Boston Conservatory Gala Raises $763k
Berklee President Roger H. Brown (center) and Boston Conservatory at Berklee President Richard Ortner (right) awarded actor Alan Cumming an Honorary Master of Arts Degree during a gala celebration at Boston’s Symphony Hall.
Kelly Davidson
Actor and activist Alan Cumming performed alongside students and served as master of ceremonies. In the course of the evening, Cumming received an honorary doctorate of arts degree from Boston Conservatory. Notable performances included violinist and faculty member Markus Placci G.P.D. ’04, A.D. ’06, soprano Vanessa Becerra MM ’14, dance faculty member Kurt Douglas BFA ’02, and Broadway actress Alysha Umphress BFA ’04. Famed singer, conductor, and philanthropist Plácido Domingo surprised guests with a pretaped video appearance, and current students paid tribute to beloved conservatory President Richard Ortner, who retired in June 2017 after leading the conservatory for nearly 20 years.
The 150th Anniversary Gala was cochaired by Cynthia and Oliver Curme and Gregory E. Bulger and Richard J. Dix. The Boston Conservatory at Berklee is especially grateful to headliner sponsor Marillyn Zacharis, and VIP table hosts Gregory E. Bulger and Richard J. Dix, Cynthia and Oliver Curme, Pamela S. Kunkemueller, and Martin and Tristin Mannion for their generosity. AE Events designed this special celebration.