Photo credit: Zaid Hamid Photography
“I promised myself I’m not going to get emotional and here I am with this introduction and I’m very emotional,” said Aniko Gaal Schott after being praised by the hosts of the Young Concert Artists Gala at The Embassy of Turkey. “Mr. Ambassador, once again, thank you so much for your passion and for being a valued member of our cultural bridge into our Washington community. It’s always very meaningful when Ambassadors open their hearts and their Residences to this wonderful organization and to every single person here, thank you for your presence.”
Nash Schott, Aniko Gaal Schott, Amb. and Mrs. Önal
“I cannot tell you how truly meaningful it is to have all of you here today,” she added. “And it is truly humbling to be honored by this wonderful organization. For many years like you, I have worked to contribute as much as I could for this organization whose purpose is very noble. As you have heard, it seeks to find talented musicians from all over the world. YCA nurtures them and lets them shine on the world stage to launch their careers. I have always believed that to be part of this organization makes all of us richer and better. I will always carry this inspirational moment in my heart. Thank you for your recognition and for this wonderful evening.”
Aniko Gaal Schott flanked by The Ambassador of Hungary and Mrs.Takács
Under the Gracious Patronage of The Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye His Excellency Sedat Önal and Mrs.Figen Önal, Shahin Mafi, Gala Chair and the Washington Board of Young Concert Artists the evening honored Aniko for her dedication to the YCA.
“This is a wonderful crowd. We are so delighted that you are here with us this evening. I’m Daniel Kellogg, president of Young Concert Artists and it is a joy to welcome you to the 46th Annual Washington Gala. It’s a true pleasure to gather with all of you this evening at the magnificent residence of The Ambassador of Turkey and we extend our deepest gratitude to his Excellency, Sedat Önal and Mrs Figan Önal and their dedicated staff for their generous hospitality and for hosting this event.”
Ambassador and Mrs. Önal
“It’s a real pleasure to be able to collaborate with Young Concert Artists platform,” said Ambassador Önal. “We really believe in the mission of this institution and we are ready to do whatever we can to support it. I already talked to some of our guests that this house, this residence, also has a legacy about music. It is not classical music, but it is jazz music because the son of the second Ambassador here turned out to be Ahmet Ertegun who founded Atlantic Records and was instrumental in the discovery of many famous jazz musicians here in America – Ray Charles, Duke Ellington and others. And you may have noticed there is actually a movie about Ray Charles in which there is also a part for Ahmet. So we are proud of this legacy because not only for how it contributed to music, but this was a time when there was also some tendencies for segregation. And this was a house for inclusively welcoming everybody from each and every cultural background and it remains as such. Music is a language, is a universal language that I think transcends not only borders, but also space and time. It plays maybe more significant and importance and lasting mission that we may have as diplomats when it comes to connecting cultures, nations and creating empathy between different cultures and nations. So with these things in mind, I would like to again welcome you all and wish you to have an enjoyable evening.”
For 46 years, YCA has had the honor of presenting debut concerts at The Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, beginning with a special invitation to celebrate the hall’s opening in 1979. For nearly 65 years, YCA has invested in the next generation of extraordinary musicians offering life-changing opportunities. Through our international auditions and holistic career development, artists receive mentorship, concert presentations in New York and Washington, publicity support, community engagement training and introductions across the music industry. This season alone, YCA has secured over 850 performance engagements, including 260 in schools and community centers. This evening reflects our shared belief in the enduring power of the arts and their vital role in the fabric of our society. These young artists shape and inspire the future of classical music.
A trio of talented artists performed Piano Trio No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49 by Felix Mendelssohn: Risa Hokamura, violin Aristo Sham, piano Bennett Tsai cello.
Amiko Gaal Schott and JoAnn Mason photo by Janet Donovan
