There are few venues more emblematic of New York glamour than the Rainbow Room. Perched high above Rockefeller Plaza, this storied space has played host to some of the city’s most renowned and elegant affairs. But on a spring night in 2025, the Rainbow Room belonged to the future of music in our fair city. The Manhattan School of Music (MSM) held its annual gala, a glittering celebration of talent, community, and philanthropy—one that soared on the wings of unforgettable performances, heartfelt tributes, and a profound commitment to musical excellence.
As a longtime participant in New York’s cultural heartbeat, I’ve attended more than my fair share of fundraisers and black-tie events. But MSM’s gala didn’t just strike a chord—it composed an entire symphony. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as notable guests, including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Alec Baldwin, and Hilaria Baldwin, gathered to honor a powerhouse of global arts education. It was a night not merely of spectacle, but of substance.
The evening was emceed charismatically by MSM alumnus and celebrated countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo. A magnetic figure in the world of opera, Costanzo brought both gravitas and warmth to the proceedings, weaving personal anecdotes into introductions that reminded us all of the real impact MSM has on its students.
At the heart of the night’s celebration was the International Advisory Board (IAB), chaired by Carla Bossi-Comelli. The IAB’s unwavering financial and global support has empowered MSM to broaden its reach and continue attracting the brightest young musicians from around the world. My former neighbor from the El Dorado on Central Park West, Alec Baldwin, in a deeply personal presentation, lauded the board’s tireless advocacy and its role in sustaining MSM’s mission. And when Hillary Clinton took to the podium, her remarks underscored the vital role of the arts in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding—a mission MSM pursues every day.
Of course, the music itself was the soul of the evening. The performances were nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing the sheer range and depth of MSM’s artistic universe. Jazz, opera, Broadway, and classical compositions converged in a program that felt like a love letter to the school’s diverse curriculum.
Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Christian Sands lit up the room with a virtuosic solo rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” His fingers danced across the keys with effortless brilliance, reaffirming jazz’s central place at MSM. The moment was electric—equal parts reverence and innovation.
Then came the “Sign-Off Medley,” an inspired arrangement by the remarkable Ingrid Jensen. Blending Herbie Hancock’s “Maiden Voyage,” Joe Hamilton’s “I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together,” and the beloved “Over the Rainbow,” it brought together an eclectic ensemble of talents—June Cavlan, Bernie Williams, Ted Rosenthal, John Benitez, Kabelo Mokhatla, and Jensen herself—for a performance that radiated joy and emotional resonance.
The operatic realm was represented in spellbinding fashion by Hannah Jones and Costanzo himself, with Myra Huang providing exquisite piano accompaniment. From poignant arias to a lush popular standard, their vocal prowess brought tears to more than a few eyes in the room.
A medley of Frank Loesser classics, arranged by MSM Musical Theatre Music Director David Loud, showcased the vibrant energy of MSM’s Musical Theatre program. Niko Charney, Emma Dalessio, Ayla Gittelman Ipek, and Jake Koch—four students on the cusp of graduation—infused the performance with youthful verve, backed ably by Artistic Staff member Shane Schag on piano.
And then, the crescendo: a full-throttle performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s String Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 (iv. Presto). The ensemble—comprised entirely of MSM alumni and graduating students—delivered the piece with precision and passion. Ilmar Gavilan, I-Jung Huang, Jinwoo Lee, Julia Choi, Shmuel Katz, Cong Wu, Tommy Mesa, and Niles Luther commanded the stage, each musician contributing to a performance that was both technically stunning and emotionally rich.
Looking around the room during this final act, I saw something extraordinary: the future of music, not in abstract, but in motion—composed of individuals deeply trained, deeply inspired, and deeply committed to their craft. MSM doesn’t just teach music; it builds artists who shape the world through sound.
The Rainbow Room, decked in crystal and candlelight, hummed with the voices of MSM’s past, present, and future. Notable guests—Maribel Lieberman, Rupert Holmes, Bernie Williams, Noémi K. Neidorff, Crystal Morris, Ann Ziff, and others—mingled with students and faculty, sharing laughter and stories. Lorraine Gallard, Chair of the MSM Board of Trustees, alongside President James Gandre, offered words of thanks that were as moving as the music itself. It was, in every sense, a night of harmony.
Founded in 1918 by visionary educator Janet Daniels Schenck, MSM has grown from a community music school into one of the most respected conservatories in the world. Today, the School serves more than 1,000 students from over 50 countries and nearly every U.S. state. Its faculty boasts artists from the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the very best of Broadway and jazz. With programs spanning classical, jazz, and musical theatre, MSM offers training from the Precollege level through doctoral studies. Beyond the stage, its outreach touches 6,000 schoolchildren through arts-in-education and 2,000 more through its acclaimed Distance Learning Program.
What makes MSM truly special, however, is its ethos: a belief that music matters, not just as entertainment or performance, but as a force for personal transformation and societal connection.
That spirit echoed throughout the gala—from the performances that stirred our souls to the speeches that reminded us why the arts are essential. It’s no wonder MSM has become a magnet for global talent. It’s not simply that the school turns out exceptional musicians. It’s that it prepares them to change the world.
As the evening drew to a close, the applause lingered like a final note held in suspension—one that resonated not just through the Rainbow Room, but across the city and the hearts of everyone present. The Manhattan School of Music had once again reminded us of the extraordinary power of education, artistry, and community. And as the stars glittered over Manhattan, the School’s legacy shone even brighter.
For more information please visit msmnyc.edu
