The Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF) announced its highly anticipated Harvest Moon Gala, set for Monday, October 6, under the full harvest moon. The announcement was made during a private cocktail reception hosted by the gala’s honorary chairs Barbara Tober and Suzi Cordish, alongside gala chair Ann Gottlieb.
The evening will honor the legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli, who will perform at the gala, alongside fellow honorees Francesca Zambello (Artistic Director of Washington National Opera), philanthropist and singer Chandrika Tandon, and acclaimed soprano, composer, and African Diaspora Project founder Dr. Louise Toppin.
An illustrious guest list will include icons such as Martina Arroyo, Kathleen Battle, Deepak Chopra, Matthew Epstein, Simon Estes, Sherrill Milnes, Neil Shicoff, George Shirley, and Twyla Tharp.
Speaking with soprano Denyce Graves at her side, Barbara Tober praised the Foundation’s mission:
“So beautiful! Her voice, and the voices of all the young people in her Foundation’s program, are the future—each announcing, one by one, incredible talent.”
Her co-chair Suzi Cordish added:
“Ten years ago, I was fortunate to discover this organization. What they are doing is so important. The October 6th Gala will mark the Foundation’s first New York City event—it will be thrilling. Please join us.”
Denyce Graves, the Foundation’s founder, shared her own heartfelt perspective:
“I love performing, but teaching changed my life. When I started this Foundation, it was a dream I didn’t know I had. Now, we have the great joy of introducing these young people to you. I’m incredibly proud of how they support one another. People say on stage we’re out to compete, but I can tell you—it’s all love and support.”
That spirit came to life as four young singers from the DGF program—Inayah Raheem, Hannah Jones, Lauren Torey, and Symone Harcum—performed, moving the audience to tears. Notable attendees included Robert Ainsley, Yanna Avis, Eldric Bashful, Edgar Batista, Janna Bullock, Kym Canter, Machine Dazzle, Priti Gandhi, April Gow, Susan Gutfreund, Nejma Khanum Beard and Sara Beard, Andrew Martin-Weber, Betsy McCaughey and Paul Batista, Bernadette Murray, Ann Nitze, Bill Palant, Jamie Saakvitne, Alexa Smith, Anthony Tommasini, and Foundation board member Clyde Jones.
About the Denyce Graves Foundation
The Denyce Graves Foundation is a nonprofit organization at the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts. Its mission is to expand public understanding of the rich, multicultural legacy of classical music by highlighting the stories of overlooked musical pioneers.
Through collaborations with institutions including The Smithsonian, The Metropolitan Opera, the Library of Congress, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and leading HBCUs, conservatories, and music schools, the Foundation uplifts musicians and educators of color. Founded by Emmy® and Grammy® Award-winning opera star Denyce Graves, DGF advances representation in American vocal arts through concerts, community programs, educational initiatives, and its acclaimed young artist training programs.
Tickets for the Harvest Moon Gala are available at: Greenvelope Ticketing Link.
For more information, please visit www.thedenycegravesfoundation.org.
