The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, renowned as the largest Gothic Cathedral globally and established in 1892 as an Episcopal church, recently hosted its Inaugural Spring Banquet: A Fundraiser for Arts at the Cathedral on May 1, 2024.
Commencing at 6 pm and graced by approximately 150 esteemed guests, the cocktail hour unfolded in the North Transept, a scenic outdoor space accessible to the public after a hiatus of over two decades. Attendees were treated to captivating performances by acclaimed Art Bath artists, including the mesmerizing Joffrey Ballet Concert Group, enchanting stilt creatures, and stirring acts by Xin Ying, a Martha Graham dancer, and Steven Wendt, showcasing shadow puppetry. Delectable cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Canard, Inc. added to the ambiance.
The evening progressed with a sumptuous seated dinner for 74 guests within the Cathedral, featuring enchanting performances by renowned artists such as Pianist Olga Kern, Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, Soprano Kathryn Lewek, and The Cathedral Choir, interspersed throughout the dinner.
Photo by Maike Schultz
Esteemed sponsors, including Mary Jane Brock, Frank Brown, Bishop Matthew Heyd, and the Episcopal Diocese of New York, alongside Jerry Speyer and Marsh, led the evening’s support. Additional sponsorship was generously provided by Lucy Culver, John MacKinnon, and Murry Stegelmann.
Looking ahead to spring and summer, the Cathedral anticipates an exhilarating season filled with the return of beloved programs and the introduction of new, captivating experiences and live events. Noteworthy highlights include performances by the New York Philharmonic, Iconic Pride celebrations, The Public Theater Mobile Unit’s The Comedy of Errors, Paul Winter’s 29th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration, and the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra Concert, among others.
For further details and upcoming events, visit www.stjohndivine.org. Every contribution from the Inaugural Spring Banquet goes towards supporting arts at the Cathedral, fostering a culture of creativity and enrichment.
