The iconic Rainbow Room played host to the Manhattan School of Music’s 2026 Gala, where students, alumni, faculty, trustees, and supporters gathered for an evening celebrating artistic excellence and the enduring impact of mentorship. Hosted by Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Bebe Neuwirth, the gala honored Board Chair Lorraine Gallard for her 12 years of visionary leadership while recognizing the world-renowned faculty whose guidance continues to shape the next generation of performers under the evening’s theme, A Tradition of Mentorship.
Music took center stage throughout the evening with standout performances spanning Broadway, opera, and classical repertoire from both current students and distinguished alumni. Highlights included Ethan Mathias’s rendition of “Go the Distance” from Hercules, Meredith Layne Hungerford’s performance of “Before the Parade Passes By” from Hello, Dolly!, and Benjamin R. Sokol’s powerful interpretation of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville. The celebration culminated with a breathtaking performance by three-time Grammy Award-winning alumna J’Nai Bridges, who captivated guests with selections from Carmen and Carousel.
Beyond the performances, the gala underscored Manhattan School of Music’s lasting influence on New York City’s cultural landscape and its commitment to nurturing exceptional talent through world-class mentorship. Guests included Ted Chapin, Jane Chu, James Gandre, Howard Herring, Donna McKechnie, Alicia Hall Moran, Jason Moran, Anthony Mazzocchi, James Roe, Robert Sirota, Paul Tetreault, Ann Ziff, and members of the Manhattan School of Music community, all gathered to celebrate the transformative power of music education.
