Hannah Shmerler receives Golden Baton Award

On Thursday, May 28 the Westchester Philharmonic honored its donors with the 3rd annual Friends of the Phil Dinner at Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club. The dinner is a tribute to the passion, vision, and dedication of like-minded individuals, in whom the power and beauty of music stir a personal desire to help sustain it.

In only its third year, 100 supporters of the Phil heard a keynote by Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the famed Leonard Bernstein, and a delightful performance by rising pianist Joseph Mohan. The 2015 Golden Baton Award was given to long-time orchestra board member Hannah Shmerler. 2014 awardee Dr. Shawn Amdur (a Rye resident and Music Department Chair of the Rye City School District was on hand to “pass the baton” at the festive event.

Hannah Shmerler has served as a treasured member of the Board of Directors of Westchester Philharmonic for nearly 20 years. With a deep commitment to the arts in the community Hannah also serves on the boards of the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College and ArtsWestchester. Hannah and Walter Shmerler were honored at the 2014 gala of The Performing Arts Center at Purchase College and by ArtsWestchester with a 2014 Arts Patron Award.

Wine for the event was provided by Aries Wines and Spirits of White Plains and flowers were provided by Joseph Richard Florals. Piano courtesy of Faust Harrison Pianos.

Pictured: Executive Director Joshua Worby, Hannah Shmerler and keynote speaker Jamie Bernstein.