On
Thursday, April 23, 2009, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra presented an
evening of music at its Annual Gala at The Metropolitan Club in New
York which honored the neurobiologist and philanthropist Dr. Sarah
Leibowitz, and her husband, esteemed financier, Dr. Martin Leibowitz.
The festivities began at 6:30pm with cocktails in the Grand Foyer.
A private concert at 7:30pm followed and featured members of the Orpheus
Chamber Orchestra and the celebrated American mezzo-soprano Denyce
Graves.
The eclectic program included works by Gluck, Sidney Homer, and Samuel
Barber – all composers that reflect the rich tapestry of Dr.
Leibowitz's family history and its influence on American music.
Dr. Leibowitz's grandmother was the famed American singer, Louise
Homer, wife of composer Sidney Homer; who was much-celebrated for her
roles in Gluck operas in America at the turn of the century. Songs
from the private Barber collection of Dr. Leibowitz were performed,
some for the first time. Samuel Barber was a nephew of the Homers and
a cousin of Leibowitz.
The gala honorees were Drs. Sarah F. and Martin L. Leibowitz. Gala
co-chairs were Elaine Kaufman and Henry Kaufman and Lizabeth Newman
and Frank Newman.
