Warner Music Group and Josh Groban Shine at Harmony Program Gala
On April 2, 2025, Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ: WMG) and celebrated artist Josh Groban were honored at the annual Harmony Program gala held at The Altman Building in Flatiron, New York City. The event, hosted by Adriana Diaz of *CBS Mornings Plus*, was a festive celebration that highlighted the organization’s significant contributions to music education in underserved communities, raising nearly $800,000 to support its mission.
1. A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The evening brought together a community of artists, philanthropists, and music lovers, all united in their support for the Harmony Program. The event featured live performances by Groban and talented students from the program, showcasing the transformative power of music education.
Kevin Gore, WMG's President of Global Catalog, accepted the honor on behalf of the company. He expressed the importance of the Harmony Program’s work, stating, "The Harmony Program's work isn't just about expanding access to music education; it's about harnessing the power of music to encourage collaboration and cultivate community." Gore emphasized the necessity of supporting organizations that foster artistic expression and nurture the next generation of leaders and dreamers.
2. Josh Groban: A Passionate Advocate for Arts Education
Josh Groban, a Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist, shared his thoughts on the impact of the Harmony Program during his acceptance speech. He remarked, "The work of the Harmony Program is vitally important because it's changing the mindset of these young people." Groban highlighted the role of arts education in bridging divides and celebrating both similarities and differences in an increasingly polarized world.
Groban's ongoing commitment to arts education is reflected in his establishment of the Find Your Light Foundation in 2011, which aims to enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.
3. Warner Music Group's Longstanding Partnership with Harmony Program
Since 2015, Warner Music Group has been a key partner in the Harmony Program, contributing not only financial support but also providing career mentorship, industry internships, and unique performance opportunities with renowned artists. Anne Fitzgibbon, the Founder and Executive Director of the Harmony Program, praised WMG's commitment, stating, "They exemplify the power of corporate philanthropy to inspire young people, and by extension, their broader communities."
The Harmony Program focuses on giving children access to music education, helping them develop critical life skills and build meaningful relationships in a supportive environment. This initiative has proven essential in addressing the lack of well-trained music teachers in public schools and community centers across New York City.
4. Gala Planning Committee and Sponsors
The successful gala was organized by a planning committee that included notable figures such as WMG CEO Robert Kyncl, Kevin Gore, Adriana Diaz, and others. Additional sponsors included prominent community members and organizations, further demonstrating the wide-ranging support for the Harmony Program's mission.
5. Conclusion
The gala not only celebrated the achievements of the Harmony Program but also highlighted Warner Music Group's pivotal role in promoting music education and community engagement. As the company continues to support initiatives that foster artistic talent and cultural awareness, it reinforces its commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of young people throughout New York City and beyond.