For 50 years, The ASCAP Foundation has quietly been nurturing the soul of American music. As the charitable arm of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the Foundation has long supported emerging talent and music education across the country, helping create pathways for the next generation of composers, songwriters, and performers.
Now, as it celebrates its golden anniversary, The ASCAP Foundation is honoring two exceptional figures who embody its mission: Broadway composer and mentor Stephen Schwartz, and GRAMMY-winning artist and philanthropist Chandrika Tandon.
The two will receive the ASCAP Foundation Champion Award at an intimate event on June 10, 2025, held at the New York City home of Tony Award-winning composer Adam Guettel. The evening will bring together music industry leaders, philanthropists, and arts advocates for a celebration of legacy, impact, and music’s power to uplift.
A statement from the company discloses that the award recognizes “ASCAP members who have made a significant impact through social action and humanitarian efforts.” Previous honorees include legends like Billy Joel, Natalie Merchant, and Judy Collins—Stephen Schwartz and Chandrika Tandon are in fitting company.
Stephen Schwartz is no stranger to accolades. With credits like Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, his music has shaped the landscape of modern musical theatre. He’s also contributed to beloved film scores like Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt, collecting a few Oscars along the way. But beyond the spotlight, Schwartz has quietly invested decades in nurturing new voices, particularly through his longtime leadership of The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshops.
A statement from the company highlights Schwartz’s “passionate advocacy for arts mentorship and education,” noting that he “continues to champion new voices globally.”
Chandrika Tandon, meanwhile, brings a rare blend of business acumen and artistic vision to the table. A Grammy winner for her 2025 album Triveni and a two-time nominee, she’s also a dedicated philanthropist who focuses on emotional well-being, music education, and community empowerment.
A statement from the Foundation underscores her dedication to “elevating human happiness through music education, the arts and emotional well-being.” Tandon serves on the boards of NYU and the New York Academy of Sciences and helped found the Boyd Tandon School of Business at Madras Christian College.
The June event promises not just recognition, but music. Acclaimed composers and lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) will perform a tribute to Schwartz, and Emily Bear (Moana 2, The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical) will offer her own musical reflections and speak about her journey with the Foundation.
Founded in 1975 through a bequest from Tin Pan Alley legend Jack Norworth—of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” fame—the Foundation has expanded dramatically over the years. In 2024 alone, it reached more than 300,000 individuals through mentorships, scholarships, songwriting workshops, and community outreach efforts like Children Will Listen, which introduces students from underserved communities to live theatre.
A statement from ASCAP Foundation President Paul Williams reflects the spirit of the celebration: “As we celebrate 50 years of The ASCAP Foundation’s work empowering music creators and uplifting communities, it is an honor to recognize Stephen and Chandrika—two extraordinary individuals whose artistry and humanitarianism have inspired countless creatives.”
Tickets to the 50th Anniversary Celebration are now available at ascapfoundation.org.
