For more than 150 years, The Grand has stood as a pillar of artistic excellence in downtown Wilmington. And since assuming operation of The Playhouse on Rodney Square in 2015, The Grand has extended its reach beyond Market Street, further cementing its reputation as the premier performing arts organization in the state of Delaware.
Combining the locales of its historic Opera House on Market Street, and its access to the equally historic Playhouse inside the Hotel Du Pont, The Grand is thrilled to once again host its annual gala across both venues on Dec. 5.
Guests enjoy dancing at The Grand Gala.
We are proud to say that The Grand Gala is one of the most exciting social events the city of Wilmington has to offer. But all of us at The Grand are equally, if not more so, proud of what the Gala allows the organization to give back to its community.
Gala is a Grand tradition
Beyond the glitz and glamour of this unforgettable evening, the heart of The Grand Gala lies in the impact it makes on the lives of Delawareans from all age brackets, socioeconomic backgrounds and schools of thought.
The Gala is the largest, most crucial fundraiser for The Grand, directly supporting local artists, students, families, and all those who step foot inside one of our historic venues.
Guests mingle at The Grand Gala, the premiere fundraising event of the The Grand in Wilmington.
The Grand prides itself on the world-class live entertainment it offers to the city of Wilmington and beyond, but we would not be the organization we are without an unwavering commitment to the success of our community engagement and educational outreach initiatives.
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By supporting the Gala, you are helping members of our community in so many ways: celebrating the arts in nature with our Summer in the Parks programming, introducing students to theater through our Stages of Discovery series, supporting the work of local artists through programs such as our Open Mic Nights and Art Loop, making the performing arts accessible to everyone through sensory-friendly entertainment, and so much more.
Your support of The Grand Gala allows these programs and initiatives to not only exist, but to thrive.
A night to remember: 49 years in the making
Bruce Hornsby performs at the 2023 XPoNential Music Festival in Camden, New Jersey. Hornsby will headline The Grand Gala at the Opera House this year.
Having launched in the 1970s in conjunction with The Grand’s extensive restoration to its original splendor, the Gala has been a longstanding tradition in Wilmington, and its mission is more crucial than ever in 2025.
This year, the 49th Annual Grand Gala, presented by Bank of America, will feature Bruce Hornsby with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Rob Moose, as its guest artist, allowing world-class musicians from our own backyard to collaborate with one of rock ‘n’ roll’s foremost songwriters and pianists.
The evening also will feature the presentation of the Grand Medal for Excellence (honoree soon to be announced!).
After the concert, join us for The Ultimate After Party presented by Dawson Wealth Management at the Hotel du Pont and dance the night away in any one of the themed rooms featuring gourmet food, open bars and live music! Your purchase includes the concert and entrance into the Ultimate After Party. Beyond that, your purchase allows The Grand to continue centering our education and community outreach initiatives as the backbone of our organization.
Join us: How to buy tickets
A tempting array of foods are displayed for guests of The Grand Gala.
We would be honored if you would join us on Dec. 5 to celebrate The Grand with the 49th Annual Grand Gala! The evening is truly unique: Every event space, including the stage of The Playhouse itself, is activated with a differently themed room throughout the hotel.
So, grab your tickets, grab your tux or gown, and toast to not only over 150 years of artistic excellence, but decades of commitment to bettering the lives of Wilmingtonians from all backgrounds. Because of your support through fundraisers such as The Grand Gala, over 35,000 students and families have access to affordable live entertainment and educational offerings. By attending this year’s Gala, you’re helping make that number even larger.
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To purchase tickets and find more information about the Gala and the programs it supports, visit TheGrandWilmington.org/GALA. We hope to see you there, and raise a glass to not only another successful season at The Grand, but also to providing accessible art, education, community, and joy to all Delawareans-right in their own backyard.
Kate Baker Frawley is director of development of The Grand.
Kate Baker Frawley is director of development of The Grand.
Open Call
Open Call is hosted by regional arts and cultural groups on Sundays. If you know a group that would like to be included, please email Tammy Paolino at [email protected] for details.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: 49th annual Grand Gala features Bruce Hornsby, symphony in Wilmington
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