April 6, 2024, Miami Beach buzzed with an extraordinary vibe as the New World Symphony celebrated its 36th anniversary gala. This year's gala, titled "Balancing the Score," wasn't just about sumptuous bites and sophisticated sips; it was a profound homage to the women who've shaped classical music.
The evening was not just about applauding these historical and contemporary figures; it was about actively engaging with their legacies. As the exclusive caterer and producer for this event, we had the honor of enhancing the experience with carefully curated dishes, subtly nodding to the night's theme with elegance and taste.
Our menu, though a backdrop to the evening's primary focus on music, complemented the festivities. Guests were treated to an array of dishes that included Blackened Salmon with fennel purée, orange segments and a fennel salsa verde and a tender Chateaubriand of beef with a truffle-infused potato gratin and fig demi sauce, culminating in a luxurious chocolate dessert, a sweet finale to the evening.
The musical offerings were the true stars of the night. The gala featured performances of pieces written by women, spotlighting works from the 11th-century compositions by St. Hildegard von Bingen, performed by the NWS Blue Choir, to Pulitzer Prize and grammy award-winner Jennifer Higdon’s vibrant orchestral piece, "Peachtree Street" which was led by NWS Conducting Fellow Molly Turner. Each performance was a testament to the gala’s mission: to celebrate and recognize the indelible impact of women on classical music. The program not only entertained but educated, drawing a line through history to illuminate the contributions of women whose talents have often been overshadowed in traditional narratives.
The gala also serves a broader purpose, raising funds to support the New World Symphony's continued efforts to prepare graduates for leadership roles and to provide musical education in our South Florida community. It underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting women in classical music, not just in retrospect but as a forward-looking imperative.
As the night concluded and the last notes faded into the applause, it was clear that the New World Symphony’s 36th Anniversary Gala did more than just entertain; it inspired and affirmed the need to balance the score, ensuring women's contributions to classical music are celebrated and amplified for years to come. Here's to many more such inspiring evenings, where every note and every dish serves as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit.
Tomato Bonbon: Poached Tomato, Ajo Blanco Emulsion, Mâche Lettuce, Coral Tuille, Black Olive Dust, Txakoli Vinaigrette
Blackened Salmon: Fennel Purée, Orange Segment, Fennel Salsa Verde
Chateaubriand of Beef: Fig Demi Sauce, Truffle Yukon Parmentier Potatoes, Roasted Baby Carrot, Leek & Romanesco Confit
Vegan Option
Sweet Finale: New World Symphony Crown - Fresh Orange Segment, Chocolate Crémeux, Micro Flowers, Orange Zest, Gold Leaves
Behind the Scenes
