I could put it into words, but honestly, you just have to be there.” Natasha Paremski
Charlie Hamlen and Classical Action have done something huge. They have harnessed the beauty and power of music to creatively battle HIV/AIDS and support those afflicted, and in so doing, have created a model, a beacon, of how to do it right. We who help float their vision do so knowing that all our hard work and donations are being used as wisely and efficiently as possible; we are proud to do our part, and we are determined to see it through to a day when Classical Action is no longer needed. Given the extraordinary rewards we receive with each and every concert event, I’ve never known a sweeter battlefield. Congratulations Classical Action. Happy 20th birthday. Thank you for letting us be a part of your legacy.” Steve J. Sherman March 20, 2012
March 19, 2008
October 26, 2009
December 6, 2010
April 6, 2011
Denyce Graves Michael Palm Series Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
Dawn Upshaw Michael Palm Series Home of Judy & Steven Gluckstern
Garrick Ohlsson Michael Palm Series Home of Simon Yates & Kevin Roon
Stephanie Blythe Michael Palm Series Home of Simon Yates & Kevin Roon
2008
2009
2010
2011
Thomas Hampson & Luca Pisaroni Michael Palm Series Home of Simon Yates & Kevin Roon
2012
“Through his brilliant concept of Classical Action, superbly executed, Charlie has touched the lives of many thousands of people across the country who will never meet him, just as he has touched the lives of the people in this room, who feel privileged to know this most generous and loving of men.” Lock Whitney “Every once in a while(!), a ‘saint’ of the arts and humanities arrives on planet Earth. For me, this is Charles Hamlen. Having been in ‘Charlie’s’ life for over 35 years, and having watched his impact in the arts community alone, has been staggering. But when I observed his life-changing endeavors with human needs through the establishment of Classical Action, I was immeasurably and profoundly affected. Since my involvement with the organization in 2002, the service that this unique organization has provided is worthy of accolades that cannot be measured. I am thrilled to salute Charlie and Classical Action for the glorious fruits that have been born from Charles’ blessed seed. Bravo Charlie and Classical Action!” Carol Wincenc “Thank you Charlie for bringing us Classical Action and deepening the beauty of classical music by helping those suffering with HIV and AIDS.” Simon Yates and Kevin Roon
“Playing recitals for Classical Action was always a labor of love for all concerned. For me it was also a return to the spirit of giving that arose from the dire early days of the AIDS crisis. Without theatrics or melodrama Charlie created an atmosphere of giving and giving back that always put the music first.” Brian Zeger
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CLASSICAL ACTION: PERFORMING ARTS AGAINST AIDS 165 West 46th Street Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036 212.997.7717 classicalaction.org