In 2024, award-winning and Grammy-nominated recording artist Michael Feinstein partnered with Carnegie Hall as he created this special musical tribute to American Songbook master Tony Bennett. Following the show's sold-out spring 2024 debut in Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall, Feinstein took it on a 50-city tour, appearing at venues across the country. With tunes made famous by his close friend—including "Because of You," "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," and "New York State of Mind"—this concert celebrates the songs and stories of the legendary Bennett, whose career spanned more than seven decades, featuring what Feinstein calls "a body of work surpassed by none."
The Carnegie Hall+ premiere date for this highly entertaining program—filmed at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California, with generous support from Elizabeth Segerstrom, and directed by Habib Azar— was selected to coincide with the late Bennett's birthday (August 3). The production is a collaboration between Carnegie Hall, Segerstrom Center, and Carrberry Companies.
Feinstein's close friendship with Tony Bennett, whom he calls "one of the most enduring icons of the twentieth century," adds a profound layer to this tribute, as the camaraderie that they shared brings depth to each note performed. Bennett made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1961 on a benefit performance for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, part of an all-star line-up that included Frank Sinatra, the "Rat Pack" and many more. He first headlined at Carnegie Hall in 1962 and he went on to perform on the Hall's illustrious stage more than another 20 times. His final appearance was in 2011 when he took to the stage to duet with acclaimed singer-songwriter James Taylor.
Michael Feinstein continues to build a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world. From recordings that have earned him five Grammy Award nominations to his Emmy nominated PBS-TV specials, his acclaimed NPR series and concerts spanning the globe—in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, and Sydney Opera House—his work as an educator and archivist define Feinstein as one of today's most important artists.
Feinstein made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1978 in a performance celebrating the music of George and Ira Gershwin. He has appeared at the Hall more than 100 times. For the last twenty years, his "Standard Time with Michael Feinstein" series at Carnegie Hall has illuminated the timeless musical traditions of the Great American Songbook, Broadway, and beyond.
Carnegie Hall+ is available as an add-on subscription on the Apple TV app, Prime Video Channels, and through select providers like Spectrum, Xfinity, Xumo, Verizon Fios, DISH, and Sling TV.
Click here to watch an excerpt from Michael Feinstein's Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett, featuring the Carnegie Hall Big Band.
Click here to watch a special video feature about big band and American popular music at Carnegie Hall, narrated by Feinstein.
This production of "Because of You" is made possible with generous support from The Henry T. and Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation
About Michael Feinstein
Michael Feinstein, a celebrated multi-platinum recording artist and world-renowned music archivist, has dedicated over four decades to the Great American Songbook. His career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to classic American music, earning him the title of a leading interpreter. His remarkable ability to bring new life to timeless songs has garnered him acclaim and numerous accolades, including GRAMMY, EMMY, nominations and a TONY Award for Mr. Feinstein's New York venue. His extensive discography, filled with collaborations with legends, underscores his significant contributions to preserving and celebrating American musical heritage.
Feinstein's remarkable achievements include his role as Artistic Director for the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, a beacon of education and preservation of America's musical legacy. His impressive live performances, including sold-out shows at major venues like Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl, have solidified his status as a premier performer in the genre
About Carnegie Hall+
Carnegie Hall+ is a premium subscription video-on-demand channel that provides unprecedented access to extraordinary performances by internationally celebrated artists from the most renowned stages around the globe. It is available as an add-on subscription on the Apple TV app, Prime Video Channels, Spectrum, Xfinity, Xumo, Verizon Fios, Cox, DISH, and Sling TV.
With programming curated by Carnegie Hall, the channel offers an extensive collection of new and historic full-length classical music concerts, operas, dance, documentaries, artist profiles, family and holiday programs, plus more, inviting viewers to create an at-home journey of musical discovery—wherever they may be.
Launched in 2021, Carnegie Hall+ was created through a partnership between Carnegie Hall and Unitel, the world's leading classical music audiovisual producer and distributor. Presentations featured on the channel are selected by Carnegie Hall from Unitel's stellar catalog, one of the largest of its kind in the world. The premium channel is aligned with Carnegie Hall's mission to bring the transformative power of music to the widest possible audience.
"Carnegie Hall+ opens a window to viewers to some of the world's most thrilling artists and arts venues, representing the best in performing arts programming" said Clive Gillinson, Carnegie Hall's Executive and Artistic Director. "When watching the channel, subscribers can journey to the Salzburg Festival in Austria, the BBC Proms in London, or watch the Vienna Philharmonic perform in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna, plus much more. Hundreds of hours of programming have been specially curated with all arts lovers—from casual viewers to aficionados—in mind, all at an affordable price."
For more information about Carnegie Hall+—including a browsable catalogue of current programming and subscription information—please visit carnegiehallplus.com
About Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Segerstrom Center for the Arts® is an innovative nonprofit organization that champions artistic excellence and fosters a vibrant, inclusive community in Orange County California through the transformative power of live performance. As the region's leading cultural hub, the Center offers a diverse array of programming, featuring international dance companies, Broadway national tours, jazz and cabaret musicians, and an engaging speaker series. Its Education and Community Engagement departments present family-friendly events on the picturesque Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, including outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and lively festivals.
With six stunning venues nestled within a beautiful multi-disciplinary campus, the Center is home to the region's most esteemed performing arts organizations, including the Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and Orange County Museum of Art. Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities.
The Center continues to uphold the vision of its founder, Henry Segerstrom, remaining true to its mission as the premier arts in Orange County since its inception in 1986 as Orange County Performing Arts Center®.
SOURCE Carnegie Hall
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