Newly announced for the evenings are American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Gillian Murphy and Ethan Steifel in their Philharmonic debuts, with choreography by Josh Rhodes. These performers join the previously reported Laura Benanti, Matt Cavenaugh, Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jenn Colella, Jason Danieley, Joanna Gleason, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, John McMartin, Donna Murphy, Gillian Murphy, Laura Osnes, Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Bobby Steggert, Ethan Stiefel, Elaine Stritch, Jim Walton and Chip Zien. Lonny Price will direct; Paul Gemignani will conduct the New York Philharmonic.

The celebration of Sondheim's 80th birthday, according to press notes, "will include his most enduring orchestral music and songs — performed, in some cases, by the stars of the original Broadway cast productions — in addition to rarely-heard material."

Expect songs and orchestral pieces from Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Passion, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Anyone Can Whistle, along with a suite from music Sondheim wrote for the film "Reds.

For information about the Gala, which includes a pre-concert reception, concert and post-concert birthday dinner with the artists, contact Courtney Ford at (212) 875-5760 or e-mail her at [email protected].