Children’s Orchestra Society marks 50th year, at Carnegie Hall

Ray Chen on stage with the Children’s Orchestra Society and Principal Conductor Michael Dadap. CONTRIBUTED

NEW YORK CITY — For the love of music and children, award-winning violinist Ray Chen joined the Children’s Orchestra Society for the first time, during its 50th Anniversary Discovery Concert and Gala at Carnegie Hall last June 20, 2019.

Performing M. Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy and more, Chen’s violin soared together with beautiful harmonies coming from children aged 18 years old and younger, masterfully conducted by Maestro Michael Dadap.

Over 1,600 people attended the concert — immersed and moved by the music, and thoroughly delighted by the performances of all the children — some as young as five years old. The young musicians’ ability to perform with the best, and in one of the most prestigious venues in the world, is a testament to their talent and professionalism, honed by the loving guidance of their families and teachers at COS.

A glimpse of the audience experiencing music created by the Children’s Orchestra Society, inside the prestigious and historic Carnegie Hall in New York City. CONTRIBUTED

According to Loida Nicolas Lewis, the Society’s new Chairman of the Board, “Everyone was blown away by the 200 performers on stage (including 40 COS alumni), for Rossini’s Overture from Barber of Seville. The power of music transported us to different times and cultures. Truly, music is a divine gift that brings people together.”

Dr. Hiao Tsiun Ma (father of Yo-Yo Ma) founded the Children’s Orchestra Society 50 years ago, as a non-profit with a child-centered approach to teaching the language of music. In 1984, his daughter Dr. Yeou-Cheng Ma, MD (as executive director) and her husband, Maestro Michael Dadap (as artistic / music director) continued the society, leading the COS family to grow from about 13 members then, to over 120 students, 4 youth orchestras, and 9 chamber music ensembles today. With the help of supportive parents and benefactors, the COS continues to mold young players to become well-rounded musicians — by giving every student the opportunity to perform with role models and mentors, and being a bridge to the professional music world, through master classes and performance collaborations with eminent musicians.

Loida Lewis, Chair of the Children’s Orchestra Society, stands in front of the poster announcing the COS 50th Anniversary and Discovery Gala at the entrance to Carnegie Hall. CONTRIBUTED

After the rousing concert, about 200 people attended the gale reception, which included a Live Charity Auction. Sotheby’s Christie Williams kept everyone on the edge of their seats during the charity auction, raising as much as $15,000 for COS in the first 20 minutes! Items for auction were donated by COS benefactors, which included a unique Black Ceramic Hibiscus Diamond in 18K White Gold Ring designed by Dickson Yewn (who also designed masterpieces for Michelle Obama), an Amati Violin by Kolstein, Vivace Radiofrequency Treatments by Dr. Michael Jacobs, Weekend Getaways in Hunter Mountain or Catskill, and Week-long Stays in celebrity homes in the UK, Tucson, Arizona, and Paris, France.

The winners for the Special 50th Anniversary COS Lottery were also drawn. After contacting them to make sure they are eligible to receive their prizes, COS presents the following winners:

Aarya Agarwal won the 3rd Prize, which is Ten (10) Lessons in any musical instrument at the Children’s Orchestra Society. Letty Colburn won 2nd prize: Two (2) Philippine Airlines Round Trip Tickets, New York – Manila – New York (to be booked anytime except June or December). And the 1st prize, One (1) Week Stay in the Hamptons, goes to Tom Gallagher, CEO of Religion News Foundation and publisher of ReligionNews.com.

On behalf of the COS family, Executive Director Dr. Ma and Maestro Dadap thanked all the sponsors, benefactors, performers and their families, and production team members for contributing to the event’s success.

Raffle winners. CONTRIBUTED

“Playing in a concert venue such as Carnegie Hall is a life-changing event, and so we are truly thankful to all who made this event possible for our children,” said Dr. Ma. “We believe that when children learn and play beautiful music, it can change their worlds and make a difference in our present world,” added Maestro Dadap, who is also the COS Principal Conductor.

One alumnus, Suzanne Shih (who played the bassoon during the concert), posted on her Instagram account, “From the time I was a student in the orchestra, COS has enriched my life in so many ways. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to perform with this group of amazingly talented young musicians. Congrats on 50 years and thank you for all that you do!”

What’s next for the Children’s Orchestra Society? Dr. Yeou-Cheng Ma answers with a smile, “We look forward to participating in two summer camps, the Big Apple Music Festival and with LaVerdi Orchestra from Italy. Hopefully, we can build on the positive energy of our 50th Anniversary celebration, to raise up an endowment fund that will help sustain the organization in the next 50 years.”

To help the Children’s Orchestra Society continue the legacy of teaching children the language of music, please call 718.888.0635 or e-mail [email protected].

For regular updates, follow them on Facebook @ChildrensOrchestraSociety or visit their website, ChildrensOrch.org.