Friday, April 19, 2024
Longy’s 2024 Gala was truly a night Too Marvelous for Words, thanks to a community that came together to support the school and the incredible Longy students making a difference with their music.
The night began with scholarship recipients, donors, and other guests mingling over drinks and small bites before taking their seats for a performance by renowned mezzo-soprano, opera singer, and recitalist Stephanie Blythe, along with pianist and composer Ryan McCullough.
The duo gave an intimate performance from the songbook of iconic American songwriter Johnny Mercer that included songs, stories, and audience participation. Ms. Blythe shared stories of Mercer’s legendary career in between songs, and Ryan McCullough played unique and stunning arrangements of Mercer classics. One of the evening’s highlights was Ms. Blythe leading the room in a cozy rendition of “Moon River,” shoes off, with only her ukelele for accompaniment.
Afterward, Ms. Blythe was honored with the Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Jamie Bernstein, for her contributions to music and her embodiment of many of the key values cultivated at Longy, including the freedom to explore, creative thought and innovation, and the joy of making and sharing music with others.
The event supported scholarships for Longy musicians and innovative programs that expand what a life in music can mean. Longy invests in students’ potential and works with them to reduce barriers to transformative music education.
