thank you! - Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS
CLASSICAL ACTION:
PERFORMING ARTS
AGAINST AIDS
Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS merged with BC/EFA in October of 1997. Founded
in 1993 using BC/EFA as its model, Classical Action draws on the talents, resources, and generosity of the performing arts community
nationwide, with an emphasis on the classical and jazz music communities, to raise funds for AIDS services. These funds are
distributed through The Actors’ Fund of America (see page 6), and through BC/EFA’s National Grants Program (see page 12). Classical
Action maintains its own identity and conducts its own fundraising endeavors, while BC/EFA assumes most administrative
responsibilities, allowing Classical Action to devote maximum energies to events and merchandising projects.
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME: CLASSICAL ACTION HOUSE CONCERTS
One of Classical Action’s most successful fundraising endeavors is the production of private house concerts. Supporters host
concerts in their homes featuring some of the most prominent artists in music today, who generously donate their time and talent.
2003 saw house concerts featuring pianist José Feghali and cellist Daniel Gaisford, and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. These intimate
events are held in New York City, Los Angeles, and across the country. When Classical Action takes its show on the road, it often
collaborates and shares proceeds with local AIDS organizations, such as this year’s concert with Houston, TX’s Center for AIDS.
DEBORAH VOIGT ON BROADWAY: OPERA’S LEADING LADY MEETS BROADWAY’S LEADING MEN
On November 11, 2002, opera star Deborah Voigt appeared with some of Broadway’s most celebrated artists at the Ford Center
for the Performing Arts in a collaborative benefit for Classical Action and BC/EFA. Deborah Voigt on Broadway: Opera’s Leading Lady Meets
Broadway’s Leading Men marked the 10-year anniversary of Classical Action, and the 5th anniversary of the merger of Classical Action
with BC/EFA. The evening’s leading men: Malcolm Gets from the season’s Amour, Howard McGillin of The Phantom of the Opera, Adam
Pascal of Aida, Patrick Wilson of Oklahoma!, and Tom Wopat of 42nd Street. Host Dick Cavett literally ran across the street from another
benefit. Conductor Eric Stern, director John DeLuca, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s also donated their time and talent. Ms. Voigt
capitalized on the meeting of the genres of opera and Broadway with a medley including “By Strauss” (Gershwin) and “Do I Hear a
Waltz?” (Sondheim). She sang Puccini and Wagner arias for the opera purists in attendance, and delighted the crowd with songs
outside her usual repertoire, such as “Ice Cream” from She Loves Me. It was some enchanted evening, made possible in part by event
sponsors including WQXR 96.3-FM, Champagne Veuve Clicquot, Continental Airlines, The New York Times and NYTimes.com,
ViceVersa Restaurant, Attitude New York Chauffeured Transportation, Westin Hotels, and Hugo Boss.
Clockwise from top left: Pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs a solo house concert; Pianist/composer Fred Hersch and soprano Renée Fleming in their first collaboration;
Up Our Alley participants "Bowl Canto" from Orchestra of St. Luke's; At home, cellist Daniel Gaisford and pianist José Feghali;
Soprano Deborah Voigt accepts a bouquet at event's end.
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