#United States #New York #Harmony Program #Souncloud #Ben Platt

Harmony Program's Annual Gala: A Celebration of Music Education

On May 5, 2026, the Harmony Program hosted its highly anticipated annual gala at Sony Hall in New York City, bringing together a remarkable blend of leaders from the music, media, and philanthropy sectors. This year's event recognized the pivotal contributions of prominent honorees — Eliah Seton, the CEO of SoundCloud, and Ben Platt, a celebrated actor, singer, and producer known for his accolades including Tonys and Grammys. The gala not only celebrated their achievements but also spotlighted the vital mission of the Harmony Program in providing young individuals access to music education.

Honorees Making a Difference

Eliah Seton was acknowledged as the 2026 Corporate Honoree, thanks to his unwavering support of the Harmony Program's mission. Seton, who serves on the organization's Board of Directors, has demonstrated his commitment to fostering music education accessibility over the past decade. During his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for youth in the arts, stating, “Harmony provides access to those who would not otherwise have it, and in doing so, it can help shape the next generation of artists, fans, and leaders.” His passionate words resonated with the audience, reiterating the responsibility the music community bears in creating pathways for budding talents.

Ben Platt, the Artistic Honoree for the evening, captured hearts with his speech about the transformative power of music education in young people's lives. Known for originating the title role in Dear Evan Hansen, Platt articulated the lasting impact of the Harmony Program, highlighting how it nurtures creativity and self-expression among its students. With sincerity, he remarked, “The Harmony Program is doing that work every day, creating space for students to express themselves, build confidence, and find their voices.”

A Year of Growth and Expansion

The gala served as a platform to celebrate the successful expansion of the Harmony Program's offerings within New York City. In 2026, the organization introduced a year-round continuum of music training, which includes diverse community-based instruction, an annual summer camp hosted at The Juilliard School, and an expanding network of orchestras and choirs. Together, these initiatives have positively impacted over 1,200 students across all five boroughs, fostering musical talents who will thrive in various prestigious performances and settings.

This year, students from the Harmony Program have triumphed on some of the world's most distinguished stages, including the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Juilliard and the Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall. They also participated in enriching masterclasses conducted by esteemed musicians from the GRAMMY Award-winning Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, further broadening their horizons and experiences in the arts.

The funds raised during the gala will fuel the Harmony Program’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to quality music education for underserved communities in New York City, ensuring that these young talents have the resources they need to flourish.

About the Harmony Program

Founded in 2008, the Harmony Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing under-served youth with free instruments, music instruction, and opportunities for cultural engagement. By addressing the shortage of trained music educators, the program equips professional musicians to teach in public schools and community centers throughout New York City. Since its inception, the Harmony Program has positively impacted the lives of over 12,000 students, reaffirming its commitment to promoting healthy social and academic growth through music education.

To learn more about the Harmony Program and how you can support their mission, visit www.HarmonyProgram.org.

About SoundCloud

SoundCloud, founded in 2007, is a creator-centered platform designed to empower artists, tastemakers, and fans to connect through music. With over 500 million tracks available from more than 40 million artists worldwide, SoundCloud continues to be at the forefront of the music scene, enabling emerging talents to discover their unique voices and establish their careers.

Conclusion

The Harmony Program's annual gala stands as a testament to the power of music education and its ability to create a nurturing community for young, aspiring artists. Through the support of impactful leaders like Eliah Seton and Ben Platt, the organization continues to inspire a brighter future for music education in New York City.