News
November 24, 2015
Estefans Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
On November 16, President Barack Obama named 17 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. The awards will be presented today November 24th at the White House.
left to right, former Board Chairs Sherwood & Judy Weiser, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, March 1992
Among the recipients are a renowned Miami couple, who are not only powerhouses of the entertainment industry but also continuing patrons of New World Symphony. They are former long-time NWS Board member Emilio Estefan and former NWS Gala performer Gloria Estefan. Mr. Estefan was first elected to the Board on October 17, 1992, and continued to serve through the 2004-2005 season. Ms. Estefan performed with Michael Tilson Thomas and NWS at the benefit/gala of March 28, 1992 “A Night in Harmony” / “En Armonia” - a performance of symphony and salsa at the Miami Arena, benefitting NWS and others.
Another recipient with a New World Symphony connection is famed violinist Itzhak Perlman. He has appeared with New World on three occasions. During the 2nd season, on March 1, 1989, he performed the Brahms Violin Concerto across the street at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Next, he appeared with NWS on January 15, 1997, at the Dade County Auditorium. With Pinchas Zukerman conducting and playing viola, they performed Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. Perlman returned to perform with NWS at the Arsht Center, February 16, 2008. He both conducted and performed as soloist. The program included solo violin works by Mozart and the popular Dvorak Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”.
Note: additional recipients include Barbra Streisand, Stephen Sondheim, Steven Spielberg, Willie Mays, and posthumously, Yogi Berra and Shirley Chisholm, among others.
Click here to watch the video of the award ceremony
Click here for more information on the medal recipients
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Posted in: Patrons
