Carnegie Hall Opening Night Gala Fall 2018

It is always a thrill to find my self at Carnegie Hall. I arrived before the guests and got to sign in at the Stage door where they always remember me. There is something so romantic about being in this empty space. Soon the doors opened and the beautifully dressed Gala guests climbed the stairs to a private cocktail reception. I love to get them right at the top of the stairs or as they are walking towards the boxes before the concert begins. Afterwards there was dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street. At the very end of the night all the guests went home and there was a very special private dinner for the Events crew. We sat together eating delicious food and chatted about the night. Then we all sang happy birthday to Anna who had helped me all night as my special point person. It was nearly 1.30 am when we all said good night.
Not much sleep for me. I needed to be up really early so they could have the photos for press by noon.
To see all the photos click on this PHOTO LINK

Carnegie Hall Fall Gala 2017

Last night was the Carnegie Hall 2017 Gala performance followed by Dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street. The concert was a total crowd pleaser for so many reasons. Firstly due to a strain in one of Lang Langs hands he is only able to play one handed and this could have been very tricky as he was due to perform Gerswin's Rhapsody in Blue for 2 pianos with Chick Corea and the Philadelphia Orchestra, however Lang Lang suggested that a third piano be bought on stage and that the 14 year old Maxim Lando to play his other hand.
The three of them had the audience in raptures.
After the concert the crowd made their way to Cipriani 42nd Street for a wonderful dinner of shrimp salad, rack of lamb and a cream cake with the Carnegie symbol made out of white and red chocolate on top.
A bib shout out to Mercedes Bass who not only looked radiant but also danced up a storm well after the guests were beginning to leave.
To see all the photos please CLICK ON THIS PHOTO LINK

The Metropolitan Opera Fall Gala

Last night was The Metropolitan Opera Fall Gala in NYC. What an amazing event. The opera was broadcast live in Lincoln Center Plaza and the place was buzzing both inside and out. After the most amazing performance by Anna Netrebko and the rest of the fantastic cast the guests headed to the tent where David Stark had worked his magic. The space glowed. The dinner started around 10 and the next time I looked at the time it was well after 1am. Mercedes Bass looked stunning as did Mrs Ziff. Also Peter Gelb's beautiful wife Keri-Lynn Wilson was there. She looked stunning in a dress designed by Zac Posen

To view all the photos please click on this link The Metropolitan Opera Fall Gala

The Carnegie Hall 120th Birthday Concert and Dinner

Just when I thought my week could not get any better I arrived at Carnegie Hall for The Carnegie Hall 120th Birthday Concert and Dinner and headed to the Stage Door to sign in. Luckily I was early cause traffic has been crazy this week. I was standing just inside the door when Yo-Yo Ma arrived. My cameras were not yet on my shoulder so it was not obvious that I was the house photographer. I gave Yo-Yo a great big smile and he walked up to me and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I didn't say a word cause I know it was a simple case of mistaken identity but believe me when I say my knees went a little weak and it gave me a smile that lasted all night! Yes it is true I do photograph a lot of people but not every one recognises me unless I have 2 cameras around my neck.
So then it was up to the 2nd floor to photograph everyone arriving. The Weils were the first to arrive looking wonderful as always.
Mercedes Bass looked ravishing in her black one shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown.
Suzie and Bruce Kovner seem to be every where I go. They were in St Barths last month for Pamela Fiori's book signing and ever since the always shy Bruce has allowed me to take his photo. Suzie is ever radiant and was wearing a strapless ball gown.
Jesse Norman arrived with a flourish of purple gown and silver jacket.
Alec Baldwin turned heads but sadly he didn't offer to give me a kiss. Probably just as well cause I may have dropped my camera and he did have a very beautiful date by his side.
It was the 3rd night I have seen Daisy Soros this week. She stopped for a little chat and has promised to tell me how she met her husband at International House. I think there may be a scandal involved.
Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis dashed in at the last minute and I managed to get a photo before they entered their box.
It was then time for the curtain to go up so I took my place in the back to take photos.
The Lincoln Center Philharmonic was playing. It is the first time I have seen Alan Gilbert conduct and it was magic. The best way to describe it was that his body was like a butterfly and music fluttered on the end of his fingers. He was conducting the orchestra with pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Gil Shaham, and cellist Yo-Yo Ma as the guest soloists in Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. After the intermission Audra McDonald sand some songs of Duke Ellington.
I then raced to the Plaza to get there before the guest. Dinner did not start until 10pm and the next time I looked at the time it was after mid night.

To view all the photos please click on this link The Carnegie Hall 120th Birthday Concert and Dinner

The Metropolitan Opera Spring Gala

Tonight was the much anticipated opening of Le Comte Ory at the Met Opera.
The crowd was beautiful, many of the women were wearing gowns by Yves Saint Laurent.
There was a dinner held on the Balcony. The guests arrived early and had cocktails upstairs followed by dinner below. They then went in to enjoy the first act. Dessert followed during the intermission and then the guests returned to their seats for the remainder of the performance.
Mrs Ziff and Mrs Bass both looked amazing as did Claire Danes and Claudia Schiffer. I am always happy to see the always elegant Marlene Hess and her husband Jim Zirin.
Many thanks to all the staff who not only took great care of me, they also let me take their photos at the end of the night. Ladies you Rock... and you know who you are! To view all the photos please click on The Met Spring Gala Link

The Metropolitan Opera September 2010 Gala

Last night was the opening of the Met's new production of Das Rheingold.
Ann Ziff, who gave the Met $30 Million dollars this year, has along with her family underwritten the production. It was a star studded night inside. The rain didn't stop the plaza filling up with people who came to watch the opera on the large out door screen. After the show the guests entered into the tent that David Stark had decorated to resemble the stage at the end of the night.