The annual Harvest Moon Gala dazzled in New York City when it honored Misty Copeland, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, and Ann Ziff.
The Denyce Graves Foundation hosted their gala fundraiser that was chaired by Barbara Tober and Ann Gottlieb at Guastavino’s on Sept. 28. The incredible night was emceed by Emmy Award-winning 20/20 co-anchor Deborah Roberts, and featured a surprise performance by Paul Simon.
Paul Simon at Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala (©Patrick McMullan==
Photo – Patrick McMullan/PMC)
==
“At DGF, our work is about opening doors, discovering extraordinary artists, nurturing their gifts and preserving the stories that belong to all of us and making sure that the richness of the American musical experience is fully seen and remembered because voice does more than make music,” stated DGF founder, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves. “A voice carries history. It carries possibility. And when we make room for more voices, we change the sound of the future.”
To witness the magic of the night a nothing short of remarkable as each artist was put in the spotlight to shine.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 28: Nyzere Dillon, Misty Copeland and Kenny Leon attend Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala at Guastavino’s on September 28, 2026 in New York. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Nyzere Dillon;Misty Copeland;Kenny Leon
The Foundation supports emerging singers, bringing stories of underrepresented musicians into the historical record. Misty Copeland received the inaugural Mary Cardwell Dawson Humanitarian Award, named for the pioneering Black opera impresario who founded the National Negro Opera Company.
“I kept thinking about what discovering someone who could have helped you feel less alone along the way, would feel like,” said Copeland, “For me, that person was Raven Wilkinson, the first Black woman to dance with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Denyce finding Mary, me finding Raven brought us to a similar place, wanting the next generation to know these women sooner than we did and to understand that they are part of history, too.”
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 28: Dr. Robert Montgomery, Catherine Reynolds, Denyce Graves, Misty Copeland and Wayne Reynolds attend Denyce Graves Foundation Harvest Moon Gala at Guastavino’s on September 28, 2026 in New York. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Dr. Robert Montgomery;Catherine Reynolds;Denyce Graves;Misty Copeland;Wayne Reynolds
Ann Ziff, recipient of the Living Legend Award, received loud applause for her meaningful dedication to the arts over the years. An advocate, her admirable work was the talk of the room.
“I’ve been very lucky in my life to be fortunate enough to be able to help people who are not as fortunate as I have been and to help organizations that I love and cherish, none more than my beloved Metropolitan Opera,” said Ziff. “It means so much to me to be honored by Denyce Graves and her foundation. She, who is a pillar of the operatic community and has helped so many singers, supported them, and furthered their careers. It means the world to be honored by this organization. I accept this honor with great pride, not to celebrate my accomplishments, but to promise that I will continue to strive and support the organizations and causes that I love.”
The evening’s musical program included performances from Susan Graham, John Holiday, and Joshua Bell, alongside young artists in Foundation’s programs. The evening concluded with Leonard Bernstein’s Make Our Garden Grow with Brandon Jovanovich and members of DGF joining the performers on stage for the finale. Guests received gift bags containing commemorative gifts, including two custom nail polishes, titled “Rose in Cavalier” and “Rhapsody in Lilac” created in honor of Nézet-Séguin, as well as a perfume for Misty, and a succulent for Ann.
DGF is a nonprofit organization at the intersection of social justice, American history, and the arts. Founded by opera singer Denyce Graves-Montgomery, DGF brings the stories of overlooked musical figures to light, supports emerging artists, preserves and reimagines overlooked histories, and creates opportunities for the next generation of artists. Through partnerships with cultural institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, conservatories, and schools of music, DGF works to expand who is heard, whose stories are remembered, and whose voices shape the cultural landscape.
