An Evening in Perfect Harmony: Josh Groban and Warner Music Group Honored at NYC Gala Supporting Music Education

Source: Warner Music Group Corp.

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

April 3rd, 2025 – Music has long been a catalyst for connection, empathy, and growth—and in a city like New York, where every block hums with its own rhythm, access to arts education remains essential. On the evening of April 2nd, that mission took center stage at The Altman Building in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, where the Harmony Program hosted its annual gala, raising nearly $800,000 to expand its outreach.

The night was a celebration not only of music’s transformative power but also of those championing its accessibility. Honorees included global music powerhouse Warner Music Group and Grammy-nominated artist and longtime arts advocate Josh Groban. Guests were treated to live performances from Groban himself as well as from Harmony Program students—moments that underscored the evening’s core message: when young people are given instruments, they find their voice.

Hosted by CBS Mornings Plus anchor Adriana Diaz, the gala offered more than glitz. It spotlighted a cause deeply woven into New York’s cultural fabric: ensuring that all children, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to quality music education. The Harmony Program’s model brings structured music instruction directly into under-served communities, helping students develop both technical skill and social-emotional confidence in a supportive setting.

The organization’s Executive Director and Founder, Anne Fitzgibbon, reflected on Warner Music Group’s long-standing role in helping advance that mission.

Accepting the honor on behalf of Warner Music Group was Kevin Gore, Harmony Program board member and President of Global Catalog at WMG. Speaking to the crowd, Gore emphasized that the company’s commitment goes well beyond check-writing.

Since 2015, WMG has been a key partner in the Harmony Program’s work, supporting initiatives that enable students to not only learn instruments but also to build confidence, discipline, and meaningful peer connections—all through music.

For Josh Groban, the recognition was a personal one. A consistent voice in support of youth arts access, Groban founded the Find Your Light Foundation in 2011 to enrich lives through arts, education, and cultural awareness. On stage, he delivered a deeply felt tribute to the cause.

“The work of the Harmony Program is vitally important because it’s changing the mindset of these young people,” Groban told attendees. “Arts education, in an ever-divided and cynical world, is what tells us about the beauty of our similarities, but more importantly about the beauty of our differences. This honor is so special and it means the world to me.”

His performance later in the evening, backed by Harmony Program students, brought the crowd to its feet—a stirring reminder of how music, when placed in the hands of young people, can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

The evening was orchestrated by a planning committee that included influential names across music, media, and philanthropy: WMG CEO Robert Kyncl, Kevin Gore, Adriana Diaz, Eliah Seton, Heather Buck, Evan Gogel, Kirsten Kern, Dennis Lee, Dr. Kalmon Post, and Rick Song. The gala’s fundraising success was further bolstered by sponsors such as Kirsten and Peter Kern, Georgia and Don Gogel, Jenny and Roy Niederhoffer, Eliah Seton and James McKeever, SoundCloud, and Evan Gogel and Abra Metz-Dworkin.

As arts education faces increasing budget pressures in school systems nationwide, the Harmony Program’s work remains as critical as ever. By celebrating leaders like Warner Music Group and Josh Groban—who continue to advocate not only through words but through action—the gala served as both a fundraiser and a call to arms. It reminded guests that music is more than entertainment. It's a lifeline, a teacher, and for thousands of children across New York City, a gateway to a richer, more connected life.

Warner Music Group (WMG) brings together artists, songwriters, entrepreneurs, and technology that are moving entertainment culture across the globe. Operating in more than 70 countries through a network of affiliates and licensees, WMG's Recorded Music division includes renowned labels such as 10K Projects, 300 Entertainment, Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, EastWest, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled By Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin', Warner Records, Warner Classics, and Warner Music Nashville. WMG's music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a catalog of over one million copyrights spanning every musical genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, which supports the independent community, as well as artist services division WMX.

The Harmony Program is a non-profit organization that provides children from under-served communities with free instruments, intensive music instruction, orchestral training and access to a variety of cultural experiences in an effort to promote self-confidence, creativity, social development and academic success. The Harmony Program's unique model also addresses a shortage of well-trained music teachers by preparing accomplished musicians to teach at public schools and community centers throughout New York City. Learn more by visiting www.harmonyprogram.org.

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