Hochstein’s 2025 Gala, Flourish, was an evening enjoyed by all at the Memorial Art Gallery on March 29, 2025. Friendly faces greeted guests as they entered the venue with excitement for what the evening had in store – a beautiful program, inspiring stories of impact, and a lively paddle call to benefit Hochstein’s Tuition Assistance and Community Access program.
Throughout the cocktail hour, the Scholarship String Quartet and the Klughardt Woodwind Quintet treated guests to beautiful and soothing performances as they mingled among friends. Toward the end of the hour, Hochstein Faculty member Wynton Rice led a spirited pop-up Latin Social Dance class where attendees expressed joy and laughter as they learned the steps with their partners.
As the cocktail hour concluded, guests were ushered into the grand ballroom where tables displayed beautiful white Gerber daisies, donated by Kittelberger Florist & Gifts, as well as cards that displayed the inspiring artwork by Hochstein Expressive Arts students. Host Joe Lomonaco, a familiar face from previous galas, greeted everyone alongside Hochstein’s President & Executive Director Gary Palmer, who thanked attendees for spending the evening to celebrate the essence of the school and its impact on the Greater Rochester region. Board Advisory Director and event Co-Chair Nan Hildebrandt gave a speech about how much she has witnessed Hochstein grow over the years and expressed her excitement as the school continues to broaden its impact throughout the community.
Highlights of the program included Suzuki Presto Strings with “A Sunday Walk” and “The Can-Can”, cellist Helena Dixon with “Adoration”, the Hochstein Youth Guitar Quintet performing “The Grassy Turf” and “O’Carolan’s Farewell to Music”, soprano Lea McDermott singing “Ebben, n’andrò lontana” from La Wally, a performance by violinist Noah Busch, and a number by Joshua Fugate on piano.
Videos created by video production partner Crystal Pix, Inc. were also featured throughout the evening, which spoke to the depth of growth for students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities because of their Hochstein experience.
Guests enjoyed their plated dinner catered by Root Catering and desserts from Cheesy Eddie’s, and the evening concluded with a dynamic paddle call. The energy of support was felt from every corner of the room as people united to donate to Hochstein’s Tuition Assistance & Community Access program. With the raise of each paddle, attendees increased access for countless students to a quality arts education.
With closing remarks from Joe and Gary, attendees then spent the rest of the evening chatting with both new and old friends before heading home. The evening was a true success because of you, our community of support.
On behalf of the entire Hochstein community, we are incredibly grateful to all those who share our vision that one day, everyone can have access to a Hochstein arts education, regardless of age, resources, or abilities. This vision is what grounds us in everything we do.
A special thank you also to our host Joe Lomonaco, event Co-Chairs Nan and Tom Hildebrandt and Kathy and Jon Schumacher, Gala Committee members, our table hosts and sponsors, Board and Advisory Directors, gala attendees, performers, faculty, staff, vendors, partners, and all who contributed to the Gala. Thank you all for championing our mission.
