The Salzburg Festival Society celebrated
their annual New York gala last night in a private club
with Chairman John French III and his wife, Carole
Bailey French, as the Gala Co-Chairs. Salzburg is a
byword among international music lovers for pleasure,
for a change to see the best new talent, and for time
they spend together in the stunning countryside of
Austria.
The guests in black tie reflected this, including Board
President Nabil
Chartouni and
Board Members Lauren
Carpenter, Marifé Hernandez, Alexandra Kauka-Hamill,
Horacio Milberg-Uribelarrea, Elisabeth Muhr, Sana H.
Sabbagh, as well as Tina Beriro, Rodolfo de
Rothschild, Richard Gaddes, Kim and Mark Goldberg,
Elbrun and Peter Kimmelman, Michele Gerber Klein, Lola
Koch, Princess Caroline Murat, Heidi and Allen Roberts,
Prince Mario Max Schaumburg Lippe, Theodora and Albert
Simons, Daisy Soros, Barbara Tober, Adrienne and Gigi
Vittadini, and many more.
The Gala was sold out!
John and Carole French introduced the
evening’s extraordinary entertainment, soprano Brittany
Olivia Loga and tenor Daniel O'Hearn. As
John explained, “At the heart of the Salzburg Festival’s
mission lies a dedicated focus in on the next
generation, ensuring the magic of the performing arts
remains. Salzburg is an enchanting backdrop. Amidst
our daily challenges, the Festival provides us with
hope, drawing guests from more than 80 countries. We
must not take for granted the profound impact that the
Festival has on our society today, as it touches our
hearts and unites us in a truly remarkable way."
The evening’s guest of honor, Kristina
Hammer, President of the Salzburg Festival echoed
his sentiments and spoke movingly of her love for New
York, recalling F. Scott Fitzgerald’s depictions of the
city. She recalled the Festival’s co-founder, Max
Reinhardt (this year marks his 150 birthday), “he
created an international peace project to show the power
of creativity and intellect irregardless of religion or
nationality.” With the coming anschluss he
made his way to New York where he became a citizen and
continued his many arts endeavors. She
also noted, with shock and helplessness, the tragedy in
Israel.
Founded in 2005, the Salzburg Festival
Society’s mission is to serve as the liaison between the
Salzburg Festival and its American friends and patrons,
providing its members with exclusive access to events
and services related to the Festival. The Society and
its friends are proud to support the Festival's artistic
excellence and innovation in partnership. For more
information visit www.sfsociety.org