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We’re very excited to see you in person—finally!—at our spring gala. And what better way to celebrate our reunion than the exuberant music of Duke Ellington and his brilliant alter ego, Billy Strayhorn? The playlist includes hits like “Sophisticated Lady,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” and “Day Dream,” delivered by a starry pair of NYFOS favorites: Justin Austin (who will just have made his Met and Carnegie Hall debuts) and Shereen Pimentel (recently the star of West Side Story on Broadway). Joining me at the keyboard will be the extraordinary jazz pianist Jason Yeager.  Take the A train—or just grab a cab—to join me and my co-host, the luminous Sasha Cooke, at the Racquet and Tennis Club this spring. —Steven Blier

COVID Policy: We’ll be asking all of our guests to provide proof of vaccination at the welcome table. And in order to further protect our community, we ask that attendees take a rapid test before joining us on the day of the event; test results do not need to be submitted.
Attire for the evening is festive cocktail dress. Take inspiration from Ellington and Strayhorn’s “Sophisticated Lady” with some mid-century glamour. Please note that the Racquet and Tennis Club’s dress code requires jackets and ties for all gentlemen guests.

ARTIST UPDATE: Due to an unavoidable conflict, Denyce Graves will no longer be able to co-host this event. Happily, Sasha Cooke, the award-winning mezzo-soprano and longtime friend of NYFOS, is available to step in. She will be joining another welcome addition to our ensemble: jazz pianist Jason Yeager.

The revenue generated by this event—our single largest fundraiser each season—directly underwrites our programming and makes possible all the uniquely engaging concerts that are our hallmark. We are especially proud of this season, which saw our return to Merkin Hall, the continuation of online programming, and the launch of our very own record label. As the world changes around us, your support makes it possible for us to bring our audiences—wherever they are—the very best in song!
Participate by using the links below to purchase tickets or a table, or to make a donation. If you’d prefer to mail a contribution with this form or make a gift of stock or other securities, please email your pledge to info@nyfos.org and we’ll save your seat! Unable to attend in person? Celebrate with us by viewing the gala virtually, available online June 1 – 30.

NYFOS is a 501(3)c nonprofit organization and all contributions are deductible to the full extent of the law.

HONORARY CHAIRS  $15,000 table
A premium table for 10 adjacent to the stage at the May 17 event, including cocktail hour, performances, and dinner; the opportunity to have an artist seated at your table; access to the virtual gala video throughout the month of June; and listing as Honorary Gala Chairs. ($13,250 of this gift is tax-deductible.)
LEADERS  $10,000 table
A premium table for 10 adjacent to the stage at the May 17 event, including cocktail hour, performances, and dinner; the opportunity to have an artist seated at your table; access to the virtual gala video throughout the month of June; and listing as part of the Benefit Committee. ($8,250 of this gift is tax-deductible.)
DIRECTORS  $7,500 table
A preferred table for 10 at the May 17 event, including cocktail hour, performances, and dinner; access to the virtual gala video throughout the month of June; and listing as part of the Benefit Committee.  ($5,750 of this gift is tax-deductible.)
BENEFACTORS  $1,500 ticket
One preferred ticket to the May 17 event, including cocktail hour, performances, and dinner; access to the virtual gala video throughout the month of June; and listing as part of the Benefit Committee. ($1,325 of this gift is tax-deductible.)
PATRONS  $1,000 ticket
One prime ticket to the May 17 event, including cocktail hour, performances, and dinner; access to the virtual gala video available throughout the month of June; and listing in the gala program. ($825 of this gift is tax-deductible.)
SUPPORTERS  $750 ticket
One ticket to the May 17 event, including cocktail hour, performances, and dinner; access to the virtual gala video throughout the month of June; and listing in the gala program. ($575 of this gift is tax-deductible.)
FRIENDS  Pay-what-you-can (Suggested: $100 and up)
Access to the virtual gala video throughout the month of June. Virtual gala donors at the giving levels listed above will be recognized accordingly in the event program. (100% of this gift is tax-deductible.)