Steven Isserlis at the Players

Steven Isserlis, deeply into the power of the Bach Suite No.3.

Steven Isserlis at The Players

The Players on Gramercy Park in New York was the historic setting for Music For All Seasons' March 13 benefit. One hundred and ten people gathered in the magnificent 1845 townhouse that was bought in 1888 by Edwin Booth to create a clubhouse for "members of the dramatic profession and the Patrons of the Arts." Among the incorporators of this club were Mark Twain, John Drew and General William Tecumseh Sherman. The elegant Gramercy Park building houses a famed art collection, including a room devoted to the works of Players member John Singer Sargent, the best-known American portrait artist of the Victorian era.

Guests entered the building between original flickering gas lights and spent the late afternoon and evening surrounded by paintings of famous actors and stagebills of historic plays. As one board member noted "It's like stepping into a Merchant/Ivory set." The guests were treated to cocktails while browsing the fifty four items in a silent auction that included a final draft screenplay of "Fletch" autographed by Chevy Chase with several of his hand-written changes. Other items were a trumpet mute autographed by Wynton Marsalis, a 40th Anniversary DVD edition of "Mary Poppins" autographed by Julie Andrews, a Panasonic Home Theatre System, an opportunity to attend CNN's new hit show "The Dolans Unscripted" and to take a tour of the studio with Ken and Daria Dolan, many other celebrity items, tickets to hit Broadway shows and fine jewelry.

The highlight of the evening was a performance in the magnificent wood-paneled theatre by Music For All Seasons' Advisory Board President and internationally renowned cellist Steven Isserlis and MFAS's own Artistic Director, pianist Rena Fruchter. Steven performed the J.S. Bach Suite No.3 for unaccompanied cello and then, joined by Rena, three works by Dvo_ak - Waldesruhe, Rondo and Polonaise. Following a cheering standing ovation the two performed a humorous rendition of the Beatles' song "When I'm Sixty-Four."

Over an elegant buffet, guests had an opportunity to meet and talk with Steven Isserlis and watch the sun set over Gramercy Park. All proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the programs of Music For All Seasons in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and California.

See event photos

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