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It may be the last genuinely exclusive
benefit in New York; the annual Vienna
Philharmonic Society dinner
and concert takes place
in a private
club where the space is limited and the
Committee includes only friends.
Their indefatigable chairman, Marifé
Hernández, said “The Vienna Philharmonic
represents the highest level of
artistry, and this evening allows us to
honor not just their music, but the
tradition and camaraderie that surround
it. It’s a unique gathering—one where we
celebrate the legacy of the orchestra
while strengthening the bonds within our
community. It’s not just about the
music; this is about the shared
experience that connects us all.”
For the first time, the program included
an honoree: the deeply philanthropic
Elizabeth Segerstrom, who is taking the
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to her
namesake institution in California, the
Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Added
Marifé, “Honoring Elizabeth was a
natural choice for us. Her deep
commitment to the arts and her work with
the Vienna Philharmonic reflect the very
values this Society holds
dear—preserving the cultural heritage
while making it accessible to new
audiences. We are thrilled to see how
her passion will help bring this
orchestra to even greater heights.”
Replied Elizabeth, “It is a privilege to
support an orchestra that embodies
excellence and a tradition that has
endured for centuries. The arts have
the power to unite and elevate, and I’m
honored to bring this remarkable
orchestra to our community.”
A sextet played Mozart’s Divertimento in
F Major, K. 247. Among them were three
students from the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra Academy: Carolin Lindner,
violin; Antonia Ohnimus, viola; and
Endre Steger, violoncello. The Academy
is one of the Society’s hallmark
projects, offering young musicians the
unique opportunity to study under the
guidance of the Vienna Philharmonic’s
members. This prestigious program
nurtures the next generation of
orchestral talent, providing them with
unparalleled training and experience in
a world-class environment.
Marifé’s seating is planned for
conversation, resulting in one of the
few evenings where guests linger long
after dinner. It should be the model of
every organization. She worked with the
Club’s chef to create an elaborate menu
and wines which included a vintage
Laurent Perrier champagne, a gift from
the chateau.
Among the guests were board members
Thomas Altmann, Stéphane Dalyac, Michael
Douglas, Matthias Ederer, William
Forster, Alexandra Kauka Hamill, John
Hargraves, Marifé Hernández, Elizabeth
Ingleby, Max Jahn, Cynthia Sculco,
Theodora Simons, Suzy Wahba, and
Sedgwick Ward. Special guests included
Prosper and Marinte Assouline, Katharine
and Wolfgang Aulitzky, Ariane
Batterberry, Joel Bell, David Beer,
William Bernhard, Prince Dimitri of
Yugoslavia, Anya and Clive Gillinson,
Margaret and Gregory Hedberg, Sylvia
Hemingway, Yue-Sai Kan, Christopher
Kellen, Elbrun and Peter Kimmelman,
Reverend Leo O’Donovan, Elizabeth
Segerstrom, Gillian Sorenson, Elizabeth
Stribling and Guy Robinson, Noel Lateef,
Galina Novikova, Philippe Petit, Carlos
A. Picón, and Judith Pisar, Leah Pisar,
and as well as first-time attendees
Casey Cole and Timolin Cole-Augustus,
the twin daughters of Nat King Cole,
representing his foundation.
The evening was the most successful in
the organization’s history, with some on
their board suggesting they make next
year’s event smaller to maintain their
select posture.
The Vienna Philharmonic Society is
dedicated to supporting the
world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra and preserving its rich legacy
of excellence. Through its various
initiatives, the Society provides
critical funding and exposure to the
orchestra’s performances and educational
programs. For further information,
please visit:
www.viennaphilharmonicsociety.org.
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