Gift of Music 2026

Join us as we celebrate Dorothy Kaplan Roffman, Thurnauer’s founding director, and honor her 41 years of visionary leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication to our school.

The evening will feature inspiring performances by Thurnauer ensembles, distinguished faculty, and special guest artists, coming together to pay tribute to Dorothy’s extraordinary legacy.

Concert Program Highlights:

• Alum Kevin Lin, Concert Master of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, joining our faculty, students, and alumni to perform Mendelssohn’s String Octet

• Orchestra performing Leonard Bernstein’s Mambo with past alumni

• Faculty, Emi Ostrom, composing and premiering a piece dedicated to Dorothy and Suzuki tunes

Sunday, March 29, 2026
3:00-4:00 PM
Open Exhibition Celebrating Dorothy Kaplan Roffman and Four Decades of Thurnauer School of Music
4:00-5:30 PM
Gift of Music Scholarship Benefit Concert
6:00-8:00 PM
VIP Reception at Lefkes in Englewood Cliffs (Dietary restrictions can be honored)

Host
Elliott Forrest, WQXR 105.9FM
Concert Co-Chairs
Craig Barnett | Amelia Gold
Vivian Holzer I Carey White

Festive Cocktail Attire
The Gift of Music is made possible by Drs. Joan & Alan Handler