Latest News
The Leonard Bernstein Circle at the New York Philharmonic
Posted June 18, 2025
The Leonard Bernstein Circle at the New York Philharmonic
By Jamie Bernstein
New York Philharmonic’s May 20, 2025 Leonard Bernstein Circle Dinner.
Left to right New York Philharmonic Co-Chairman Oscar L. Tang, H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang, Jamie, Gustavo Dudamel and Matías Tarnopolsky, President and CEO. Photo © Fadi Kheir, courtesy of the New York Philharmonic.
There are different tiers of support for donors the New York Philharmonic. The highest level is known as the Leonard Bernstein Circle, and its mission speaks to one of his primary concerns: “serving over 40,000 learners every year through our education and community engagement programs.” It’s very touching to my brother, sister, and me that our dad’s name is connected in such a significant way to the orchestra’s sustenance. So we stand up tall (or we diminutive three try to, anyway) when we show up for the Bernstein Circle’s annual dinner -- a springtime celebration that always includes a notable musical performance.
It was at a Bernstein Circle dinner that I first encountered a very young Yuja Wang. I still remember how stunned I was by the virtuosity storming out of her tiny frame. My sister Nina fondly recalls hearing Manny Ax one lucky year. Another year, I heard Joshua Bell. And one year, it was the astonishing pianist Conrad Tao, whom I’d first encountered when he was ten: in a kids’ concert about Mozart, I’d blindfolded him so he could demonstrate the piano tricks little Wolfi would perform to amuse the Austrian courts. (he played the immortal Mozart sonatina flawlessly, and eyelessly.)
To hear artists of this caliber performing for a small group, in an intimate room, is among the grandest of musical privileges.
For a number of years, the event took place in the ballroom at the top of the St. Regis Hotel – a marvelously elegant and cheerful space, with good food, good sightlines, and good acoustics. During the dinners, I had many a fine conversation with many a fine Philharmonic supporter. I had such a spirited conversation with one of them, the inimitable Barbara Tober, that we went on to have some very jolly dinners of our own.
Once David Geffen Hall was up and running, the Bernstein Circle event moved into its welcoming new spaces. This year, we were invited to sit on the stage for a combination of music and talk. First, the Philharmonic’s current President, Matías Tarnopolsky, invited the orchestra’s soon-to-be Music Director, Gustavo Dudamel, to join him in conversation. Gustavo was still in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, having just been on that stage mere minutes earlier, rehearsing the orchestra. Not only do Gustavo and Matías share a passion for music; they also share a keen aptitude for articulating that passion. They’re warm friends, as well as fellow Spanish speakers. (Matías was born in Argentina.) It was delightful to see Gustavo turn to Matías mid-sentence and murmur in Spanish: “How do you say ___ in English?” It was a treat to experience the vibe of what’s in store for all of us Philharmonic fans.
After the conversation, the members of the Philharmonic comprising their String Quartet treated us to the last two movements of the Beethoven String Quartet in F Minor. Brilliant! Bracing! We’d all worked up an appetite!
The dinner was exceptionally tasty. And best of all, I found myself sitting at the same table with Carter Brey, the orchestra’s Principal Cellist who had just wowed us all in the Beethoven -- and who also happens to be a superbly engaging raconteur.
Fun was had, as always, at this annual May event. My brother, sister, and I feel ever honored and grateful that this group of generous donors continues to support our dad’s band in his name.