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

Save Venice Ball

Last night was every thing I love about a great party.Here is how they do it! Start with The Plaza Hotel Ballroom decorated by the fabulous Ron Wendt. Next fill it up with Co-Chairs, Adelina Wong Ettelson, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Mary Kthryn Navab, Carlos Sousa and Matt White, then add International Co-Chairs, Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti and Nadia Swarovski, plus Young Friends Co-Chairs Olivia Chantecaille, Amanda Hearst, Alexandra Lind Rose, and Luigi Tadini and you know the room is going to be buzzing.
This event raises money to restore art works in Venice and in keeping with the theme of Carnival many of the guests were inspired to wear masks and costumes. Francesco Clementi won an award for the best mask while Beatrix Ost won for best costume. Courtney Love was looking great. I didn't see her till the end of the night and so she popped her mask on for me and threw her arms in the air.
After dinner the music was turned up and the dancing got going. It didn't take long for Colin Cowie to have women dancing on the tables and spinning on the floor. Other guests returned to the foyer where Grey Goose cocktails awaited them. It was well after midnight when I looked at my watch. Where did the time go?

To view all the photos please click on Save Venice Ball Link

Henry Street is our Street

Last night just as I was leaving the studio to go shoot the Henry Street Settlement Gala at the Plaza it started to pour. With no umbrella I stood on the corner of 18th and 9th willing a taxi to come by and rescue me. Luckily before I was completely drenched a knight in shining yellow armor arrived to save me.



One of the first couples to arrive was Harry and Laura Slatkin who I found making certain their table was perfect. It was Laura who organized the first Henry Street Benefit over 15 years ago and in the process she met and married Harry.



The Mayor came to make a speech and to commend everyone on their hard work helping to raise money for such an important organization in the city.



This years honoree was Tatiana von Furstenberg the actress/writer/director/musician/renaissance woman who is herself a resident of the Lower East Side. After the dinner she was the first one up to dance.



A special thanks to Jill Fairchild who somehow convinced the food captain to find a meal for me and Joe

For more images please go to www.julieskarratt.com and click on View your event.