(L-R): Justin Paul, Paul Williams, Stephen Schwartz, Chandrika Tandon, Emily Bear, Benj Pasek, Nicole George-Middleton
The ASCAP Foundation announced that, on Tuesday, June 10, it "celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the New York City home of Tony-winning composer Adam Guettel (Floyd Collins, The Light in the Piazza, To Kill a Mockingbird, Days of Wine and Roses), honoring legendary Broadway composer and humanitarian Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Prince of Egypt) and acclaimed artist and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon with The ASCAP Foundation Champion Award."
"Foundation program alumni and composer/lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) performed a tribute to Schwartz, and fellow Foundation program alum, the composer, pianist, and singer-songwriter Emily Bear (Moana 2, The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical) performed and talked about her creative journey and support for The ASCAP Foundation," they continued.
"The intimate event gathered music industry leaders, philanthropists, and arts advocates to celebrate the honorees’ creative and humanitarian legacies, and to celebrate five decades of The ASCAP Foundation’s mission to empower music creators through education, mentorship, and community engagement."
According to a press release, "Founded in 1975 with a bequest from the estate of Tin Pan Alley songwriter Jack Norworth—the songwriter behind 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame'—The ASCAP Foundation has supported American music creators through music education, talent development and humanitarian programs for five decades. In 2024 alone, its programs reached more than 300,000 individuals, including 60,000 K–12 students, through scholarships, mentorship initiatives and educational programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards and community outreach programs like “Children Will Listen,” which brings children from underserved communities to what may be their first Broadway show. "
"The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and music lovers throughout the United States, and, since 2000, has contributed over $28 million in charitable giving through grants and programs, awarded over 2,100 cash awards, and given more than 1,500 scholarships. The ASCAP Foundation also has a reputation for recognizing major talent early in their careers - like Pasek & Paul, Bear, Lin-Manuel Miranda, King Princess, John Mayer, and Shaina Taub (SUFFS) to name a few."
"The celebration last night kicked off with remarks from The ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams, who reflected on the organization’s evolution over the years, and its role in nurturing generations of songwriters and composer: 'For 50 years, The ASCAP Foundation has kept hope at the center of its mission - today, the Foundation is giving hope to hundreds of thousands of budding music creators.'"
"Bear then took the stage for a special performance and shared her personal connection to The ASCAP Foundation – she won her first Foundation recognition when she was six – while speaking about the importance of supporting, and believing in, emerging creators."
"Following Bear’s performance, Tandon and Schwartz were called to receive their awards. The ASCAP Foundation Champion Award honors members and partners who have made a meaningful social impact through their creative work and public service. Previous recipients include Billy Joel, Natalie Merchant, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie and Ne-Yo."
"Schwartz, recognized for his unparalleled contributions to musical theater, reflected on the importance of artistic mentorship, and the joy of seeing young voices thrive. 'I’ve been a member of ASCAP during seven decades,' he said while talking about how mentorship and supporting others have been the most gratifying parts of his music career. And in accepting her award, Tandon, who was recognized for her visionary philanthropy and work in arts and wellness education, praised the Foundation’s work providing music education to children who grew up from underserved backgrounds like she did."
"Following the awards speeches, guests were treated to a tribute performance to Schwartz by Pasek and Paul, who shared a heartfelt message about their adoration for his work and their connection to the Foundation."
“When we were in college, we met Stephen Schwartz and he offered to give us thoughts on songs we’d written – a few months later, he sent us a 19-page email with the most amazing, thorough feedback. Later on, we learned that we weren’t unique – that’s just what Stephen does, he helps the next generation of musical theater composers to get better.”
The night, they said, concluded with cocktails, a piano performance, and a silent auction.
