On March 3, Judith Pisar — the chair of the upcoming Young Concert Artists (YCA) Gala — hosted an intimate reception featuring performances from YCA alumni. The event honored Clive Gillinson, the Executive and Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall, who was also in attendance. The reception was a preamble to YCA’s 64th Annual Gala on April 17 at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
YCA has supported young classical musicians for over 60 years, selecting extraordinarily talented students to participate in a three-year intensive. During the intensive, YCA enhances artists’ musical talents through mentorship, education and project development.
Alumni of the YCA program include Grammy award winners like pianist Emanuel Ax, opera singer Julia Bullock and violinist Anne Akiko Meyers. Beyond artistic talent, YCA trains their students to become valuable leaders in the arts community, according to the organization’s website.
At the event, YCA President, Daniel Kellogg, addressed attendees, thanking them for their contributions to the program.
“YCA’s work is only possible because of our devoted supporters,” Kellogg said. “It’s thanks to so many of you in this room that we are going to have a wonderful and festive gala.”
Dan Kellogg, Judith Pisar, Clive Gillinson. Photo by John Sanderson for Annie Watt Agency.
The reception featured the talents of skilled pianist Chaeyoung Park and talented cellist Zlatomir Fung. The two YCA alumni have embarked on successful careers in classical music. Park, a Julliard Alumni, began her career at age 13, when she became the youngest finalist of the 2012 Eastman Young Artists International Piano Competition. She made her Carnegie Hall solo debut seven years later, and continues to tour and perform at prestigious music halls. Fung was the youngest musician to win First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition Cello Division. Now 25-years-old, Chung plans to release his first classical album this year.
The reception also highlighted Gillinson’s commitment to empowering young artists. On behalf of YCA Board Chair Paul Sekhri, his husband, Mark Gude directly thanked Gillinson for attending.
“We are so delighted to honor you at our gala. You are a hero in the arts, and the impact you’ve had on the world and young artists is tremendous,” Gude said.
Clive Gillinson addressing event attendees. Photo by John Sanderson for Annie Watt Agency
Gillinson also spoke, expressing his love for the YCA.
“There are so many different ways to help young musicians, but YCA is one of the most important. They nurture the finest talent who are going to be the people who inspire others throughout their lifetimes,” Gillinson said.
To learn more about the Young Concert Artists 64th Annual Gala, visit this website.
