New York, New York -  Carnegie Hall opened its 119th season with a sold out gala benefit concert featuring conductor Daniele Gatti and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage.  The program included the New York premiere of John Williams, On Willows and Birches, for harp and orchestra, with BSO principal harpist Ann Hobson Pilot as featured soloist. Mr. Williams has written this piece to honor Ms. Pilot who is retiring after a 40-year career with the orchestra. Also on the program: Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor with pianist Evgeny Kissin,as a prelude to the 200th anniversary of the composer's birth in 2010, as well as Beethoven's Coriolan Overture and Debussy's La mer.  The gala, which was attended by more than 600 guests, raised over $3 million.  All proceeds benefit Carnegie Hall's artistic and education programming.  The Opening Night Gala of Carnegie Hall's 119th Season was sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the sixth consecutive season. 

Carnegie Hall's Opening Night Gala is an historic testament to the Hall's long-standing commitment to presenting the world's preeminent orchestras, conductors, and soloists.  The October 1 performance kicks off the 2009-10 season which features around 200 performances including the upcoming Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture with 21 days of events and performances by leading international musicians in October and November.  In addition, this season, the Kronos Quartet curates an adventurous six-event Perspectives series of eclectic concerts collaborating with artists from around the globe; Dutch composer Louis Andriessen is in residence as the Richard and Barbara Debs Composer's Chair at Carnegie Hall in spring 2010 with premieres of a number of his recent works; plus performances by the world's finest artists from classical and jazz to world music and pop. 

Carnegie Hall presents close to 200 performances by the world's finest artists each season on its three great stages the renowned Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, intimate Weill Recital Hall, and innovative Zankel Hall with offerings ranging from orchestral concerts, chamber music, and solo recitals to jazz, world, and popular music.  The venue is also home to over 500 independently produced events each year.  Through the work of The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, broad-reaching music education programs serve people in the New York City metropolitan region, across the United States, and around the world, playing a central role in Carnegie Hall's commitment to making great music accessible to as many people as possible.

Bank of America is the Proud Season Sponsor of
Carnegie Hall.