
Join us at Carnegie Hall
A Grand Concert Honoring
the Dean of American Opera
June 20, 2026 | 8pm | Carnegie Hall
Celebrate the 100th birthday of Carlisle Floyd, one of America’s most influential opera composers, with a landmark Centennial Concert at Carnegie Hall on June 20, 2026. This unforgettable evening features world-renowned artists, orchestral musicians, and the choirs of the University of Houston and Florida State University, performing beloved favorites like “Ain’t It A Pretty Night” alongside rarely heard works and selections from Willie Stark and Cold Sassy Tree.
Featuring
Christopher James Ray, conductor
Gabriella Reyes, soprano
Edward Nelson, tenor
Reginald Smith, Jr., baritone
Ryan McKinny, bass-baritone
With special host
Jake Heggie, composer
And the choirs of
Florida State University
University of Houston
Centennial Concert Sponsors:
Florida State University Sponsor ($50,000): Sallie & Dubose Ausley
University of Houston Joint Sponsors ($25,000): Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation, Patrick F. Taylor Foundation
Special Support ($25,000): Florida State University, Gordon P. Getty, University of Houston
Conductor Sponsor ($20,000): John Shannon & Jan Serr
Artist Sponsors ($10,000): Martha & Jeremy Solomon, Heidi Munzinger & John Shott
We invite you to take part in this extraordinary occasion by becoming a sponsor of the Carlisle Floyd Centennial Concert at Carnegie Hall. Your support will bring this vision to life and ensure that Floyd’s music continues to inspire future generations.
Sponsorship includes a range of exclusive benefits—premier seating at Carnegie Hall, invitations to artist receptions, behind-the-scenes access, and national recognition.
Premier Sponsorship Levels
Presenting Sponsor – $100,000
Two first-tier boxes, top billing, artist reception, national recognition, and morePremier Sponsor – $75,000
One first-tier box, prominent recognition, backstage and VIP accessDistinguished Sponsor – $50,000
First-tier seats, chorus rehearsal access, artist eventsContributing Sponsor – $25,000
Meet the conductor, first-tier seats, full recognitionSupporting Sponsor – $10,000
Second-tier seats, program listing, and VIP reception
Additional Giving Levels
Benefactor – $5,000
Two premium tickets, printed recognitionPatron – $2,500
Two concert tickets, program and website listingSustainer – $1,000
Printed and digital recognitionFriend – $500
Program and website listing