New York, NY — October 18, 2022 — Young Concert Artists (YCA) announces today that it will honor Deborah Borda, Linda and Mitch Hart President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic at the 62nd YCA Gala on Monday, May 8, 6:00 PM, at Jazz at Lincoln Center, in addition to announcing the appointment of a new Board of Directors Chairman.

Throughout her career Deborah Borda has extended the artistic, commercial, and technological boundaries of what artists and ensembles can be in the 21st century through creative leadership, commitment to innovation, and progressive vision. As recognition of these efforts, YCA will honor Borda during the Gala, which will feature an evening of performances, celebrating the organization's 62-year history of fostering and developing the next generation of talented young artists.

“We are thrilled to honor Deborah Borda at our Gala this year. Deborah’s extraordinary legacy has created a strong future for young musicians. Through the renovation of Geffen Hall, the creation of Disney Hall, and Deborah’s innovative leadership at two of the most important US orchestras, she has changed the landscape of classical music for the better. She has invested heavily in the brilliant young musicians we serve at YCA, and we are delighted to celebrate her work.”  Daniel Kellogg, YCA President

“Deborah epitomizes all that is wonderful in music and the arts, and has been a shining star in the musical firmament of New York City and the world. We could not be more excited to honor Deborah, and thank her for all she has done for many, world-class young artists included.” Paul Sekhri, YCA Chairman of the Board of Directors

“For 60 years, Young Concert Artists has enriched the musical world by creating contexts in which gifted young musicians can develop their art. YCA has helped cultivate the careers of so many of today’s leading performers, including members of the New York Philharmonic, and its impact will only grow with Paul Sekhri’ s arrival as a visionary new Chair. It is a profound honor to be recognized by such a forward-looking organization, especially since we share a commitment to amplifying the voices of emerging musicians and, through such action, empowering the future of our artform.” Deborah Borda, CEO of the New York Philharmonic, and YCA Gala Honoree

In addition to the honoring of Deborah Borda, YCA also announced the appointment of Paul Sekhri as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

As Board Chair, Mr. Sekhri will lead the organization through a new and transformative 4-year strategic plan which will create the artists-leaders of the future, broaden the impact of YCA, expand the YCA footprint, and create a strong future for the organization and the artists the organization serves.

Mr. Sekhri has over 30 years of experience in the Life Sciences Industry and has served as a senior executive of numerous large corporate and biotechnology companies including vTv Therapeutics, eGenesis, and Lycera Corp. He has been a director on more than 30 private, public company, and Non-Profit Boards and is currently on the Board of Directors of Axcella Therapeutics, eGenesis, Inc., Ipsen, S.A., Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Spring Discovery, and Veeva Systems Inc.  Mr. Sekhri is also the Chairman of the Board of Compugen Ltd. and Chairman of the Board of Pharming N.V.

Mr. Sekhri studied piano seriously in his youth and has remained a passionate advocate for classical music and an enthusiastic audience member ever since. With an extensive dedication and generosity to classical musicians and classical music organizations, Mr. Sekhri is also on the Board of Directors of The Metropolitan Opera, The English Concert in America, and is Chairman of the Board of the Knights, a New York-based orchestra. He formerly served on the Board of Trustees for Carnegie Hall and previously served on the Young Concert Artists Board as its Vice Chairman.

“YCA is honored to welcome Paul whose experience, dedication and enthusiasm for classical music is an inspiration to everyone at YCA.” Michael Ambler, YCA Chairman 2012-2022

“It is a joy to begin our work with Paul Sekhri in this critical leadership position. Paul’s desire to support young musicians brought him to YCA many years ago and we greatly appreciate his faithful support. This is a wonderful moment to build a strong future for the organization and to offer unparalleled career support, mentorship, and resources to help the most promising young musicians shape the future of classical music. Paul’s extensive leadership experience and love of music will be a gift of partnership for YCA’s strong Board as we forge a bright future for these young musicians.” Daniel Kellogg, YCA President 2019 to present

“I am honored to step into the role as Chairman of the Board of this remarkable organization. I look forward to working with the Board and staff as we continue the singular mission of YCA in caring for, encouraging, supporting, and fostering the careers of truly world-class musicians; those musicians for whom, as Van Cliburn put it, making music is like breathing oxygen.” Paul Sekhri, YCA Board Chairman

About YCA