INTERLUDE
A GALA CElebration of the arts
MARCH 20, 2026
The Metropolitan Club
6:00 PM
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!
The New York Choral Society Board of Trustees invites you to join us at our 2026 Spring Gala
INTERLUDE: A Gala Celebration of the Arts
We will proudly honor Dr. Stephen Weitzman and his husband, Mr. John Kneapler, who have been tireless champions of the New York Choral Society, with Stephen’s 42-year legacy as a singer and John’s unwavering support as an audience member and advocate.
We will also be honoring acclaimed American composer Gregory Spears whose alternate completion of Mozart’s Requiem we will be singing on May 9th. His works span opera, choral music, and instrumental pieces, and have been performed by major ensembles across the U.S. and abroad.
Friday, March 20, 2026
6:00PM
EVENT SCHEDULE
6:00PM | Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
7:00PM | Dinner, Awards, Performances & Live Auction
8:30PM | After-Party with Cocktails, DJ & Dancing
Featuring Performances By
Mannes School of Music String Quartet
Sponsored by Timothy and Sealy Ann Gilles
Amir Farid, Pianist
Sponsored by Kenneth Kahaner
Emma Marhefka, Soprano, member of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program
Sponsored by Judith A. Rubin and Judith N. Rubin
Jonghyun Park, Tenor, member of the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program
Sponsored by Lisa Guida
DJ Chris Wiggans
Sponsored by Jodi M. Conti
ATTIRE:
Dress to Impress Your Way
Polished, Playful, and Unforgettable. Cocktail or Black Tie Welcome. Jacket & Tie required.
No jeans or sneakers.
A Sparkling Evening of Music and Connection
Join us for a festive dinner, inspiring performances by acclaimed artists, a streamlined auction and paddle raise, and more time on the dance floor than ever before. Together, we’ll celebrate the New York Choral Society and the vital role the arts play in shaping New York City’s cultural life. An unforgettable night of elegance, joy, and dancing awaits.
GALA COMMITTEE
Darin Arita
Lisa Guida
Corey Kinger
Gary Pai
GALA CHAIR
Darin Arita
Joanna Grossman
PRINCIPAL PATRON
Corey Kinger
Michael Roos
PRINCIPAL FRIEND
Michael Colosi
Gary Pai
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL SPONSOR
Darin Arita
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE SPONSORS
Darin Arita
Corey Kinger
Bette Rice
Michael Roos
FRIENDS HONORING STEPHEN WEITZMAN AND JOHN KNEAPLER THROUGH GIVING
The Arts Student League of New York
Mario Bonsignore & Phil Gautreau
Paul Burkhart & Carl Koivuniemi
Laurie Dunn
Terry Fassburg
Tess Fraad-Wolff
Inga Glodowski
Mark & Ellie Gordon
Grace Lee
Eric Luftig
Cynthia Plawker
Howard M. Sacarob & Stephen T. Gass
Patricia & Douglas Sacks
Richard Shuback
Devan Sipher
Steve Salinaro
Robbi Strauss
Larry Weiner
Faye Weitzman & Jim Rubin
Andrea Zelman & Clay Phillips