On April 17, 2025, the Young Concert Artists 64th Gala this honored Sir Clive Gillinson, the much loved Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall.
“Clive’s tenure at Carnegie Hall has been nothing short of transformative,”
said YCA President Daniel Kellogg.
“His visionary leadership has not only revolutionized programming, but has significantly expanded educational and community initiatives, making great music accessible to the broadest possible audience, ensuring that Carnegie Hall remains a revered cultural beacon. Clive and Carnegie Hall share a deep commitment to nurturing young musicians.”
Board Chair Paul Sekhri added,
“This room is alive with a shared belief in the importance and impact of music in our world.”
“What a joy it is to share a little bit of the evening with you as we honor Clive this evening. My love affair with YCA began 60 years ago when my friend Susan Wadsworth set out to turn the world of classical music on its head. With drive, vision, humor, and grace, she has helped so many musicians, including our very own Emanual Ax.” said Gala Chair Judith Pisar.
“Clive, you are among the greatest forces in the complex global universe of classical music. It’s not just that you run the world’s most iconic concert hall—it’s how you do it, the shrewdness, the elegance, the tact, and the beautiful human sense of compassion. You have helped make this city an even greater beacon of the arts… Allow me to issue a call to action—to urge everyone here this evening to do their part, play a role, support the arts, go to concerts, even just listening to music. We will all fare better.”
In tribute to Gillinson’s own beginnings as a cellist, a cello-centered concert at Jazz at the Lincoln Center included alumni of the National Youth Orchestra with singer Isabel Leonard, plus pianist Emanuel Ax, one of YCA’s early discoveries.
“We are here to give,”
said Clive Gillinson.
“We are here to actually contribute to other people’s lives… This whole ecology of music is all about all of us working together to make the world better, to actually support people’s lives, to use music to inspire people and change lives.”
A dramatic moment followed dinner; as the master of ceremonies readied the audience for a paddle raise, a donor said,
“in honor of her friend, Sir Clive Gillinson, Elizabeth Segerstrom pledges $65,000 in recognition of next year’s 65th anniversary of Young Concert Artists.” Next, Andrew Hawkins, a long-time supporter of YCA, also stood and matched the gift. As the pledges continued, Barbara Tober raised her hand for a $10,000 gift, calling out, “Everyone should do this.”
Guests included were Board members Gilan Tocco Corn, Demetrius Fuller, Mark Greenwold, Paul Gridley, Lily Hood Gunn, Angela Haines, Marlene Herring, Sherman Katz, Karen Lindquist, Michael Lubin, The Honorable Mary V. Mochary, Jennifer Myerberg, Donald Peck, Judith Pisar, Irene Roth, Judith Schlosser, Chairman Paul Sekhri and his husband Mark Gude, Mitchell Sikora, Ratna Subrahmanyam, and YCA founder Susan Wadsworth.
The crowded room also included Yoko and Emanuel Ax, Ariane Batterberry, Joel Bell and Marifé Hernández, Gale Brewer, Chiara Clemente, Andrea and Eric Colombe, Suzi Cordish, Jane Farhi and James Barron, Sandi Farkas, Sedi and Maximo Flügelman, Luke Gay, Michael George, Anya Gillinson, Karen Burke Goulandris, Joseph Hernandez, Paul Herring, Birgit Hottenrott and Matías Tarnopolsky, Elizabeth Kabler, LaVon Kellner and Tom Roush, Guillaume Kientz, Michele Gerber Klein, James Speyer, Helen and William Little, Thea Little, Marina Mahler, Raphael Mostel, Nicole Muhly, Constantine Orbelian, H.E. Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen and Abdo Abi Najem, Liane Pei, Faanya L. Rose, Stanley Shuman, Sarah Billinghurst Solomon, Han Soros, Jonathan Soros, Abby Stokes, Barbara Tober, Ruben Toledo, Damian Woetzel, Judy Zankel and Norman Benzaquen, and Sophia Zou.
Gala committee co-chairs were Angela and William Haines, Paul Sekhri and Mark Duvall Gude, Hope and Robert Smith, Maureen Katz, Michael Lubin and Anne-Marie McDermott, Ilse Melamid, The Honorable Mary V. Mochary, Laurie and Donald Peck, Judith G. Schlosser, Mitchel B. Sikora, Annaliese Soros, Carole Bailey French and John French, Dr. Frayda B. Lindemann, Karen Lindquist and James Speyer, Shoshna Litt, Helen Little, Virginia and Juan Meyer, Irene R. Miller, Nancy Newcomb and John Hargraves, Liane Pei, Katharine Rayner, Irene Roth and Vicken Poochikian, Ratna Subrahmanyam, Svetlana and Herbert Wachtell, Midge Woolsey and Jerry Stolt, Huanjie Yuan, and Judy Francis Zankel.
For 64 years, YCA has identified and supported exceptional young musicians at the start of their careers. Through debut concerts, professional management, school outreach, and industry guidance, YCA provides a comprehensive foundation for long-term artistic success. Gala events like this directly sustain YCA’s mission to prepare new generations for life on the concert stage.
Photos by: Chris Lee
