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

Double Your Impact: Join the $10,000 Challenge!

In honor of Dorothy’s extraordinary leadership, a dedicated Kaplen JCC Board Member is challenging our community to go further.
Your gift now goes twice as far. Every new donation and every incremental increase will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.
Help us unlock the full match and bring the Gift of Music to even more students! Purchase your tickets or make a donation today! 

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 | Carey White

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