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Didi and Oscar S. Schafer
PHILHARMONIC CELEBRATES DIDI AND OSCAR SCHAFER’S LEADERSHIP SUPPORT
The 2008 New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks are presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. Their generous gift of $5 million during the summer of 2007 ensures that all New Yorkers have an opportunity to experience this summertime tradition. Since 1965, more than 14 million people have attended the annual free Concerts in the Parks, which take place each July in the five boroughs, Long Island, and New Jersey.
The 2008 New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, will feature four programs and eight concerts, with performances in Central Park’s Great Lawn (June 24 and July 15); Richmond County Bank Ballpark on Staten Island (July 8); PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey (July 9); Cunningham Park in Queens (July 10); Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx (July 11); Heckscher State Park in East Islip, Long Island (July 12); and Prospect Park in Brooklyn (July 14).
Sharing a Love of Music
"Classical music has given us joy throughout our lives," stated Didi and Oscar Schafer. "Helping to preserve the free New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks is an ideal way to share our love of music with others. These wonderful concerts, which have enriched the lives of millions living in and visiting the metropolitan area, have been this great orchestra's gift to our extraordinary city for more than four decades. It is our privilege to support these glorious summer concerts so that enduring masterpieces of music can be heard and enjoyed by the people of New York."
Helping to Secure the Future
New York Philharmonic President and Executive Director Zarin Mehta remarked: "Didi and Oscar Schafer stepped forward last year in an unprecedented manner to help secure the future of the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks. We hope other great New Yorkers will join the Schafers in their leadership support of the Orchestra. Their civic-mindedness, vision, and generosity enable the Philharmonic to remain confidently committed to engaging audiences throughout the boroughs of New York City."
Mr. Schafer, who joined the New York Philharmonic Board of Directors in 2007, is the Managing Partner of O.S.S. Capital Management LP, a private investment partnership that he co-founded in 2001. A respected Wall Street professional, he has been a longtime participant in the Barron's Roundtable of top money managers.
Other Expressions of Support
In addition to the Schafers' leadership gift, major support for the Concerts in the Parks is provided by The City of New York, through the Department of Cultural Affairs, Kate D. Levin, Commissioner, The Starr Foundation, and the Herman Goldman Foundation.
The Concerts in the Parks are presented in cooperation with the City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation, Michael Bloomberg, Mayor; Adrian Benepe, Commissioner; the five Borough Presidents; and the City Council of New York. Fireworks by Bay Fireworks in Central Park, Richmond County Bank Ballpark, Cunningham Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Prospect Park, and by Grucci in Heckscher State Park.
