The 63rd annual Young Concert Artists Gala honoring Damian Woetzel was a night filled with music and skilled artistry.
On Thursday April 4, the 63rd annual Young Concert Artists hosted a gala in celebration of Damian Woetzel. Woetzel is currently the 7th president of The Juilliard School since 2018, and the artistic director of the Vail Dance Festival since 2007. Since the start of his tenure at The Juilliard School, Woetzel has brought on a new generation of artistic leadership, launched initiatives in Creative Enterprise and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, created new technology-driven programs including Juilliard LIVE, and expanded national and international touring, including opening the school’s first branch campus in Tianjin, China.
After an illustrious 20-year career as principal dancer with the New York City ballet, Woetzel has taken on many arts leadership roles, including artistic director of the Vail Dance Festival since 2007. Woetzel’s other roles have included director of the Aspen Institute Arts Program from 2011 to 2018 and founding director of the Jerome Robbins Foundation’s New Essential Works Program, which initiated grants to support new dance works over a five-year period. Former President Obama appointed Woetzel to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in 2009. In 2015, Woetzel received the 2015 Harvard Arts Medal.
Young Concert Artists’ 63rd Annual Gala honoring Damian Woetzel at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 4/4/2024. Photo by Chris Lee
In spite of his many accomplishments, he is known for his down to earth, humble, and warm personality – some of the most admirable traits in the best leaders of today.
Young Concert Artists’ 63rd Annual Gala honoring Damian Woetzel at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 4/4/2024. Photo by Chris Lee
The night kicked off with a cocktail reception, where guests mingled with performers and even Woetzel himself. The performance then took place inside the beautiful Rose Theatre at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The programme was filled with the talent and musical prowess from past winners of the YCA international auditions. Unlike typical music performances, there was a variety of instrumental talents being showcased including pianos, guitar, flutes, violins, violas, and cellos. The performers were Ying Li, Chaeyoung Park, Ziggy & Miles, Anthony Trionfo, Anne Akiko Meyers, Albert Cano Smit, Zlatomir Fung, Jeremy Denk, Bella Hristova, Oliver Neubauer, Toby Appel, and Julia Bruskin. The night was not complete without a special performance featuring award-winning performing artist, dancer, choreographer, and movement artist, Lil Buck.
Young Concert Artists’ 63rd Annual Gala honoring Damian Woetzel at Jazz at Lincoln Center, 4/4/2024. Photo by Chris Leegala
The beautiful and moving music that flooded the theatre on that night are a true testament to the value of the YCA and Woetzel’s efforts as a champion of the arts.
