LOOKING BACK: 2025 Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards
Photo Credit: Alfred Kan
“Thank you so very much for all that you did to honor Vivian and I. It was a very special night that neither of us will forget."
Ray Chew | Honoree
“I loved seeing our community of music creators, supporters, and lovers gather around such a varied array of performances.”
Curtis Stewart | Artistic Director, ACO
On Thursday, October 16, composers, artists, and friends of the American Composers Orchestra gathered at 48 Wall Street for ACO’s annual Gala and Creative Catalyst Awards. Embracing the theme Searchlight, the 2025 Gala featured Prohibition-era music and Gatsby-inspired décor in celebration of honorees Ray & Vivian Chew and Elizabeth & Justus Schlichting—visionaries shaping the future of American orchestral music.
In attendance were many composers whose works have been developed and premiered through ACO’s national EarShot composer advancement initiatives and New York–based performances, including Jessie Montgomery, Raven Chacon, Arjan Singh Dogra, Che Buford, Michael R. Dudley Jr., Shelley Washington, Trevor New, Dai Wei, and inti figgis-vizueta.
The evening began with a cocktail-hour solo performance by violinist Dr. Edward W. Hardy. Pianist John Lander and soprano Brandie Inez Sutton joined the stage to open the program with a reimagined rendition of Duke Ellington’s Creole Love Call. Additional standout performances included singer-songwriter Valerie Simpson, composer and Schlichting commission recipient Gabriel Jenks, and pianist Lara Downes, who also hosted the event.
From ACO’s Artistic Director Curtis Stewart, “The warmth in the room for each performance—from Valerie Simpson, to Lara Downes and Gabriel Jenks—let me know that our musical ecosystem is alive and well.”
This year’s Gala honored two distinguished couples: Ray & Vivian Chew and Justus & Elizabeth Schlichting.
Known as the music director for shows including Dancing with the Stars and American Idol, Ray Chew has collaborated with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Carrie Underwood, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna. Vivian Chew is a pioneering music executive and founder of Time Zone International, specializing in global artist promotion and strategic partnerships. Together, they run Chew Entertainment, producing major events like A Night of Inspiration at Carnegie Hall. The Chews were recognized for their outstanding contributions to music and mentorship, highlighted by a tribute performance from Valerie Simpson.
Elizabeth & Justus Schlichting are visionary patrons whose generosity has profoundly shaped the future of American orchestral music. Since 2012, the Schlichtings have funded more than 450 new works, uplifting a generation of composers and expanding the repertoire in bold, lasting ways. Composers supported through their foundation—including inti figgis-vizueta, Trevor New, Michael Dudley Jr., Raven Chacon, and Gabriel Jenks—were present to celebrate their legacy. The Schlichtings were honored for their enduring dedication to composers and new music, with a special performance by Jenks.
“It was an honor to spotlight the incredible contributions of Ray & Vivian Chew and Elizabeth & Justus Schlichting to the future of American orchestral music, and a joy to celebrate our 49th year with ACO’s incredible community of artists, partners, and supporters,” said Melissa Ngan, ACO’s President & CEO. “We look forward to sharing the season ahead together!”
A highlight of the evening was the live auction, led by professional auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla, whose energy kept the room engaged throughout. During the auction, Harlem icon Lana Turner delivered a moving message about the impact of supporting the arts. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, ACO raised over $240,000 to support national EarShot composer advancement initiatives, innovative performances, and arts education programs for New York City public school students.
The evening’s atmosphere was one of joy, pride, and artistic unity—a reflection of the creative spirit at the heart of ACO’s mission. ACO extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who attended and supported American orchestral music.
Cheers to Gala 2025—here’s to Gala 2026!
American Composers Orchestra is grateful to the many organizations that make its programs possible including Arthur F. & Alice E. Adams Charitable Fund, Altman Foundation, Amphion Foundation, Benevity, Aaron Copland Fund for Music, BMI Foundation, BMI, Inc., Charity Navigator's Giving Basket, Cheswatyr Foundation, Edward T. Cone Foundation, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Ford Foundation’s Good Neighbor Committee, Give Lively, Francis B. Goelet Charitable Trust, Fromm Music Foundation, Steven R. Gerber Trust, G. Schirmer/Wise Music Foundation, The Hearst Foundation, Howard Gilman Foundation, The Adele and John Gray Endowment Fund, Jephson Educational Trusts, Jerome Foundation, MacMillan Family Foundation, Mellon Foundation, New Music USA’s Organization Fund, The New York Community Trust (Musical Arts Fund, Clara Lewisohn Rossin Trust, and Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund), Pacific Harmony Foundation, Paypal Giving Fund, Rexford Fund, Sphinx Venture Fund, TD Charitable Foundation, Turrell Fund, UKOGF Foundation, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.
Corporate gifts to match employee contributions are made by Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Triton Container International Incorporated of North America, and Neiman Marcus.
Public funds are provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, Office of Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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