“The Roast of Carlos Miguel Prieto” was the first fundraiser of its kind for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, held at The Roosevelt New Orleans on Thursday, October 25, to honor its Music Director with humor and to raise funds to support community engagement with the LPO. This season marks the Mexican conductor’s sixth season with the LPO.
Mimi Kruger, Associate Director of Patron Development for the LPO, was quick to explain the lightheartedness of the evening. “It was an event designed to honor the music director.”
The 200 guests at the sit-down dinner were treated to a roasted beet salad, braised short ribs with mashed potatoes, brown sugar honey glazed carrots and blackberry crisp à la mode before the real cooking of the night started.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu broke the night open by cracking a few jokes, followed by monologues from a few other local celebrities: Dr. Stephen Hales, Nell Nolan, Principal Pianist Jim Atwood and Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Prieto Sr., the music director’s parents. Internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma closed off the night with a few biting yet good-hearted remarks.
‘The love of Carlos was evident by those who roasted him,” said LPO Director of Development, Mark McCreary.
Event at a Glance
What: “Roast of Carlos Miguel Prieto,” benefiting the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
When: Thursday, October 25
Where: The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel
