By Anne White
Grace Farms celebrated its ninth anniversary on Monday, October 21, with a special performance by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), marking a significant moment in its history. The orchestra, led by Fellow Conductor Luis Castillo-Briceño, performed in the Sanctuary of Grace Farms’ River building, featuring 31 musicians in a program exploring the themes of “Architecture Moves Us” and “Moments Remembered.”
The performance included works such as Maurice Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Jessie Montgomery’s Strum, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40. Composer Jessie Montgomery attended the event and introduced her piece. The evening ended with an encore of Edward Elgar’s Salut d’Amour, which was met with an extended standing ovation from the audience.
Sharon Prince, CEO and Founder of Grace Farms Foundation, addressed the significance of the event, stating, “Nine years ago, I remarked that the possibilities we could achieve here together are as open as the landscape of Grace Farms. Tonight’s contribution to our history and our future by the London Philharmonic Orchestra demonstrates that this is remarkably coming to pass. We are honored to welcome one of the world’s greatest orchestras to Grace Farms.”
This event marks the third collaboration between Grace Farms and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. An LPO quartet’s performance is currently featured in Grace Farms’ Design for Freedom exhibit With Every Fiber, located in the West Barn. This exhibit educates visitors about Design for Freedom’s mission to unveil and eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain. The music, initially recorded in London on June 12, 2022, during the UN World Day Against Child Labor, was performed inside the 2022 Serpentine Pavilion by Theaster Gates, a Design for Freedom Pilot Project.
David Burke, Chief Executive of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, joined Sharon Prince at the celebration, alongside composer Jessie Montgomery and Elena Dubinets, Artistic Director of the LPO. The event brought together leaders in the arts and philanthropy, who took part in a reception following the concert to celebrate Grace Farms’ accomplishments over the past nine years.
Grace Farms Foundation’s annual benefit event, which featured the LPO’s performance, supports the long-term sustainability of Grace Farms and the conservation of its 80-acre landscape. The benefit also aids in the development of intergenerational programming and humanitarian efforts, such as the global Design for Freedom movement.
Grace Farms, located in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a cultural and humanitarian hub known for its commitment to nature, arts, justice, and community. Designed by SANAA, its River building and barns sit within 80 acres of preserved landscape. The organization’s work includes leading initiatives to combat modern slavery, both locally and globally.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1932, is one of the world’s leading orchestras. Known for its groundbreaking performances, the LPO is a resident orchestra at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London and maintains a strong international presence through global tours and an extensive education program.
The event was a fitting celebration of Grace Farms’ mission to foster collaboration and grace through cultural and humanitarian efforts, underscored by the exceptional performance from one of the world’s finest orchestras.
