Recipients honored at the annual national celebration of the arts included singer-actress Barbara Cook, singer and songwriter Neil Diamond, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, saxophonist and composer Sonny Rollins and actress Meryl Streep.
On Dec. 4, in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, the 2011 Honorees were saluted by great performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world. Seated with the President of the United States and Mrs. Obama, the Honorees accepted the thanks of their peers and fans through performances and heartfelt tributes.
The tribute to Tony winner Cook featured performances from Tony winner Patti LuPone, Tony winner Audra McDonald, Tony winner Glenn Close, Tony nominee Rebecca Luker, Tony nominee Kelli O'Hara, Tony winner Sutton Foster and Bonnie & Clyde's Laura Osnes. Husband-and-wife actors Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker also spoke about stage veteran Cook. To read more about the tribute to the original Music Man star, click here.
The tribute to multiple Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Streep featured Tracey Ullman, Robert De Niro, Mike Nichols, Kevin Kline, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci and Anne Hathaway. To read more about the Streep tribute, click here.
The Kennedy Center Honors medallions were presented Dec. 3, the night before the gala, at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “This year, the Kennedy Center celebrates its 40th anniversary by selecting five extraordinary individuals whose collective artistry has contributed significantly to the cultural life of our nation and the world,” said Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein in a previous statement. “With her sublime voice and rich performances, Barbara Cook has defined all that is best and brightest in the Great American Songbook. Neil Diamond’s songwriting genius has created one of the most enduring catalogs of American popular music and his live performances have captivated audiences for five decades. Yo-Yo Ma’s sterling musicianship makes him one of the most versatile and popular classical music performers in the world and his Silk Road Project has inspired students across the world to love and honor music. Saxophonist Sonny Rollins’ masterful improvisation and powerful presence have infused the truly American art form of jazz with passion and energy. The sheer brilliance and breadth of Meryl Streep’s performances count as one of the most exhilarating cultural spectacles of our time.”
For more information, visit www.kennedy-center.org.
