A Night of Harmony and History: Inside The Denyce Graves Foundation’s Harvest Moon Gala

The arts community gathered for an unforgettable black-tie evening at Guastavino’s as The Denyce Graves Foundation hosted its annual Harvest Moon Gala. Chaired by Barbara Tober and Ann Gottlieb, and emceed by Emmy Award winning 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts, the event honored three cultural visionaries: Misty Copeland, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and Ann Ziff.The evening highlighted the foundation’s core mission of opening doors for emerging singers, preserving overlooked musical histories, and ensuring that the full spectrum of the American musical legacy is recognized and celebrated. As foundation founder and world renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves shared during the evening:

“A voice carries history. It carries possibility. And when we make room for more voices, we change the sound of the future.”

Celebrating Trailblazers and Changemakers

Misty Copeland: Mary Cardwell Dawson Humanitarian Award

Prima ballerina Misty Copeland received the inaugural award named after Mary Cardwell Dawson, the pioneering Black opera impresario who founded the National Negro Opera Company. Broadway director Kenny Leon presented the award, praising Copeland for turning around and holding the door open for those who followed, while ABT principal Calvin Royal III highlighted how her achievements turned into meaningful advocacy for inclusivity in ballet.

Reflecting on her own journey and her mentor Raven Wilkinson, the first Black woman to dance with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, Copeland noted how finding Wilkinson gave her a sense of belonging. She shared her hope that the next generation learns about these pioneering women much earlier and recognizes their crucial role in history.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin: Game Changer Award

Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin spoke about how music bridges differences and fosters genuine human connection. Accepting his honor, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring historic Black composers like Margaret Bonds, Marian Anderson, and Florence Price are routinely featured alongside modern works and classic masterworks, sharing that he feels he is still at the beginning of the changes he hopes to make.

Ann Ziff: Living Legend Award

Philanthropist Ann Ziff, widely celebrated for her deep devotion to The Metropolitan Opera, accepted her award with gratitude and a promise to continue supporting the causes she cherishes. Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb paid tribute to Ziff, fondly calling her the soothing matriarch of The Met who is known for her generosity, warmth, and intimate cast gatherings.

Unforgettable Performances and Inspiring Words

Author Marianne Williamson delivered a moving message on the enduring necessity of the arts, urging the audience to choose ballet and music over division and force during challenging times.

The evening featured extraordinary musical performances by Susan Graham, John Holiday, and Joshua Bell, alongside talented young artists from the foundation’s development programs. In a surprise moment that delighted the room, Paul Simon took the stage to perform. The musical program concluded with a powerful rendition of Leonard Bernstein’s “Make Our Garden Grow,” featuring tenor Brandon Jovanovich and members of the foundation joining all the performers on stage.

Guests departed with commemorative gift bags featuring custom items tailored to each honoree, including signature nail polishes created in honor of Nézet-Séguin, a bespoke fragrance for Copeland, and a succulent for Ziff.

A Star-Studded Gathering for a Shared Purpose

The gala brought together notable figures across the arts and philanthropy, including foundation board members Marc Chazaud, Aaron Urbanek, Clyde Jones, Robert Montgomery, and James Muhammad, alongside distinguished guests such as Adrienne Arsht, Jason Robert Brown, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Olivia Flatto, Susan Gutfreund, Ailyn Perez, and Constantine Orbelian.

About The Denyce Graves Foundation

The Denyce Graves Foundation sits at the intersection of social justice, history, and the arts. By partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, conservatories, and major cultural institutions, the foundation works to champion underrepresented musicians, preserve forgotten histories, and empower the next generation of musical talent. For more information, visit: https://www.thedenycegravesfoundation.org