New York Philharmonic announces largest individual donation

NEW YORK (AP) — Opening night of the New York Philharmonic's 174th season brought music and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the announcement of the largest individual donation in the orchestra's history. The New York Times reports Oscar Schafer, chairman of the Philharmonic's board, and his wife presented the $25 million gift Thursday in the newly re-named David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. Schafer says he hopes his donation inspires more gifts from his fellow board members. Officials say Schafer's donation, along with $100 million pledged by Geffen, signifies that the orchestra's longtime plans to renovate their concert hall are taking shape. Repairs are expected to cost over $500 million. Schafer says he fell in love with classical music when he heard Beethoven's "Archduke" in a music class at Harvard University.