Newly announced for the upcoming concerts are Laura Benanti, Matt Cavenaugh, Jenn Colella, Joanna Gleason, John McMartin, Laura Osnes, David Hyde Pierce, Bobby Steggert, Elaine Stritch, Jim Walton and Chip Zien. These performers join the previously reported Michael Cerveris, Victoria Clark, Jason Danieley, Nathan Gunn, George Hearn, Patti LuPone, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald, Donna Murphy, Mandy Patinkin, and Bernadette Peters. 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 Georgia Petritsis at (212) 875-5757 or e-mail [email protected].