64th New York Youth Symphony Annual Gala

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the transformative power of music — and the remarkable individuals who make our mission possible.

This year, we are proud to honor:

Gerard Schwarz
The Theodore L. Kesselman Award for Arts Education
An eight-time Emmy Award-winning and 15-time Grammy-nominated conductor, Gerard Schwarz is one of the most celebrated American conductors of his generation. His distinguished career has included leadership roles with the Seattle Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and Mostly Mozart Festival, as well as guest appearances with many of the world’s leading orchestras.

Today, he serves as Music Director of the Palm Beach Symphony and the Eastern Festival of Music while continuing to champion music education, contemporary composers, and emerging artists.

Robert L. Poster
The Johanna and Leslie Garfield Award for Arts Philanthropy

Robert L. Poster has brought the same distinction, integrity, and commitment that have defined his extraordinary legal career to decades of service on behalf of the New York Youth Symphony. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Bob has been a leader in corporate, maritime, securities, and international business law for more than six decades.

At the NYYS, Bob has served as president, chair of the Board of Trustees, and as a member and leader of numerous committees and executive searches. His steady guidance, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering commitment have helped shape the organization across generations. Bob’s extraordinary advocacy—together with that of his wife, Amy, whose devotion to the NYYS has been equally meaningful—is reflected in their generous support, including the naming of the Robert L. Poster Apprentice Conducting Program and the Amy and Robert Poster Concertmaster Chair.

Bob is a model of trustee leadership and arts advocacy. His belief in the power of music to transform lives, strengthen communities, and build culture was nurtured by his parents, who instilled in him a love of classical music from an early age. Through Bob and Amy’s remarkable generosity, leadership, and personal engagement, that legacy continues to open doors for young musicians and ensure that the NYYS remains strong for generations to come.