Puccini Birthday Gala at Carnegie Hall

photos by Vito Catalano

The IAF concert “Puccini Intimately” paid tribute to the great composer on the celebration of his 150th birthday. The star-studded audience was treated to an inspired program of music, ranging from rarely-performed gems such as ‘I cristantemi’ to favorites such as the dramatic final scene of Tosca’s second act. The Annual Bravo/Brava awards were presented to three exception individuals: Howard Abel, Anna Birgis-Hannesson and Dr Betsey McCaughey. Following the musical program, VIP guests including the Italian Consul General Taló and the honorable U.N. President Ban ki-Moon, along with the musicians headed to Bechstein Piano, where the United Nations Women for Peace co-hosted a post-concert soiree’.