Young People’s Chorus of New York City Holds Its Ribbon-Cutting May 11, 2015

It’s Official.  YPC Has a New Home.

On May 11, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City inaugurated its new home on West 65^th Street with an official ribbon-cutting celebration in the Eichholz Foundation Rehearsal Studio.  Attending were dozens of supporters, well-wishers, and many individuals who have grown with the organization over the past 27 years and were now moved, some to tears, at the fulfillment of the longtime dream of a real home.

YPC chorus members welcome board member Beth Whitman to their new home

Balloon-toting chorus members escorted guests onto the red carpet and led them to the sun-filled YPC space made even brighter by so many happy and welcoming faces, among them YPC Artistic Director and Founder Francisco J. Núñez and the entire Building Committee, notably the chairman of the committee, Phil Lovett, who spearheaded the effort, and vice chair Adam Chinn, along with Deborah McManus, Nancy Bloom, Howell Núñez, Elizabeth Núñez, Shirley Delgado, and Dena Tasse-Winter.

YPC chorus members greet Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer in their sun-filled

new home

Francisco J. Núñez (center back), YPC board members, choristers, and guests smile for the camera as Jill Braufman practices her ribbon-cutting technique.

 

YPC Board President Adam Chinn looks on as Board Member and Chairman of the YPC New Building Committee Phil Lovett makes final preparations

Ready… Set…

Success!!!

YPC Associate Conductor Elizabeth Núñez chats with Marc and Alexa Suskin

 

In his remarks to the evening’s guests, Francisco gave thanks to Alexa and Marc Suskin, whose substantial seed grant through the Eichholz Foundation last year cemented plans for YPC’s dream home and to Jeremy Wladis, YPC board member and restauranteur, for the incredible spread he put out for the celebration.  He also gave special thanks to longtime YPC supporter and cherished friend, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, who made the incredible announcement that the office of the Borough President and the Department of Cultural Affairs had appropriated $57,800 for a brand new baby grand piano for one of the two YPC rehearsal rooms.  

Board Member and Building Committee Member Deborah McManus accepts applause from all in attendance, including husband Jason (left), for her brilliant help and enthusiasm.

 

None are more pleased than YPC conductors (l to r) Nathan Reiff, Caitlin Henning,

Sheldon Ogbourne, and Maria Peña.

Revisiting YPC’s new home are Principal Architect Daniel Heuberger and an associate of Dattner Architects, which designed the new YPC space. They stand in front of the magnificent mural Mr. Heuberger created, which completely wraps the Eichholz Foundation Rehearsal Studio.

 

No YPC event is complete without the choristers singing “Give Us Hope.”

Photos by Stephanie Berger