The evening, which will begin with a 6 PM reception, followed by the 7 PM entertainment, will feature the talents of Tony winners Barbara Cook, Harvey Fierstein, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tommy Tune and Harold Prince as well as Charlotte Rae, Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz and Oscar winner David Shire.

Adding their voices to the celebration with songs and recollections will be Kate Baldwin, Liz Callaway, David Garrison, Shuler Hensley, Lisa Livesay, Sally Mayes, Alexandra Silber, Matthew Sklar and Lynne Wintersteller. The performers will offer songs all with lyrics penned by Harnick.

Music directors are Beth Ertz and Mara Waldman. Gala producers are Michael A. Kerker and Nancy Rhodes.

With composer Jerry Bock, Harnick created the lyrics for Fiorello! (Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize), Fiddler on the Roof (two Tony Awards, a Gold and Platinum record), She Loves Me (Grammy), Tenderloin, The Rothschilds, The Apple Tree and The Body Beautiful.

Past honorees include John Kander, Charles Strouse, Jerry Herman, Jerry Bock, Maury Yeston, Joseph Stein, Richard Maltby, Jr., David Shire, John Weidman, Marvin Hamlisch and Alan Menken. The National Arts Club is located at 15 Gramercy Park South, New York City. Gala tickets are $500/$350, with special discounts available before Oct. 15. Visit www.encompassopera.org to buy tickets or call (718) 398-4675.