The Hollywood greats come out for the BAM Gala, Brooklyn

THE Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) pulled out all the stops for its recent spring gala, which saw Hollywood greats Jeremy Irons and Darren Aronofsky honoured. Taking place in a cavernous warehouse at Brooklyn’s Cruise Terminal that guests entered via a fuchsia pink carpet, the stunning riverside views helped to set the evening’s ambience.

BAM Gala 2018 Honors Darren Aronofsky, Jeremy Irons, And Nora Ann WallaceJeremy Irons and Joan Juliet Buck at the BAM Gala. Photographer Cindy Ord

BAM, which is America’s oldest performing arts centre, having operated since 1861, is a supremely important organisation in New York City, providing a multifaceted public programme that includes cinema, theatre, music, dance and the visual arts. In terms of real estate, the institution runs four cinemas, an opera house, a theatre and a performance space, not to mention several rehearsal and education outlets.

BAM Gala 2018 Honors Darren Aronofsky, Jeremy Irons, And Nora Ann WallaceDarren Aronofsky and Jennifer Lawrence at the BAM Gala. Photographer Cindy Ord

As a leader in artistic innovation, it was nice to find that the venue for BAM’s party had been transformed into a gorgeous-looking space courtesy of pretty floral arrangements by Fleurs Bella. Delicious dishes (black onyx grissini, roast seabream) were provided by Great Performances.

BAM Gala 2018 Honors Darren Aronofsky, Jeremy Irons, And Nora Ann WallaceThe Gala’s dining room. Photographer Cindy Ord

Film director Aronofsky, who came to mainstream attention with his 2010 movie Black Swan, was born and raised in Brooklyn, so the BAM accolade was something of a homecoming. He was introduced to the stage by none other than Jennifer Lawrence, who was seen in Mother!, the director’s horror film from last year.

Joan Juliet Buck, former editor of French Vogue, presented her good friend Jeremy Irons with a heartfelt speech that touched on the actor’s early career as a social worker in London, as well as his strong connections to Ireland. Irons, who recently starred in BAM’s theatrical production of A Long’s Day’s Journey into Night, accepted the tribute with utter graciousness and pizazz, though just seeing this legend in the flesh was enough of a treat for most guests.

Giselle of Loneliness - a ballet performance at the BAM Gala Photo credit- Theo WargoGiselle of Loneliness – a ballet performance at the BAM. Gala Photograph: Theo Wargo

Touching on BAM’s commitment to performance of all kinds, the dinner was interspersed with several works during the evening including a dramatic piece called The Dialogue of the Carmelites that featured Isabella Rossellini and Carrie Mae Weems; a witty ballet Giselle of Loneliness; and a musical performance by vocalist Amy León.

by Derby Jones

Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tel: +1 718 636 4100
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