April 2, 2025
The Rose Studio, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
On a Wednesday evening in April, Musicians Advocacy Fund welcomed supporters, board members, grantees, and staff to its second annual concert and reception at the Rose Studio at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
The evening opened with MAF Executive Director Kristin Lancino and Artistic Advisor Wu Han unveiling a Depression-era photo from MAF’s first-ever fundraiser. The black-and-white image shows 16,000 people filling Madison Square Garden on February 8, 1932, to hear pianist Ignacy Jan Paderewski perform a solo benefit concert. All proceeds went to MAF—a powerful nod to our long-standing commitment to support musicians in times of need.
Lancino and Wu Han also announced the recipients of MAF’s Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 grants.
Among those in attendance were violinist Austin Wulliman of the JACK Quartet, soprano Amanda Batista, and Bridget Budish, Executive Director of Project: Music Heals Us.
The night concluded with a lively performance by MAF grantees Paul Huang (violin), Danbi Um (violin), and Orion Weiss (piano). Their masterful interpretations of Korngold, Grieg, and Sarasate lingered in the air during the reception that followed—a reminder of music’s power to move and inspire, and of the importance of supporting it.
