This Gala isn’t just about music—it’s about the stories we tell without words. For over a decade, we’ve seen artists from every corner of the world come together on one stage, proving that jazz is more than a genre; it’s a shared human language.
—Michael Brovkine, Founder of Made In New York Jazz
After years of successful performances, the Made In New York Jazz Gala returns in 2025 with a bold new chapter—taking the stage for the first time at the prestigious Neidorff-Karpati Hall at Manhattan School of Music on Friday, May 31 at 7:30 PM. This year’s Gala continues its tradition of bringing jazz legends and international rising stars together for a one-of-a-kind celebration of creativity, collaboration, and global connection.
The Gala is a signature event of the Made In New York Jazz brand—founded in 2010 with a mission to connect communities through world-class jazz across all five boroughs. The evening will feature Grammy-winning drummer Lenny White, legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker, Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis, and acclaimed saxophonist Yaacov Mayman.
The winners and the front runners of the Made In New York Jazz Competition will attend the event, which now connects artists from over 70 countries. The 2025 honorees include Who Parked The Car (France), Maaike den Dunnen (Netherlands), Emma Giulia (France), and Davide Cerreta (Italy).
A special highlight of the evening is the premiere of “Aria Italiana”, an original performance blending Italian opera and jazz, led by renowned saxophonist and educator Marco Pignataro.
“Jazz, like opera, is about emotion and storytelling. This project brings both traditions into one voice,” says Pignataro, Managing Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.
The Gala is a signature event of the Made In New York Jazz brand—founded in 2010 with a mission to connect communities through world-class jazz across all five boroughs. The evening will feature Grammy-winning drummer Lenny White, legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker, Grammy-winning vocalist Nicole Zuraitis, and acclaimed saxophonist Yaacov Mayman.
The winners and the front runners of the Made In New York Jazz Competition will attend the event, which now connects artists from over 70 countries. The 2025 honorees include Who Parked The Car (France), Maaike den Dunnen (Netherlands), Emma Giulia (France), and Davide Cerreta (Italy).
A special highlight of the evening is the premiere of “Aria Italiana”, an original performance blending Italian opera and jazz, led by renowned saxophonist and educator Marco Pignataro.
“Jazz, like opera, is about emotion and storytelling. This project brings both traditions into one voice,” says Pignataro, Managing Director of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.
