NSO Announces European Tour in Early 2013

The National Symphony Orchestra recently announced that they will embark on a four country European tour beginning January 31, 2013. The orchestra, under the direction of Christoph Eschenbach, will perform in Madrid and Murcia, Spain; Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Nürnberg, and Frankfurt, Germany; Paris, France; and Muscat, Oman. The tour date in Oman was added after the tour’s initial announcement and the National Symphony Orchestra will be the first major American orchestra to perform at the Royal Opera House Muscat.

The NSO is currently wrapping up its second international tour in eight months. It is currently wrapping up the Americas tour, which included stops in Trinidad, Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Over the years, the NSO has celebrated many touring milestones. The first international tour was in 1959 and made stops in 19 countries over the course of 12 weeks.

“From the earliest days of my appointment as National Symphony Orchestra Music Director, I have said that I wanted to bring this great orchestra to the attention of the world,” Eschenbach said. “To be making our second international tour so quickly after our first, is tribute to the wonderful musicians of the NSO, and to our work together.”

Connie Milstein, a Washington, D.C. resident and huge supporter of the arts, serves on the National Symphony Orchestra’s Board of Advisors.

NYU Washington D.C. Academic Facility Officially Open to Students

Connie Milstein, right, attended the NYU Washington D.C. ribbon cutting on Monday, Sept. 24.

Last week, NYU expanded its presence in the nation’s capitol as it cut the ribbon on the Constance Milstein and Family Global Academic Center. University students can now “study abroad” in D.C., taking classes, conducting research and pursuing internships from the 75,000 sq. ft. academic facility. Located just blocks from the White House, the curriculum offerings will focus on politics, government, public administration, and journalism, among other trends. NYU hopes to place many of the visiting students in internships or jobs by tapping the large number of NYU alumni in the city. 

The campus was made a reality through generous donations by Connie Milstein, Principal and Co-founder of Ogden CAP Properties, LLC, and local philanthropist; and Ronald Abramson, a shareholder in the firm of Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney.

“On behalf of the entire NYU community, I thank Connie Milstein and Ron Abramson for their wonderful gifts, as well as the many other alumni and friends who supported NYU Washington D.C. Their philanthropy 

and their belief in us are potent validations of the global academic network NYU is building,” said NYU President John Sexton.

NYU’s Washington, D.C. site is the 14^th NYU-operated academic center outside of New York City. It was designed for NYU by Hickok Cole Architects and the general contractor was the Sigal Corporation. Construction began in December 2010 and the University is currently applying for LEED Certification for the building.

Ford's Theatre Partners with Miriam's Kitchen for Holiday Fundraising

As the holiday season approaches, many D.C. organizations and philanthropists, like Connie Milstein, work to assist those who may need help during the upcoming winter months. The Ford’s Theatre Society, which Ms. Milstein serves as a trustee, is helping D.C. residents in need in a rather unique way this season. From November 18 to December 31, the theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol will raise money for Miriam’s Kitchen by accepting donations during the curtain call of each show. This partnership was inspired by the themes of charity found in Dickens’ holiday classic.

“Each winter, the story of A Christmas Carol renews in us, as it does in Scrooge, a compassionate and generous heart,” said Director of Ford’s Theatre Society Paul Tetreault in a press statement. “In selecting Miram’s Kitchen as recipients of this year’s donation drive, the cast of A Christmas Carol and our audiences can help make a difference in the lives of thousands in the D.C.-area struggling with hunger and homelessness.”

Miriam’s Kitchen has served as a resource for the 12,000 homeless individuals in D.C. for the past thirty years. The nonprofit offers warm, healthy means and case management services to those who may not otherwise seek help. In 2011, Miriam’s Kitchen served more than 4,000 homeless individuals through its comprehensive mental health, medical care, legal assistance, substance abuse counseling, employment resources and housing options.

This is the third year that the Ford’s Theatre society has partnered with a local nonprofit during its production of A Christmas Carol. In 2010, the theatre partnered with So Others Might Eat (SOME) and raised over $77,000. In 2009, the theatre partnered with Bread for the City and raised enough money to provide D.C. families in need with nearly 2,000 meals.

Connie Milstein Throws Book Bash For Former PM Brown

Former Prime Minister of England, Gordon Brown, was welcomed with a festive book premiere by Connie Milstein last Saturday at her Washington D.C. Jefferson Hotel. The party was sponsored by Ms. Milstein along with her husband J.C. de La Haye St. Hilaire and with additional help from her friends Ted Greenberg and Tammy Haddad.

Gordon Brown is promoting his new book “Beyond the Crash: Overcoming the First Crisis of Globalization” across the world.

View the following video and hear some introductory remarks from Connie Milstein and a discussion of some of the ideas in ex prime minister Brown's book.

Connie Milstein Supporter of NYU Development

The School of Arts and Science at New York University has been adding creative programming to its curriculum, and Connie Milstein, alumnus, trustee and friend of NYU has been behind much of the new creative energy.

NYU students who want to experience the exciting political, cultural and intellectual life in our country’s capital now have a permanent home from which to do it. The Constance Milstein and Family Academic Center in Washington, D.C. gives NYU students a chance to experience the heartbeat of America from the very center from which it emanates.

Back in New York, freshman entering NYU’s School of Arts and Science will participate in the Collegiate Seminar Program, which was launched in 2007, where they will be challenged intellectually and supported academically. Connie Milstein was the force behind this innovative program which partners students with mentors who will see them through until the conclusion of their undergraduate careers.

Academic excellence is continuously improving and developing at NYU, with encouragement, creative energy and help from Connie Milstein.