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The Knights, the young
chamber orchestra, held their annual benefit, a concert and
dinner, on May 13th in Tribeca. Mela Haklisch, their
board chair, extolled, "To everyone here we offer sincere thanks
for your extraordinary partnership and support that empowers our
musical innovation. We've many surprises for you tonight!" and
thus the orchestra launching into a stunning concert that
included Mozart, Mendelssohn, Shostakovich as well as
contemporary music.
Pianist Inon Barnantan
joined the orchestra on stage with Knights co-founder and
conductor Eric Jacobsen welcoming him, "Inon’s invested in the
future of The Knights and what we’re doing". Virtuoso
clarinetist Kinan Azmeh performed an original composition,
"Wedding" and offered, “Falling in love is one of the true human
rights that no one can take away from us. This music I hope is a
little like that." Next came a new arrangement of the gospel "I'll
Fly Away", led by Christina Courtin who led the audience to sing
the refrain. Ending with a performance of "The Big Noise from
Winnetka", The Knights received a standing ovation.
Guests included board members Guillame Cuvelier, Audrey
Francis, Carmela Haklisch, Graham Parker, Paul Sekhri, Kambiz
Shekdar, Miranda Sielaff, and Gary Wasserman as well as guests Véronique
Bich, Judith-Ann Corrente, Joanna Fisher, Thea Musgrave, Peter
Mark, Susan Rose, Reni Rothschild, Julie Salomon, Connie
Steensma, and Ann Ziff. |